Omashu

As the gang flew over the continent of the Earth Kingdom, all ten friends sat in the saddle of the bison. Sokka had wanted to ask Steve something about what happened on Kyoshi Island.
"Hey, Steve?" Sokka asked from the back. All eyes turned to him as Steve said, "Yes?"
"That guy who was with Zuko. I saw you freeze up for a minute before fighting him." Sokka remembered. He asked, "Do you know him?"
Steve sighed and then said, "I do. You see, that man who fought alongside Zuko was, is, a good friend of mine. But he's not himself."
"Is he another Avenger?" Katara asked. Steve shook his head and said, "No."
"Well who is he exactly?" Gray questioned.
Steve clearly looked upset at the thought of his friend. Nat saw the expression on his face and decided to take over, "As Steve said, he's an old friend of Steve's. Back during the war before Steve went under, he and that man on Kyoshi were part of a mission to capture a rogue scientist under the employment of Hydra. But something went wrong."
Steve cleared his throat, letting Natasha know that he was willing to tell. She became silent as he said, "Let's just say that I had thought that Bucky had died."
Sokka then said, "But he didn't, did he?"
"No." Steve shook his head. He explained it further, "Sometime after the war had ended, one of the scientists of Hydra must have found him unconscious or something. They expeimented on him and turned him into a super soldier of their own." He took a moment to take a breatn, and then continued, "And then a short time after I had come out of the ice, we had an encounter with Bucky. And let's just say it didn't go so well."
The four from this world looked to one another before looking back at the Avengers. They took one last look to each other and knew what they were thinking. With a nod of their heads, Aang looked to Steve and said, "Steve, I promise you that we'll help you help your friend."
"Heh." Steve chuckled. Then he said, "If there is a chance of helping him, maybe we can."
The gang arrived at a small hill mounting up on it's crest. Aang spots something in the distance and smiled.
"There it is! The Earth Kingdom city of Omashu!" He announced, pointing at a walled city resting on top of a huge rock promontory in front of the gang. The city was huge much to their amazement.
"That's Omashu?" Lucy asked, awestruck.
"Yeah. I always used to come here." Aang explained.
"We don't have buildings like this in the South Pole." A astonished Katara said in wonder.
"They have buildings that don't melt!" Sokka said in awe stating the obvious.
"It's as amazing as Magnolia." Natsu stated.
"Aye." Happy nodded.
"Let's go. The real fun is inside the city." Aang said as he turned to his friends and started to go down the hill.
"Wait Aang! It could be dangerous if people find out you're the Avatar." Katara called out to him.
"It would also be dangerous if they knew Lucy was the prophesied Celestial Mage." Erza added. "You two need disguises."
"Make that three." Ray suddenly cut in.
"Why three?" Erza turned to him, with a confused expression on his face.
"This is why." He replied, generating a small white flame on the palm of his hand.
It suddenly dawned on everyone else why he required a disguise.
"Oh right, you're from the Fire Nation. If you're discovered without a disguise..." Ray finished her statement.
"I would quickly be arrested." He commented.
"And what are we supposed to do? Grow mustaches?" Aang asked, confused.
"Not Lucy. You." Sokka informed him.
Aang was soon wearing a fake mustache and wig made from Appa's hair as he began scratching his head.
"It ought to be itchy." Lucy said.
"You have no idea. How do you live in this stuff, boy?" Aang looked and asked Appa who groaned and blew air in his face as a response.
"Now he almost looks like Master Makarov." Gray said.
"Or my grandfather." Sokka joked.
"Technically Aang is a hundred and twelve years old." Katara pointed out.
"What about you, Lucy? Don't you need a disguise too?" Wendy asked.
"I do, but I'm not disguising myself as a old lady. I have a better idea." She held a gate key in her hand.
"Open Gate of the Maiden, Virgo!" Lucy exclaimed. Virgo then appeared from the Celestial Spirit World.
"Is it punishment time, princess?" Virgo asked.
"No, I need you to find some disguises for myself and Ray." Lucy answered.
"As you wish princess." Virgo nodded before disappearing. She returned with a purple cloak and mask along with a dark red one.
"Will these do, princess?" Virgo asked.
"Yeah." Ray stated, putting the dark red cloak on and pulling a hood over his head.
"That's perfect. Thank you very much Virgo." Lucy said.
"Please call me again for anything." Virgo said before she disappeared.
"You can summon a maid to work for you?" Sokka asked.
"Not work for me. Help me. There's a difference, Sokka." Lucy explained as she put the purple cloak and mask on.
"There. Now no one will know who I am." She said.
"Who are you and what have you done with Lucy?" Natsu asked winking.
"Let's get going." Ray instructed.
Aang picked his staff up and twirled it around before bending over.
