Despite Tong's incessant questioning about how I knew such information, I didn't give him a response and simply left the library after giving my thanks, something he didn't really seem to like, though that was probably just because I didn't satisfy his curiosity.
"I appreciate you allowing me access to your library, Tong, until next time. Also, I know you're not exactly fond of humans, and to be honest, your next few interactions will most likely only further solidify your thoughts, but just know not all of humanity is bad. I hope you take my words… The words of the Avatar, into consideration." Remarked Aang softly with a faint smile as he clasped his hands lightly and bowed to Tong, who furrowed his brows while intently gazing at him.
"Hmph, that is easier said than done, Aang; I merely wished to spread my knowledge to improve humanity, yet throughout the eons, it seems only those with wicked intentions continue to seek out my library." Replied Tong calmly as he stared at Aang's slight annoyance, his words causing him to nod in understanding.
"Well, maybe humanity isn't deserving of your vast knowledge, Tong. I'm sure you've heard the saying, 'too much of a good thing is a bad thing'. With so much knowledge at your disposal, of course, those with wicked intentions will seek out your library, and until the very end of time, they will continue." Stated Aang lightly as he looked at Tong, who silently stared at him with a thoughtful expression.
"Anyway, I shall stop here; continuing to lecture you will only be me undermining your intelligence. Farewell, Wan Shi Tong." Added Aang calmly with a faint expression as he bowed once more to Tong before creating a vortex that lifted him up through the hole in the ceiling.
Once I reached the top of the spire, I gently landed on the ground and looked up at the night sky, causing me to wince as I realized far more time had passed than I had believed; Appa was probably worried sick for me, as I had said I wouldn't be long.
'I hope he isn't mad.' Thought Aang softly as he leaped off the top of the spire, only to create a gust of wind that cushioned his landing while kicking up sand.
Hearing that familiar snoring noise, I looked to my right, only to see Appa peacefully sleeping with his legs in the air, causing my face to twitch at how nonchalant he was. Rubbing my face, I sighed to myself while approaching Appa before laying atop him; I've already learned from my mistake of sleeping next to him, and now that he's done growing, it's even more dangerous for me.
"I don't feel like getting crushed tonight." Muttered Aang lightly as he patted Appa's fluffy fur before closing his eyes and quickly falling asleep amidst the cold.
___
___
While doing my morning routine, I felt a faint gust of wind behind me, only to be slammed onto the ground as Appa licked the back of my head, yet I couldn't even say anything as my face was stuck within the sandy ground.
'So now he worries about me.' Mused Aang lightly with a bland expression as he forcefully rolled onto his back, spitting out sand while Appa consciously licked him.
"Alright, alright, you can calm down, Appa; you're far too big to be doing that. Matter of fact, you've always been too big to do that." Remarked Aang as he looked at Appa while slowly trying to stand up, a difficult endeavor given who he was up against.
"Ugh, is it just me, or is someone getting heavier? Will I need to lessen your meals?" Asked Aang suspiciously as he eyed Appa, who quickly backed away and began showing off his impressive agility despite his massive size.
Chuckling at Appa, I walked forward and rubbed his head, prompting him to calm down while pushing his head into my embrace.
"I apologize for making you wait so long; that was my fault, Appa; however, the wait was worth it as I've found out when the Fire Nation will attack." Said Aang apologetically as he rubbed Appa's head, causing him to growl softly, only to faintly smile while reaching into his satchel.
Although Appa is highly intelligent and can mostly understand human language, he can't read, so showing him the paper was pointless, but he still got happy, which was good enough for me.
"We've got the most important information, so all we must do now is inform the Council of Elders during their next meeting, which is coincidentally within two months." Stated Aang with a smile as he enthusiastically rubbed Appa's head while storing the paper in his satchel.
'That must also be around the time I was supposed to run away with Appa.' Thought Aang lightly as he affectionately hugged Appa before leaping onto his back, sitting on his large saddle while grabbing the reins.
"Yip, yip!" Said Aang with a snap of the reins, his words causing Appa to roar before he flapped his tail, creating a large gust of wind as he lifted himself into the air.
