Isn't it cool?! I would like to thank ssknight123 and his abilitys for making this for me! This will appear before the start of every chapter starting at Book2 Chapter14 (Ch.13 wouldn't be a very good time).

Again, THANK YOU ssknight123!!!

TMT, writer of "The Outcast"

This is now with Aang, Katara, Sokka, and the rest. They are flying toward the Water Tribe camp led by Hakoda. Remember that this is happening at the same time when Noku and Toph are at Nanjing.

Aang told Appa to go lower. They were almost at the camp that was now protecting hostile territory.

“When we drop the Earth King off, you can meet your dad Katara!” said Aang, looking over from Appa’s head.

“Yeah, I finally get to see him after 2 years,” said Katara, trying to find the camp from her view. “Has anything changed with Dad, Sokka?”

“Nope, he’s just like when he left. Bato is also there as well!” said Sokka, excited to see his dad again.

“Are you sure these people are trustworthy?” asked the Earth King, petting Bosco.

“For the last time, YES!!” yelled everyone.

Appa lowered some more and the camp was as it was before. They landed right in front of the warriors that were unloading supplies from their ships.

“We need to see Hakoda,” said Sokka to the warriors while getting off of Appa.

The warriors nodded and pointed at the main tent. The GAang (excluding Toph and Noku) entered the tent to see everyone chatting about their attack.

“I’m telling you, the Fire Nation will send anyone to attack now!” said the leader, as everyone, including Sokka, laughed.

They looked over to see the 4 standing their. The leader stood up to see his children.

“Hello…Sokka and Katara,” said Hakoda.

They ran to each other and hugged tightly. Katara was full of tears, finally seeing her father.

“My Katara, you’ve grown so much in just 2 years,” said Hakoda. “And Sokka told me you’re a great Waterbender.”

“Runs in the family,” replied Katara.

Everyone then looked at the Earth King, who was just standing with Aang.

“I’m so sorry to break everything up, but this is the Earth King of Ba Sing Se,” said Aang.

The warriors widened their eyes in disbelief.

“I also bring bad news, the city has fallen, along with the Earth Kingdom,” warned Aang.

Everyone then broke into arguments. Even Hakoda let go of the family hug and walked to Aang.

“How did it fall? No one got past through the first wall,” asked Hakoda.

“They infiltrated it, rounded a coup, and overthrew the King and everyone else,” explained Aang. “You all have to leave immediately; the Fire Nation could receive news of the city’s fall and send reinforcements. You could also be infiltrated and defeated from behind.”

“How could this be…after 100 years, it finally falls without a single wall collapsing,” said Bato from behind Hakoda.

“Also that we ask you to protect the Earth King here,” asked Aang, looking at the Earth King now.

“We’ll pack up as fast as we can. We’ll also gladly watch and protect the Earth King,” replied Hakoda.

The warriors knew what to do and immediately started packing everything.

“We’ll head to the South Pole. It’s time we returned and protected out home,” continued Hakoda.

The GAang left the tent to help the warriors pack everything. Before they knew it, everything was packed onto the ships and ready to go.

“Will Bosco have room on the ship?” asked the Earth King, as he walked onto the ship.

“We have a spare room below. You’ll have to take care of him on your own though,” replied Bato, not wanting to pick up after Bosco.

Hakoda hugged his family one last time and walked onto the ship. As they set sail, he waved from his ship good-bye.

“Just like 2 years ago,” said Sokka, sad.

“We should go now, we can’t waste much time here,” said Katara.

Sokka nodded and the gang got back onto Appa to see Momo excited to see them.

“Ready?” asked Aang.

They both nodded and held on tight to Appa, who still had no saddle.

“Yip yip!”

Now these 3 will be, again, heading to the Eastern Air Temple to find the Guru. This will be shown in the next chapter! And thanks for reading!

Disclaimer: I do NOT own "Avatar: The Last Airbender".

Noku and Toph were eating at the village restaurant, which was crowded by fans of the Blind Bandit. Noku managed to get a table far from the common (with the new Fire Nation money won). The table was from the finest trees in the Earth Kingdom lands and the walls around them were pictures of the Fire Nation in victorious battles; with the generals standing proud and the other army retreating. He was eating the spiciest things on the menu while Toph was eating the normal meals.