"Okay. Let's get skipping now, young whippersnappers! The big city awaits." Aang said in a old man's voice.
"At least I don't have to talk like that. I'll just keep my mouth shut." Lucy commented.
The gang made their way to the city gates.
"You guys are gonna love Omashu. The people here are the friendliest in the world." Aang looked back to them and said before they heard shouting and looked ahead to see three guards dealing with a cabbage merchant at the gate.
"Rotten cabbages! What kind of slum do you think this is?" One of the guards asked as he crushed the cabbage in his hand, before using his earthbending to launch the cabbage cart off the mountain.
"My cabbages!" The merchant cried with a worried expression as he looked over the side of the road lamenting his fallen cabbages.
"What was that about them being nice old friend?" Ray asked.
"Just keep smiling." Aang said nervously with a grin.
The gang approached the gate while Aang has a big smile on his face as one of the guards suddenly raised a boulder over Aang's head and held it there.
"State your business." The guard ordered with a stern glare and Aang zoomed up to him pointing a finger in his face.
"My business is my business young man and it's none of yours! I've got half a mind to bend you over my knee and paddle your backside!" Aang yelled in his old man voice as the boulder fell to the ground. Katara, Sokka, Natsu, Happy, Gray, Erza, Wendy, Carla and Lucy watched this, shocked.
"Just go along with it." Ray whispered to them. "The sooner we get into Omashu, the better."
"Settle down old timer, just tell me who you are." The guard said, not wanting to start something that would embarrass both of them.
"Name's Bonzu Pipinpadaloxicopolis and these are my grand kids." Aang introduced himself and his friends.
"Hi. I'm June Pipinpadaloxicopolis." Katara introduced herself.
"I am Chun Pipinpadaloxicopolis." Wendy introduced herself next.
"What are these two creatures?" The guard asked, pointing at Happy and Carla.
"They're our grandfather's guiding cats. He has to have them with him at all times." Katara explained.
"Meow." Carla let out a meow.
"Meow." Happy also meowed.
"What about those two in the purple and dark red cloak?" The guard asked, pointing at Lucy and Ray.
"These are our grandfather's personal bodyguards. The reason one of them is wearing a cloak and mask is because she..." Wendy tried to come up with a excuse when Gray interrupted.
"Her shyness due to her disfigured appearance. It's very embarrassing for her." Gray said.
"Very well. You two look like responsible young ladies. Make sure your grandfather stays out of trouble." The guard said as he allowed Katara and Wendy to pass.
"We will." Katara and Wendy assured him, then they and the others start approaching the gate.
"Wait a minute!" The guard called out stopping Sokka, Natsu and Gray as they were about to pass.
"You three look like strong young men. Show some respect to your elders and carry his bags." The guard ordered.
"Great idea." Aang agreed as he tossed his bags to Sokka, Natsu and Gray.
The guards then opened the gate; revealing the city to the gang. As they enter the city, Momo's ears stuck out from the top of Aang's wig, which caused the guard who was watching to gain a confused expression as the gate closed.
After entering Omashu the gang looked over a railing at the interior of the city with amazement. They saw various people, buildings and slides with things riding down them.
"This is the Omashu delivery system. Miles and miles of tubes and chutes. Earthbending brings the packages up and gravity brings them down." Aang explained.
"So in other words they get their mail on time." Natsu said.
"That's a good thing." Sokka added.
"Yeah it is, but a old friend of ours found another use for the chutes." Ray informed them.
Flashback:
Aang is in Omashu with a boy named Bumi who has spiky orange hair with a headband, a missing tooth, and has a crazy looking face and they're both looking down over the city and Bumi turns to face him.
"Look around you. What do you see?" Bumi asked.
"Um, the mail system?" Aang answered obviously.
"Instead of seeing what they want you to see, you gotta open your brain to the possibilities." Bumi advised
"A package sending system?" Aang guessed again.
"The world's greatest super slide!" Bumi announced and Aang sees that the chutes do in fact look like a giant slide and Aang smiles.
"Bumi, you're a mad genius." Aang turned to his friend and said which made Bumi laugh followed by a snort and pretty soon they're both riding on one of the bin transports down the chute and they're both laughing having a good time.
Flashback End.
The gang then got into a couple chutes with Aang in front.
"One ride and we're off to the North Pole. Avatar's honor." Aang promised, looking back.
"Aang, this sounded like fun at first but now I'm having second thoughts!" Katara exclaimed as they went down.
"Yeah. Me t..." Lucy cried out but was cut off by the vertical drop from the chute beginning.
The bin starts to drop into the chute and they rocket away. As they accelerate they slide next to a chute with a crate of spears riding down it. The slides suddenly mixed with the gang in front and the spears close behind them. Sokka, Natsu and Gray duck to avoid being impaled while Katara, Lucy and Wendy scream as they avoid the spears.