Now that I had the date of the invasion, I had a few things to do; one would be to obviously share this knowledge during the Council of Elders meeting in the coming months. The next would be to give this knowledge to the White Lotus, which I should also be able to easily do since I'm rather confident there are at least one or two members among the Elders; in fact, I even suspect Monk Gyatso, but, I've got no rock-solid evidence. Either way, that'll be killing two birds with one stone, so I can save that for later, and I've already got a very trustworthy alibi when they question how true my words are; after all, what's more trustworthy than the words of Sozins supposed best friend, Avatar Roku?
I also intend to speak with Sozin sometime before the day of the invasion, but I don't have much hope of that succeeding.
"Well, I suppose now, all I can really do is wait until the gathering of the elders." Muttered Aang lightly as he gazed at the rising sun before closing his eyes, meditating amidst the constant breeze.
___
___
Two months passed, yet it felt so fast.
'Maybe it's the pressure of knowing the impending doom looming over us.' Thought Aang with a frown as he looked down at the ground, only to sigh while rubbing his face.
"Hmm, is something the matter, Aang? I've noticed you've been far more… Silent than usual." Asked Gyatso lightly as he looked at Aang in concern, prompting him to raise his head before nodding, surprising him.
"What is the problem, Aang? I'm sure I can help, or at the very least, this old man can offer some words of advice." Asked Gyatso with furrowed brows as he stopped walking and looked down at Aang, who shook his head, confusing him.
"I'll tell you in a moment, Monk Gyatso; it's very important and doesn't concern just me." Replied Aang softly with a solemn expression, his words causing Gyatso to frown while reluctantly nodding.
"If that's the case, Aang." Muttered Gyatso lightly as he continued walking, only for him to slightly widen his eyes.
"Is this why you asked to join me during the Council of Elders, Aang?" Asked Gyatso suspiciously, only to frown when Aang nodded.
"Yes, Monk Gyatso, it's that severe." Stated Aang firmly with a nod, his words causing Gyatso to release a deep sigh while rubbing his cheek.
Although Monk Gyatso didn't say anything, he seemed to somewhat understand how serious I was, given the solemn look on his face, something that surprised Monk Tashi, Hitsugaya, Pasang, and Jun.
"Is something the matter, Brother? It is rare to see you of all people adorn such a severe expression." Asked Hitsugaya in concern as he gazed at Gyatso, who glanced at Aang before shaking his head, causing the three other elders to frown.
"Yes, but I will speak about it later." Replied Gyatso with a shake of his head, his words causing them to frown before Pasang noticed Aang.
"Aang? Only Elders are allowed during this meeting." Said Pasang softly as he looked at Aang, his words prompting Tashi, Hitsugaya, and Jun to shift their focus to him.
"I'll be taking him with me, and before you four say anything, Aang is special; he may be a child, but I believe we can all agree he has proved many times he's more than qualified to join such discussions." Stated Gyatso as he patted Aangs shoulder, causing Pasang, Tashi, Jun, and Hitsugaya to look at each other before nodding.
"We don't refute your words, but this may give you a bad look, Brother." Stated Jun lightly as he glanced at Aang while Tashi nodded in agreement, only for Gyatso to dismissively wave his hands.
"Bah, I'm too old to care about that; besides, they'll understand." Said Gyatso confidently as he continued walking, entering through the double doors while Tashi, Pasang, Hitsugaya, and Jun followed behind.
Funnily enough, despite the discussion taking place within the Southern Air Temple, the Eastern, Western, and Northern Elders were already present; however, when they noticed my presence, they promptly frowned, though none said anything.
Sitting beside Monk Gyatso, Monk Tashi, Hitsugaya, Pasang, and Jun promptly sat in their seats while the doors closed, though even so, no one said anything as all eyes were on me. Standing up, I clasped my hands and bowed towards everyone while approaching the center of the room; the instant I arrived, I began performing the thirty-six stances of Baguazhang, confusing everyone watching.
However, once I reached the ninth stance, I closed my fist and before punching forwards, launching forth a small fireball, one that seemed to finally do the trick as everyone's eyes slightly widened; following that, I switched my stances and let my hands essentially hang as I controlled the water from an Elders cup to flow around me. When I finished with the water, I dispersed it into the air before closing my fists once more, yet unlike before, where my movements were rather fluid, they were more rigid, like that of stone, as I slammed my foot onto the ground, causing a small rock the size of my fist to erupt from the floor before I punched it into the wall, destroying it.