Enemy Borderlines

-Maya's Point of View-

It's been a few minutes since I got out of the spirit world, and I still haven't found a way how to tell them what happened. Well, actually I had a chance to do so when Katara asked me if something happened but I don't know why I didn't say it!!!! Ugh! Maya! What is wrong with you?!

"You okay Maya?" I suddenly heard Aang ask. I looked at him and then I replied, "Ah, yeah! I'm cool Aang! Haha! I'm fine!"

"Are you sure? You're acting kinda weird ever since you got out of the spirit world." Aang worriedly said. "Weird? Who's weird? I'm not weird. Sokka's the weird one!" I answered and then from afar, Sokka shouted, "I heard that!" and then I gave him an awkward smile. "Okay... If you say so," Aang said and then he went towards Appa.

Dang it Maya! You said you're not gonna keep it a secret! Why are you still hiding it?! Stupid mouth! Just say it already! Ugh!

"Thank you Avatar." one of the village folk said as he, alongside the other village elders, walked towards Aang and Appa. As soon as I heard that, I went to where Aang was as well. Katara and Sokka followed after. "No worries. It was my duty to help." Aang replied.

We are now in front of the town hall and all the village elders were in front of us.

"If only there were a way to repay you for what you've done," the man continued. "You could give us some supplies, and some money," Sokka shamelessly requested. Katara elbowed him as she said, "Sokka!"

"What? We need stuff!" Sokka said to her. The village folk bowed down and then he said, "It would be an honor to help you prepare for your journey." After that, he and the village elders went away to prepare the stuff we need.

"I'm so proud of you Aang! You figured out what to do all on your own." Katara suddenly said. "Actually, I did have a little help." Aang replied with a smile but then he suddenly frowned as he continued, "And there's something else..."

"What is it?" Sokka asked. "I need to talk to Roku, and I think I found a way to contact his spirit," Aang answered.

This is what the spirit told me back in the spirit world! A way to contact your past lives! Could it be that Aang met the spirit too?

"That's great!" Katara exclaimed. "Creepy... but great!" Sokka seconded. "How are you going to talk to him Aang?" I asked. I want to know too, just in case I ever would like to talk with my past lives as well.

"There's a temple on a crescent-shaped island, and if I go there on the solstice, I'll be able to speak with him," Aang answered.

Oh right... the solstice... Ta Min will probably call out to my spirit on the solstice as well.

"But the solstice is tomorrow!" Katara said. "Yeah, and there's one more problem. The island is in the fire nation." Aang replied. My eyes widened at what he said.

No... There is no way we are going to the fire nation borders. Is this what Ta Min has been telling me?! Will I have to leave them as soon as possible?! But where would I even go?! No... No... This definitely can't be happening!

"IS IN THE WHAT?" Sokka shouted. "This is a big problem," Katara said. "I know..." Aang replied while looking down to the ground. "Isn't there any other way you could speak to Roku? Like, you know, a way in which we won't get our butts burned?" I asked.

Aang looked at me sadly and answered, "There's no other way. Even if there is, this is the only way I know, for now." I then shifted my gaze from Aang and then to the ground.

"But Aang, it's dangerous to go to the fire nation right now. You are being hunted by them!" Katara contradicted. "I know, that's why I'm gonna have to go there alone," Aang said.

"ALONE?! Are you crazy?! Katara just said that it's dangerous!!" Sokka shouted. "I KNOW!! That's why I want you guys to stay here because I don't want any of you to get hurt!" Aang shouted back.

He then walked towards Appa who was just behind him and held on to the rope tied to the bison's horns. "I want you guys to be safe. This is a matter that I have to deal with on my own, so please, just stay here," he said and then he proceeded to walk while tugging the rope.

However, Appa doesn't seem like he agrees with Aang's decision as well. He wasn't budging. No matter how hard Aang pulls the rope for Appa to stand up, he was still sticking his butt to the ground.

"Let's go Appa! C'mon boy!" Aang said while struggling to make the Bison move. Appa then let out a loud growl and then afterward stared at Aang. Aang then stopped tugging and faced the fluffy monster.

"Look I'm sorry but Maya, Katara, and Sokka aren't coming to the fire nation with us. If they got hurt, I'd never forgive myself." Aang said sadly.

Sokka, Katara, and I slowly walked up to the two. Aang then suddenly shouted to Appa, "SO GET YOUR BIG BUTT OFF THE GROUND AND LET'S GO!" and then he went on with a strong pull but it still didn't move the bison.

"I think his big butt is trying to tell you something..." Sokka then interrupted. Aang looked at us and then Katara spoke, "Please don't go Aang. The world can't afford to lose you to the fire nation, neither can I," she said filled with worry.

Aang quickly stood up from the ground and said, "But I need to talk to Avatar Roku to find out what my vision means! I need to get to the fire temple before the sun sets on the solstice— and that's today!" and then he flew on top of Appa's head.

Oh right, we were up all night because of Hei Bai and we weren't able to get some sleep at all. I failed to notice that it was already midnight.