“At least it’s better than sitting with the mental people,” joked Noku.

“Yep, not getting ran over by the crazed fanatics,” replied Toph.

Noku just couldn’t keep his eyes away from this Fire Nation Toph. Her hair just looked perfect let out. Also how maroon and red seemed to match her. He tried to stop staring, but it was like pulling something off super-glue. While he was trying to look away, he completely was shocked to see something unbelievable.

“What’s wrong?” asked Toph, feeling his stunned stance.

“Wait here, I’m going to check something,” replied Noku.

He put his mask back on and went toward the entrance of the fancy restaurant. A huge line led to the restaurant from the outside as people wanted to eat there just to see if they can find the Blind Bandit. He saw a person wearing a mask, but behind it was some dirty-blonde hair.

‘It couldn’t be…’ thought Noku.

He tapped the person’s shoulder, who just got a table for himself. The person turned around to reveal a very funny looking mask with a boar as the mask.

“Are you like a spirit? Man, you’re everywhere Ito,” said Noku.

The person took off his mask and was, indeed, Ito.

“Never leave your friends behind!” Ito said, shaking his hand.

“What in the world are you doing here?! This is hostile territory!” whispered Noku, while also making sure he understood his rage.

“Long story, well sorta,” started Ito. “I saw a flying bison flying out of the city. I knew it was the Avatar and I knew you were with him. I asked my dad if we could go hiking outside the walls to actually see if we could find you and the Avatar. When we were in the high lands, the mountain just started to shake and many rocks fell and injured my dad. So I found this place. I had to put on my old mask to ‘blend in’. I took my father to the hospital here. They said to wait a while, so I’m making a living here! I also checked out the wresting matches here, geez, the Blind Bandit can sure kick butt,” explained Ito.

“That was rather long. Well, would like to meet the Blind Bandit yourself?” asked Noku, keeping it down a bit.

“You’re with her?! You’re so lucky!” exclaimed Ito.

“Over here, but stay quiet!” said Noku.

He led Ito to their table, where Toph still sat at. She was just finishing her meal when she felt Noku and the other person walking to her.

“Ito meet Toph, Toph meet Ito, my old friend,” said Noku.

Toph got up and stuck out her arm for him to greet it. Ito didn’t shake her arm. Instead, he was staring at her eyes.

“You’re really blind?” asked Ito.

Noku was furious and locked him in a headlock. He was actually choking him a bit.

“Don’t be rude!” said Noku, looking like a red dragon behind his mask.

“It’s all right. I’m just wondering why he hasn’t figured out why I’m known as the BLIND Bandit,” pointed out Toph, looking a bit annoyed.

“Sorry. No--coo, yoo--re chok--ing me,” whispered Ito, gasping for air.

Noku let go of him and Ito rubbed his neck a bit.

“Man, for an Earthbender, you’re pretty wimpy,” said Noku.

“Very funny…”

They all sat back down at the table. They were actually just waiting for Noku to finish his meal. While they were waiting, a clerk came over looking very happy.

“We’d like to thank you for coming. You brought us all these customers! It’s a surprise how a few people can make hundreds crazy,” thanked the clerk.

“Yeah, it is a surprise,” replied Toph, chuckling a bit.

Time for OWNAGE and PWNAGE from the Blind Bandit!

The crowd roared at the 2 fighters.

“I’ll let you make the first move little blind girl,” said the champion, Snake.

“Your funeral,” whispered Toph.

She kicked the ground, causing the Snake to be unbalanced. She then looked if she chopped the air. 3 rocks came flying from the ground, hit Snake, and he flew out of the ring. The crowd just stood with their jaws dropped, including Noku behind his mask.

“We-we have a winner folks…already! The--what’s your name?” asked the announcer, next to Toph.

“Call me the Blind Bandit,” replied Toph, smiling.

“THE BLIND BANDIT! OUR NEW CHAMPION!” yelled the announcer.

The crowd still just stood their, like if they were frozen.

“No way could a blind girl defeat a champion! I’ll face her myself!” yelled a fan, as he ran to the ring.

“We have a new contestant! Begin now!” yelled the announcer, running out off the ring.

