Water Lily in a Sea of Fire

Chapter 15: The Eastern Air Temple

The journey around the eastern Earth Kingdom felt like it would never end. In order to avoid confrontation with Earth Kingdom vessels, they were forced to sail far from the mainland which increased the distance and time they were traveling. And as the months went by without any place to physically search, Zuko's restlessness grew, as did his moodiness.

An air of excitement spread through the ship one afternoon when, instead of endless ocean, mountains were spotted rising above the horizon as their course took them south-southwest. Studying the maps, the range marked the location of the Eastern Air Temple. Zuko's restlessness only increased as they sailed closer, and he immediately ran to the telescope to get a closer look at his target.

"What do you see?" asked Chiara anxious to look at the temple.

"It's hard to see through the mist, but there's definitely something up there."

He moved aside to allow her to peer through the scope. She could barely make out the architectural structures through the clouds.

"It's definitely on three mountains...," she said, "...just like we read. I think the bridges are still there too."

He perked up. "Let me see."

He stared through the scope and saw what looked like bridges connecting the three mountains.

When they finally arrived at the mountain range, they dropped anchor. The next morning before sunrise, a group left for shore. It was a long trek up one of the mountains. Chiara buried any remains they discovered, but to her relief they found the fewest bodies so far.

Arriving at the top of the mountain they began their search for the Avatar, except for Chiara who spent her time learning whatever she could about the airbenders and the temple. She was saddened by the state of the architecture with much of it burned and collapsed, though the remains of the buildings were still impressive.

The group had spent the rest of the day searching the first mountain before they set up camp.

Early the next morning after a quick breakfast, they crossed the bridge to the center mountain where they continued their search. It was late in the afternoon when Zuko could be heard yelling excitedly.

"I don't believe it! I found the Avatar."

Everyone went running towards his voice. Despite the lack of interest in the prince's mission, the crew was anxious to see the legend who had seemed more myth than real. Chiara stepped out on the terrace to see a very old and very bony man with dark skin and a long white beard. He sat quietly, completely unfazed by Zuko who looked like a komodo tiger ready to charge and pounce on its prey.

"I can't believe it," said the prince. "I can't believe you're here."

Iroh finally arrived sounding breathless having run from the other side of the building. When he saw the strange man, he studied him very closely.

"It's been over a year, and I've finally found you," said Zuko as he slowly approached him expecting him to fight.

The man looked at him, but he did not move from his pose or even look like he felt threatened by him.

"Hello, I am Guru Pathik," said the man in a friendly voice showing no fear.

"You're the Avatar," insisted Zuko.

He took a cautious step closer to him.

"You seek the Avatar," said Pathik simply, "but I am not the one you're looking for."

Zuko only scowled at him. "You're lying. You have to be the Avatar. I'm taking you back to my father."

"Prince Zuko," said Iroh slowly walking towards them, "he is not the Avatar."