Aang then proceeded to lead Appa and finally, the Bison decided to walk. I hurriedly ran in front of them to stop them before they could take flight. Katara and Sokka quickly followed behind me as well.

"You're right Aang, the winter solstice is the day when the spirit world and human world are much closer, and it's your only chance to speak with Roku... BUT! If you really need to go to the fire nation, at least... At least don't go alone. Take us with you!" I shouted while blocking their path.

"But Maya! You have to understand! This is dangerous—" Aang said but I stopped him before he could finish. "Yeah. It is, that's why you'll need us more." I interrupted. Aang then looked at Sokka and Katara who was behind me and then Sokka said, "We got your back always Aang." Katara too supported me and Sokka's decision, "Aang please, let us come with you to make sure that you're safe. The more dangerous it is, the more you'll need company."

Momo then flew towards Aang's arm and landed on top of it. Aang shifted his gaze from Momo, to Katara, to Sokka, and then finally to me. After that, he smiled. Appa suddenly licked Sokka's whole body making everyone giggle.

"Alright guys, I'm convinced. I can't really stop you from stopping me right?" Aang asked. "Nope!" I cheerfully replied and then I proceeded to climb up on Appa's saddle. "C'mon Katara! Sokka!" I yelled and then all three of us climbed on board.

One of the village folks walked up to us and then handed out the supplies we requested. "It's a long journey to the crescent Island. You have to fly fast to have any chance of making it before sundown. Good luck." he said while handing out the supplies to Aang.

"Thank you for your—" Aang was about to give a heartwarming reply but the villager cuts him off when he shouted "GO!" while pointing away at the village. Aang then didn't say anything anymore and he went off.

Okay, we are now on a fast trip to the fire nation. Geez... This is gonna be a day to remember. If there would be one thing I'd be sure of, it would be that I would not leave Aang and the others. Never... I won't do it. I will find a way to make sure I am always with them.

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-Zuko's Point of View-

It took a while to get to the small village that my uncle talked about. It's already the break of dawn.

Uncle and I arrived in a small village where there was scattered debris everywhere. All of the houses were torn down and are in ruins except for what looks like a town hall. I stopped the rhino in front of a house that wasn't destroyed.

I went to the door and knocked on it. A few seconds later, a middle-aged man went out while holding on to his head. He went outside the house without looking at me and closed the door behind him.

Once he was done doing all that he then looked at me and noticed that I was from the fire nation. He had a huge shock on his face when he saw me.

"Having trouble sleeping?" I asked and then I pushed him back inside the house. I walked a little bit closer to his fallen body and then I asked, "Have you seen the Avatar lately?"

He then fearfully looked at me and answered, "No! I-I haven't! The Avatar never came here."

I just looked at him straight in the eyes and then I ignited a fire in my hand. "Such a shame would it be if this house burned down," I said while looking around. "No! Please! Don't!" he pleaded.

I knelt in front of him and then I said, "Tell me where the Avatar went or else you'll never see the sunrise today." The old man then sat up and answered, "The Avatar has left! He left along with his friends at midnight."

"Where were they going?" I asked once more. "To the fire nation! The Avatar wants to go to Crescent Island." the man answered.

The fire nation?! Quite a brave move Avatar. Going in on enemy territory... That is definitely a death wish.

I looked at the old man who was quivering in fear and then I moved away from him. I went back on the Rhino and then I started heading back towards the ship.

"What did he say, Prince Zuko?" Uncle asked. "I now know where the Avatar is going. We are heading out now, and we're heading out fast." I answered.

As soon as we got back to the ship, I quickly ordered my crew to get ready for travel and set sail as soon as they were done preparing. I also made my uncle wear some clothes on finally.

All of us are now gathered on the bridge and just before the crew made the ship's engine move, the helmsman suddenly asked, "Prince Zuko, where are we heading to?"

This is the dumbest thing and biggest gamble that I've ever done in my entire time of banishment, but I can't help it! We need to catch the Avatar before anyone else does!

"Set sail to the crescent island and double the speed, the Avatar is on his way there and they just got out of the last village they stayed in. If we hurry we could still be able to catch up to them. They wouldn't have gone far." I explained.

"But Sir, it's the fire nation's borders and you are not allowed in there," one of them said. "It doesn't matter! Now go and do as I say!" I shouted and then I left the bridge to go to the ship's deck.

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- Maya's Point of View-

"Okay buddy, we'll have to fly as fast as we can to the other side of the map. There's no time to lose! Hold on tight everyone! Yip-yip!" Aang shouted mid-air.

With that, Appa went flying faster. It's been hours since we headed out of the village and the sun has already started to rise. Aang still looks agitated while leading Appa.

Sokka, Katara, and I were acting as look-outs for fire navy ships... You know, because we're heading towards the fire nation, Sokka suggested that we look out for them.

"Come on boy, we've got a long way to go! Faster!" Aang shouted once more. He seems very tense— in fact, all of us are tensed up. Not only do we need to hurry or else Aang will miss the chance, but also we're heading toward enemy territory!