The fan kicked the ground, causing a rock to pop up, and punched it at the Blind Bandit. She just grabbed it, twirled it, and launched it back at him. It nailed him in the gut and he fell out of the ring.

“I’ll face her next!” yelled another fan.

Right after the other, the contestants tried and failed to defeat the legendary Blind Bandit. She kept knocking them out of the ring with one blow. Noku was still awed and continued to stare at the battles.

‘She isn’t even breaking a sweat!’ thought Noku, with his jaw STILL dropped.

She wasn’t even using the same move. She’d eventually would just cause an earthquake in the ring and cause the opponent to fall. She’d also wait for the opponent to strike; she’d then make a wall, and launched it at her enemy. She even just pretended to be tired and then just pushed the contestant out with a rock. She even looked like she was having so much fun, smiling whenever she’d knock out a contestant (which was like every minute).

Finally, the contestants stopped coming. Instead were the other wrestlers! They all teamed up on her at the same time.

“That’s not fair!” yelled Noku and some other fans of the Blind Bandit.

She didn’t even care as she made a bunch of dust. Everyone was wondering what was happening inside the ring. They just heard some people screaming, rocks flying, and even wrestlers flying! When the dust cleared, Toph was standing on the wrestlers (that weren’t blown out) and raised her arm up, victorious.

“I’m the Blind Bandit, the greatest Earthbender in the world! Don’t you people forget it!!” announced Toph.

The crowd roared and cheered for her, now saying ‘Blind Bandit’ over and over again. Toph received her prize and the champion’s belt, and left the ring. Noku was waiting for her in the halls. They hugged each other as soon they saw, or sensed, each other.

“You were unbelievable! This will be on the front news page for Nanjing!” said Noku.

“You know it!” replied Toph, looking happier then ever.

She gave Noku another kiss on the cheek and they left the area. When they exited the stadium (holding hands this time), they were surrounded by fans.

“Oh my gosh! You fought like a spirit, Blind Bandit!” yelled a person.

“Please sign my head!” yelled another.

“You’re so lucky to be with the Blind Bandit man!” yelled a person at Noku.

“You must be hungry from that fighting; lets try this place,” said Noku, trying to avoid the crowd that kept following them and led Toph to a restaurant.

The gang was now flying on Appa for at least an hour. It was hard to tell the time because of summer nearing and the longer days.

“Where are you guys going while we’re in Nanjing?” asked Noku.

Sokka was napping, but since he was ‘the plan guy’, it was his job to say these things; so he immediately woke up and yawned loudly.
”First, we’re going to drop off the Earth King with my dad, he’ll know where to put him. We’ll also warn them about the fall of Ba Sing Se, so they’ll evacuate,” explained Sokka.

“That deals with the King, but what about the rest of you?” asked Noku.

“We’re going to go back to the Guru, he might tell us what to do next,” answered Aang from Appa’s head.

“We’re pretty close to Nanjing, I can see it from here,” said Katara, pointing at the small village.

“I’m guessing we’re about 3 kilometers away, land here,” ordered Noku.

Aang nodded and took Appa down. They landed and Toph and Noku got off of Appa.

“Good luck!” said Katara, waving to them.

“Good-bye lovebirds!” yelled Noku at the gang as they were in the air.

Noku and Toph were walking for a while and were now about 1-half a kilometer from Nanjing.

“Wait here, I’ll go buy some clothes for you,” said Noku, waiting for her reply.

“Don’t worry about me Fire-head,” replied Toph.

Noku nodded and walked the rest of the way. When he entered the village, he noticed something unusual.

‘Great, we came during a festival,’ thought Noku, looking around at everyone wearing masks.

He didn’t bother to notice the rest of the village, as he bought a mask and a Fire Nation dress for Toph. It was maroon and red near the neck area and it seemed to sparkle a tiny bit.

“Your date will enjoy that!” pointed out the salesman.

Noku walked back from the entrance of Nanjing to where Toph was at.

“About time, what took so long?” asked Toph, taking the dress.

“We came during a festival so it was packed. It’ll be easier for us to blend in though,” replied Noku.

Noku waited for Toph to be done changing (from her earth tent). The walls came down to reveal a Fire Nation Toph.