THIS IS DEFINITELY A DISASTER!

"Seen anything, Maya?" Sokka suddenly asked. "Nope, my side is clear. Yours?" I asked him back. "Clear either. Katara?" Sokka asked while looking at his sister. Katara suddenly shouted, "Aang, we got trouble!"

Sokka and I both looked at Katara's side and we saw a lone fire navy ship following us, and it's going so fast!

"Yeah, Aang! And it's gaining fast!" Sokka shouted as well. I was focusing on the ship's deck and I was trying to figure out the people who were standing there.

Wait a minute... That's... "THAT'S ZUKO!" I yelled.

That scar-faced jerk! How was he able to track us down?! Ugh! He's so irritating!

The three of us were keeping an eye on the ship when suddenly a catapult emerged from below the ship's deck. What is this guy planning to do?

Zuko lit up what seems like a rock covered in oil and then the next thing we knew, a fireball was already heading towards us.

"FIREBALL!!!!" Katara shouted. "I'm on it!" Aang yelled back and then he led Appa to dodge the flaming rock. The fireball went past us but the stench of the gas it possesses left a trail in the sky. It smells so gross!

"We need to get out of Zuko's range before he shoots another stinky fireball at us!" I shouted while covering my mouth and nose.

"Can't you make Appa go any faster?" Sokka asked. "I actually can... But there's just one more little problem..." Aang replied to Sokka but then he stopped as he looked straight ahead.

I followed his gaze and to my surprise, hundreds of fire navy ships were lined up in a horizontal manner, guarding the borders of its territory. "A blockade..." Katara said softly.

That's fire nation alright... We are already on their borders...

"If we fly north we can go around the fire nation ships and avoid the blockade. It's the only way." Aang explained and then he looked at us after speaking.

"There's no time for that!" Katara contradicted. "This is exactly why I didn't want you guys to come. It's too dangerous!" Aang yelled. "And that's exactly why we're here," I answered back. "LET'S RUN THIS BLOCKADE!" Sokka exclaimed joining in on the conversation.

Aang stared at the three of us for a second there and then he looked straight ahead. "APPA YIP-YIP!" Aang shouted and then Appa went flying faster.

Just as we were getting closer to the blockade, hundreds of fireballs emerged from the ships and it was clearly aimed at us.

Appa tried to dodge the fireballs one at a time. A collision between two fireballs occurred in front of our path. We weren't able to dodge the dust of burning rocks that's why some of the flames went on to Appa's fur.

"Appa's fur is burning!" I shouted and then Katara, Sokka, Momo, and I went to the burning spots to put out the flame.

"Appa are you okay?" Aang asked. Appa nodded his head as a reply and then Aang led him to fly higher into the sky.

Soon enough we reached the point in the sky where the clouds were like a vast sea beneath us. We could no longer see what was happening down there.

Just when we thought that we were safe from the clashing fireballs, another set of fireballs emerged from under the clouds.

This time we were really caught off guard because we didn't know where the fireballs will pop up from. Another collision of fireballs occurred in front of our path making Appa have a quick halt and then proceeding to fly once more.

Because of these short stops and quick resumes, Sokka bounced off of the saddle. Katara tried to reach out her hand to grab her brother but she wasn't able to grab him.

Sokka fell onto the sea of clouds before completely disappearing from our sight.

"SOKKAAAAA!" Aang shouted and then he quickly lead Appa right towards the falling body of Sokka.

When we got closer to where Sokka was I reached out my hand to him and yelled, "HOLD ON TO ME!" He then reached out his hand to me as well and a few seconds later, I was finally able to hold on to him and then I pulled him back into the saddle.

Because we went flying too close to the water, Appa had to bounce on the sea surface to get another momentum for flight. A fish that jumped out of the water slapped Sokka in the face and before it got back to the sea, Momo had already caught it.

We are now just above the water surface and fireballs still kept on coming. This time Appa was able to dodge faster than before and now we're just meters away from the fire navy ships in the blockade.

As soon as we reached a certain distance closer to a single navy ship, a fireball was shot directly toward us. Just when I thought we were gonna dodge it as well, Aang suddenly jumped off of Appa's head and shot a strong current of wind in the center of the fireball.

The rock was crushed and it didn't get to us. After that, Aang lost balance but luckily we were able to catch him back on Appa's head.

That happened so close to the blockade that after that, they weren't able to shoot us down anymore and we just went past them.

"We made it!" Aang exclaimed. "We got into the fire nation..." Sokka said in a still shocked emotion. "Great..." I said as well.

The three of us were stiff as statues on top of Appa's saddle, still not being able to believe that we made it and that we just went through with all that, while Aang was being cheerful about it.

Holy monkey ducklings! That was terrifying! I thought for a second there that we were done for!

I let out a big sigh as I relax my body and laid down on the saddle.

Okay, Maya... We're now inside the enemy territory. I wouldn't want to really say it, nor claim it but... I guess we've reached your true home?