“How do I look?” asked Toph.

Noku turned around and his jaw dropped. Toph let down her hair, letting it wave in the wind, and looked beautiful in the dress. Noku couldn’t help thinking that he was looking at an angel.

“Wow, perfect I’ll say,” replied Noku, blushing.

“Thanks, let’s go,” said Toph.

They walked toward Nanjing while the sun was about to set. Noku noticed how graceful Toph walked in her dress.

“You took classes?” asked Noku.

“What? Oh, no. My parents were really rich and taught me the ways to be fancy. But I hated it, so I gave up the rich life for the one I have now,” replied Toph.

“Well, you’re good at it.”

“Thanks.”

They were now at the entrance of Nanjing. Noku put on his mask (which looked like a dragon with a flat face) and entered the village.

The festival was starting! Performers were everywhere in the streets, stands selling everything, even comedians were doing public stand-up!

“Some party, lots of people here,” said Toph.

‘Yeah, good spot and time for some quality time’ thought Noku.

They just entered the festival and already was Noku impressed of his nation’s style of party.

“At least that’s one thing the Fire Nation is good at, making parties,” joked Noku.

“You said it,” replied Toph.

“Do you mind?” asked Noku.

“Huh?”

She couldn’t see, but she felt an arm handed out to her like a gentleman.

“Oh, no I don’t mind,” said Toph, blushing while she grabbed Noku’s arm and continued walking.

Noku felt a little embarrassed for him to be walking with Toph like this, but he didn’t know anyone, so he just sucked it in.

“Geez, people love to stare at others,” whispered Noku, noticing others looking at them.

“No, it’s because they notice I’m blind. That’s one of the only things I don’t like about being blind, you get all the attention,” said Toph, looking down.

“It’s alright, come on, I want to show you a place you might like…” said Noku, leading her to a big building.

They walked toward a huge dome-like building. Toph could feel and hear a lot of people cheering from the inside.

“What’s in here?” asked Toph.

“A surprise, I think you’ll love this place,” replied Noku.

They entered the building. It seemed a bit rocky and cave-ish. But when they entered the main room, they saw everyone cheering and watching a fight going on and the rocks flying.

“It’s a Fire Nation Earthbending tournament!” exclaimed Toph, excited.

“Yep, Nanjing is known for Earthbender loyalists, so I thought I’d like to bring you here. You can compete also. They’ll every now and then in the matches call for a fan to fight the champion. I thought you would like to fight,” said Noku.

“Oh, I will fight, even in this dress. Thanks Noku!” said Toph.

She reached over and kissed him where his head was, where by coincidence it was his cheek.

“No problem, I mean, you’re welcome,” said Noku, blushing.

They found the nearest available seats and sat down. Noku was actually a little bored. He was anxious to see Toph in real combat. Toph was enjoying feeling the fighters’ movements. One of the fighters finally fell out of the ring and everyone cheered.

“WE HAVE OUR NEW CHAMPION, SNAKE!!” yelled the announcer, as he raised the wrestlers arm as the victor.

“SNAKE! SNAKE! SNAKE!” yelled the audience.

Noku noticed that Toph was no longer sitting next to him. He knew where she was at.

“Now, for 500 gold pieces, who dares to challenge our new champion, Snake!” yelled the announcer.

“I’ll take him on any day!” yelled Toph, as she walked onto the ring.

The crowd broke into whispers, asking if she was too young, blind, or why she’s going to fight in a dress. Noku just smiled as he knew the crowd would get a big surprise.

“Your call, little girl!” said the announcer.

He got off the ring to let Toph and Snake do their little taunts.

“Let the battle begin, NOW!!”

Disclaimer: I do NOT own "Avatar:  The Last Airbender". Oh yeah, and I'll warn you this chapter is the start of some good ol' shipping. You'll see what I mean...

Night came by finally as the gang fixed their tents. Toph was already in her earth tent lying on her blanket. Noku made the fire and then walked toward Toph.

“Hey Toph,” said Noku.

“Hey Fire-head,” replied Toph.

“I wanted to say thanks for freeing me.”

“What are you talking about?”

Toph was looking confused.

“I was trapped in a realm that witch put me in. I couldn’t move at all. It was like you were tied up completely by 1,000’s of chains. Well, I heard your voice and it gave me hope. I really struggled and I managed to get free a bit. But when I did, I saw that blue fire ball blasting me in the head,” explained Noku.

“Oh, well, you’re welcome,” replied Toph.

“Yeah, it’s strange how someone’s voice you could hear, but no one else’s,” said Noku.

“Yeah, it is strange,” replied Toph, blushing a bit.

“Thanks again Toph.”

He kneeled down and kissed her on the forehead. Toph was blushing so much, it seemed she got burned, however, Noku left without looking.

Morning came. Everyone was in an excellent mood. It seemed no one remembered the events the day before with the Guider of the Darkness controlling Noku. Noku was the quietist of the gang.

‘Maybe I shouldn’t have kissed her on the forehead last night. She probably thinks I’m some stupid gushy-lover’ thought Noku.

“So, Noku, when do we start training today?” asked Aang, noticing how quiet he was.

“Huh? Oh, whenever you want to start. Wait, is your head better?” asked Noku.

“Yeah, much better,” replied Aang, looking at Katara.

“What did she do?” asked Noku, noticing Aang.

Aang and Katara both blushed and rubbed their own heads. Noku just smiled and got up.

“Follow me Aang, I thought of a good area when I was looking for Sokka,” said Noku.

Aang nodded as he followed Noku. It was very close to the campsite, though it didn’t feel like it, with the trees blocking their view.

“Before, we start, how did you managed to make that blue fire again?” asked Noku.

“With that 3rd thought, why?” replied Aang.

“I want you to keep using that thought. We no longer have an army behind our backs so you need all the power you can get,” explained Noku.

Aang was reminded of the Guru and the 7th Chakra. He looked down and sad.

“Anything wrong?” asked Noku.

“It’s just what the Guru said. I have to give up my earthly attachments to open this door so I can master the Avatar State. But that includes Katara. And I can’t give her up that easily. I love her. It’s impossible for me to do both love her and give her up,” explained Aang, now looking really down.

“Maybe you can do it in another way.”

“How?”

“Maybe you just can’t make Katara your #1 priority. You probably just have to give her up just that moment to master your power. After you master it, you can go back to your life with a greater power in you,” said Noku.

“Really? That makes me feel a lot better! Thanks Noku!” said Aang, looking like when he first asked Noku to be his teacher.

“Now since I helped you, maybe you can help me,” said Noku.

“With what?” asked Aang, looking confused now.

“I have a crush on someone.”

“Who?”

“It’s Toph.” 

 “TOPH?!!” yelled Aang.

“Quiet!” said Noku, while he tackled him to shut him up.

They both looked up to see Toph walking toward them.

“Yeah? Did you call me?” asked Toph.

“Nope! Nothing unusual here!” said Noku, still covering Aang’s mouth with his hand.

“Oh, I thought I heard someone call me,” said Toph, walking away.

Noku made sure Toph was back at the campsite. Aang continued to mumble under Noku’s hand.

“Have you ever heard of ‘keeping it down’?” asked Noku.

He finally removed his hand away from Aang’s mouth.

“Still, it’s odd,” said Aang, scratching his head.

“Why is it strange? You love Katara and I only have a crush on Toph,” replied Noku.

“I don’t know; it just seems weird.”

“Forget I asked for advice. Let’s get to training,” said Noku, about to take a stance.

“I have an idea of how to take Toph on a date,” said Aang suddenly.

“Have you been drinking cactus juice?” asked Noku.

“No, I mean, you 2 can sneak to a Fire Nation town, wear disguises, and hang out!” explained Aang.

“Wow, not bad,” said Noku, relaxing a bit.

“You two can fit in, you have the eyes of a Firebender and Toph has the blind eyes, so they can’t tell,” further explained Aang.

“This sounds rather odd hearing this from another guy…”

“Whatever, just trying to explain.”

Noku and Aang came back to camp. Everyone was packing up, ready to go. Noku walked to Toph, who was playing with Momo.

“Toph, I have an idea, It’ll help everyone, in a way,” said Noku.

“I’m listening,” replied Toph, putting Momo down.

“We can sneak into a Fire Nation town to see if we can get some helpful information. I could really use your hearing,” explained Noku.

Toph thought for a moment.

“Alright, but what clothes am I going to wear?  They won’t let in an Earthbender wearing Earth Kingdom clothes,” said Toph.

“I can buy some. I always have Fire Nation money on me,” said Noku.

“Buy me some average clothes, return with them, and then we’ll sneak into a village.”

“It’s a plan! But what town?”

Both thought for a moment. Then Noku smiled and had the perfect spot in his mind.

“I know a nearby place. It’s called Nanjing,” said Noku.

“Well, let’s go then!” replied Toph.

They all got on Appa and took off.

“Where are we going to drop you two off?” asked Aang from Appa’s head.

Noku got out the world map and pointed at a nearby village.

“Nanjing,” said Noku, pointing at a spot near the Eastern Air Temple.

Nanjing, in fact, is a real city in China. You can look it up or whatever if you don’t believe me, but it’s real.

All right, for those who wish to know me better, here goes!

I'm 14 years old and live in a tiny town about 45 minutes from Monteray in California. I go to the only Middle School there and will be heading for the town's high school when I finish 8th grade. I can't hear out of my left ear very well (it sounds like when you're underwater and someone is trying to talk to you; blurry) and the doctor doesn't know why! I may have a 'special' infection! :D It doesn't though, so I'm completely used to it!

Also, I have 1 best friend from 3 out of the 4 cities I have lived in: Allen from Salinas, Alex from Prundale, and Isaac from the town I live in right now. They are all like me, but I don't know if Allen and Alex like Avatar as much as I do (I know Isaac does).

I love video games and have few. I do have a PS3, PS2, Gamecube, PC, and a Gameboy SP. I have crappy games so don't ask what games I have, lol.

Ok, now my looks: Blue eyes, brown hair, cut to baldish and I have a widow's peak, overall size for a 14-year old, and, in my opinion, NOT good looking at all, lol.

I don't have a pic of me right now, but I have been called Aang at my school by a person because he says my widow's peak looks like Aang's arrow, except with hair. Pretty odd huh?

Peace-out, Hang-loose, thanks for reading, and God Bless!

Well, that stinks; only 0 comments on the last chapter. Oh well...

Disclaimer: I do NOT own "Avatar: The Last Airbender".

“No one has ever passed that question. You should consider yourself lucky,” said the Guider in a much darker voice.

Aang tried to jump over the wall with his Airbending, but he couldn’t Airbend!

“Why can’t I Airbend?!” asked Aang.

“This is my realm and my magic. I choose to face your firebending with my magic!” declared the Guider.

“No fair!”

“What are you waiting for Avatar?” asked the Guider, sticking 2 fingers at Aang with one hand and pointing at the ceiling with the other 2 fingers; revealing his stance.

Aang didn’t bother to reply as he punched out fire at the Guider. He seemed to make a black ball made of shadows and launched it at the fire. It seemed to vaporize the fire. The Guider then made a small ball of lightning in his hand and threw it at Aang. He managed to jump out of the way, even without his airbending.

“Normal Airbender tactics; dodge and evade. Fight like a Firebender!” yelled the Guider.

Aang became ticked and kicked out tons of fire at his opponent. It seemed to die out before it even got to him.

“What’s the matter? Not at your strongest form?” asked the Guider, as he shot out another ball of lightning at him.

Aang made a little wall of fire to vaporize the ball. He remembered how Jet was brainwashed, but was able to come back by past memories.

“Noku! Remember why you’re with us! To free the world from dictatorship!” yelled Aang.

“Your little cries won’t reach him at all. He’s in my control!” yelled back the Guider.

The Guider of the Darkness punched out an aurora of dark energy instead of fire at Aang. He continued to make his wall of fire to block it, though it was starting to weaken. The Guider continued to fire the dark aurora from his arm at the wall. The wall was starting to vanish. Aang could no longer hold up the fire. He jumped out of the way as the energy destroyed the remains of the wall.

“Noku! You’re Aang’s Firebending teacher! Don’t you remember?!” yelled Katara from behind the wall.

“I already told you, your efforts are futile!” yelled back the Guider, as he looked like if he about to make real lightning.

But it wasn’t a lightning ball; he seemed to do it how Noku would make it. But instead of launching it, he surrounded himself in it, making electric armor. The Guider also made fire to cover the body, making it look like if he was on fire while getting electrocuted. He then charged at Aang head on with pools of fire dragging behind him.

“Come on Noku, snap out of it!” yelled Aang.

The Guider tried to jab and punch Aang while in his electric/fire armor. Aang was barely dodging them, knowing if he got touched, he would get burned, electrocuted, and hurt at the same time. Aang jabbed a fire ball at his eyes, causing the Guider to flinch. He then ran to the other side of the fighting ‘realm’ while the Guider was wiping off the pain. He used the time to concentrate on the 3rd thought Noku told him to think weeks earlier. He revealed his inner demon and unleashed all his energy into his blue fire. The Guider noticed this and made more lightning. But instead of just one shot, the lightning was coming from each of his fingers and at the blue blast. They were now seeing who had more power: the Avatar, or the Guider of the Darkness. The 2 elements collided, but no explosion occurred; just them fighting each other. The center-point of the two blasts looked like just a bright light. They continued to unleash all their energy.

“Noku! Snap out of it! It’s me Toph!!” yelled Toph.

The lightning seemed to get a bit weaker from the fingertips of the Guider.

“What’s going on?! Is this boy actually fighting to be set free?!” yelled the Guider, seeming to flinch a bit from his head.

“We got trapped in that hole! You tried to protect me from the falling rocks!” continued to yell Toph.

The lightning just stopped working all of the sudden as the blue fire came at full speed at the Guider without opposition.

“This battle…I lost,” said the Guider, as the fire hit him in the head and caused an explosion.

When Noku’s body hit the floor, it looked like a spirit exited from his body and vanished in a ghostly cry.

The fire wall separating the 2 girls from the 2 men vanished as Katara and Toph rushed to help Noku and Aang. Aang was barely walking and was too weak to speak, instead he pointed at the corner of the hut to see the body of a Water Tribe warrior.

“Sokka!” yelled Katara, as he helped him up.

“What happened?” asked Sokka, rubbing his head.

Katara didn’t answer, as she ran back to the others with her water. She touched Noku’s head with her healing powers. The blackened and burned face healed back to normal.

“That…was unpleasant,” whispered Noku, looking at them.

“Welcome back Fire-head,” said Toph, crying a bit.

“That was some weird witch,” said Sokka, still rubbing his head.

“You said it…” whispered Noku, as he struggled to get up.

The gang helped Sokka and Noku back to the campsite to see everything exactly the way it was.

“At least this is still normal…” said Katara.

Disclaimer: I do NOT own "Avatar: The Last Airbender"

Aang, Katara, and Toph entered the dark trail. They all looked scared as they looked around.

“Is it me, or am I hearing voices?” asked Katara.

“I hear them too,” replied Aang.

“Let’s just keep moving. I don’t feel anyone around besides us,” said Toph.

They all started walking faster. They also started to see the old soldiers of the war.

“I’m guessing these are ghosts?” asked Aang, looking frightened a bit.

“What ghosts?” asked Toph.

Although they were scared of these hallucinations, they tried to keep calm and walk at a steady pace. It grew darker and darker.

“I can’t see much,” complained Katara.

“Get used to it,” replied Toph.

Aang made a fire ball in his hand, lighting the way.

“There is someone up ahead! It feels like it’s in a building,” said Toph.

They ran toward the now-visible hut. They ignored the warning sign and entered the hut.

“Noku!” yelled Aang.

However though, it wasn’t Noku. This was Noku’s body, but he was standing as if he was a puppet and had fire replacing his eyes.

“Not Noku, but the Guider of the Darkness in his body,” said the body.

“WHAT DID YOU DO TO HIM!?!” yelled Toph, while she got into her stance.

“He and your other friend failed a test of mine. Both that were rather easy,” explained the Guider.

“So you just took their bodies?!” yelled Katara.

“Only this one, the other however…”

The Guider revealed a Sokka doll in his hand.

“What is it?” asked Toph.

“A…doll. Sokka’s spirit is in it,” explained Aang.

“Very good, I’m presuming you’re the Avatar?” asked the Guider.

“Let them go!” yelled Aang, ignoring him, or her.

“I have a test for you Avatar, if you pass, I’ll let them go, but if you fail, you and your squad will not escape,” said the Guider.

“Give me what you got,” demanded Aang.

Katara and Toph just stood there, waiting for the Guider to say his question.

“This world is separated by 4 cultures, the Water Tribes, Earth Kingdom, Fire Nation, and Air Nomads. Why are we divided among ourselves?” asked the Guider.

Aang thought for a moment. Then he remembered the wisdom of the Guru.

“Because we are blinded by illusion; the illusion are the 4 elements we use,” answered Aang.

The Guider remained silent, standing there.

“You pass the first half of my test,” said the Guider.

“FIRST HALF!!” yelled the trio.

“Your second test, Avatar, is to duel me with the body I have,” said the Guider.

“What?! I can’t fight you while you’re in Noku’s body! Come out and stop being a coward!” yelled Aang.

The Guider ignored him and separated him from Katara and Toph with a wall of fire. The 2 girls couldn’t bend somehow and had no chance to put out the fire.

“I’m afraid you have no choice,” replied the Guider of the Darkness, as he smiled with only half his face and frowned with the other half to make him look like a true puppet.

“Mei?” said Noku again.

The woman did nothing but repeat her last saying over and over again.

“What the heck are you talking about? And what are you doing in?!” yelled Noku.

The woman finally stopped saying the same verse and landed in front of him.

“I am the last witch of the world, the last spirit guider, the Guider of the Darkness,” said the woman.

She let out her hand to see a mini-doll of Sokka in her hand.

“You have voodoo dolls?” asked Noku, pointing at the doll.

“No, it’s his spirit. It’s in my possession,” replied the Guider.

“Release Sokka now!” demanded Noku, as he took a fighting stance.

“I’m afraid he chose to be a prisoner. He failed to understand my wisdom.”

“It still doesn’t explain why you’re using Mei’s body!” yelled Noku.

“This body is an illusion of your 1st love or lover. It’s very useful for fighting someone.” explained the Guider, giving an awful grin.

“What happened to Sokka?! You’re not explaining everything!”

“He never bothered to listen to heed my wisdom. and failed a test. So I made him into this doll.”

Noku was still burning with anger. He wanted to shoot lightning at her so bad.

“I feel your anger. You’re just like that peasant. Wanting to kill me so bad since I was Yue or whoever he said,” said the Guider.

“I don’t blame him, your just awful!” yelled Noku.

“If you pass a test for me, I’ll release him.”

“And if I don’t?”

“Let’s say I’ll have a new mortal body…” answered the Guider of the Darkness.

Noku got out of his stance slowly.

“What’s my test you freak?” asked Noku.

“Let me ask you a question, and you must answer it. It’s rather very simple,” replied the Guider.

“Shoot.”

“The world is separated into 4 cultures, the Water Tribes, Earth Kingdom, Fire Nation, and Air Nomads. Why are we divided among ourselves?”

“Because the Fire Nation is greedy and attacked everyone 100 years ago! Where were you the last years?!”

“You answered incorrectly. I now will possess your body!” yelled the Guider.

The witch flew into Noku and disappeared within’ him. He first couldn’t feel his legs, then his arms, then the rest.

“WHAT THE--HECK ARE--ARGH--YOU DOING!” yelled Noku, as he fought for control in his body.

“You failed my test and you must surrender your body to me,” replied the Guider.

Noku now felt unconscious.

‘I’m sorry Sokka…’ thought Noku, before completely blacking out.

The gang was now going through the Southern Trail, looking for both Sokka and Noku.

“Where could they be?” asked Toph, as they continued down the path.

“Was it really wise to leave the Earth King with Appa?” asked Aang, still feeling a bit weak.

“New Snoozles will sleep for now, but WE need to find Old Snoozles and Fire-head,” replied Toph.

They stopped to see a dark trail with a sign pointing to it.

“’Do not enter for your sake’?” read Katara out loud, confused.

“They’re both in there, I know it,” said Aang, pointing at the trail.

“Man, you and your powers,” said Toph.