"I got this!" Lucy shouted.
"I'll help." Erza added.
The two then shifted the crate until it slid off a rooftop below.
"Men, you'll be going into combat soon so it's important that you be prepared for anything." A instructor said to a group of Earth Kingdom soldiers.
At that moment the gang's crate fell into view shocking the instructor and officers. Aang grabbed the foot of the bin while trying to pull it up. His foot was on Lucy's face as Katara, Sokka, Natsu, Gray and Wendy begin to panic. Meanwhile Erza tried to get Aang's foot off of Lucy's face and he used his airbending to propel the bin back into the air away from the instructor and soldiers. Then the gang managed to drop back into a chute and were rocketing down again.
"Aang! Do something!" Gray yelled.
"Use your Airbending!" Katara shouted.
"Great idea! That'll make us go faster!" Aang hollered.
"That's not what she meant!" Lucy yelled.
Aang then waved his arms, blasting air behind them that made the bin speed up. As they continued to slide, they saw a crate of supplies in their path and scream. Luckily a Earthbender moved the crate out of the way causing the gang to sigh in relief. Then he raises another package causing the gang to scream again but instead of hitting the package, they hit the side of the track and run off the track before falling out of the bin and falling through the air. Aang used his airbending to get them back in the bin and they bounce off a roof before smashing through a window and destroying his pottery, then falling out the other window.
"Sorry!" Aang cried out to the pottery maker.
They then fall into another house and left with a cat-like creature fighting Momo on Aang's wig. The lemur eventually knocked the creature off seconds before the gang fell off a building. He backed away as the gang fell on top of his cart and squashed his vegetables. In the process of destroying the cart, Aang and Lucy's disguises disappear.
"MY CABBAGES! You're going to pay for that!" The merchant yelled as guards surrounded the gang.
"Two cabbages please." Aang said sheepishly, trying to ease the tension.
"Make that four." Natsu added.
Later on in a throne room decorated by Earth Kingdom green an old and crazy-looking king sat on his throne with one guard on his right and left side. Then he noticed guards bringing the gang before him and the guards force them to kneel.
"Your majesty, these juveniles were arrested for vandalism, traveling under false pretenses, malicious destruction of cabbages and one of them took his clothes off in public." The guard explained as the group was pushed on their knees.
"It's a habit!" Gray said.
"Silence!" The other guard commanded and Gray quickly shut up.
"Off with their heads! One for each head of cabbage!" The merchant demanded.
"Silence! Only the king can pass down judgment." The guard said, silencing the merchant before he asked the king. "What is your judgment, sire?"
The old king looked at the group. Sokka was nervous while Natsu smiled sheepishly. Gray stared at the king with no emotion on his face. Katara, Lucy and Wendy had hopeful expressions as Erza hung her head down ready to accept his punishment. Aang tried to act like he wasn't there. Finally Ray locked eyes with the king, there was something familiar about him but he didn't know what.
"Throw them...a feast!" The king declared. This shocked the guards while the cabbage merchant groaned. The gang was also left shocked at this declaration.
"Did he just say a feast?" Lucy asked.
"Apparently." Aang answered.
"Beats being punished." Natsu admitted.
The gang suddenly found themselves sitting next to each other at a table filled with a lot of food. Aang and Lucy were sitting in the middle as Momo and Happy were eating goodies while the old king spoke to them.
"The people of my city have gotten fat from eating too many feasts so I hope you like your chicken with no skin." The old king said.
"Thanks, but I don't eat meat." Aang explained while politely declining.
"Well, I do." Natsu said, before taking a bite out of his chicken.
"For once, I agree with Flamebrain." Gray said as he started to eat his chicken.
"How about you? I bet you like meat." The old king said before he shoved a drumstick into Sokka's mouth.
"Guys, is it just me or is this guy's crown a little crooked?" Lucy asked softly making cuckoo motions at the side of her head.
"I'm getting the same feeling." Katara added.
The old king then sat down in his chair at the opposite end of the table.
"So tell me bald one, where are you from?" The king asked as he started to sit down.
"Uh, Kangaroo Island." Aang took a moment to think and lied.
"Kangaroo Island, eh? I heard that place is really hopping!" The old king leaned forward in his seat then joked and silence filled the room which was then broken by Natsu and Sokka laughing which made the others look at them.
"What is wrong with you two?" Erza asked.
"What?" Sokka asked.
"It was pretty funny." Natsu said as the king yawned.
"All these jokes are making me tired. It's time to hit the hay." The old king said as he threw his drumstick at Aang who quickly caught it in a air sphere which made all the guards gasp.
"There's an Airbender in our presence and not just any Airbender...the Avatar!" The old king announced. Aang quickly put his hands down and the meat fell to his plate.
"And if I'm not mistaken, the girl next to him is the prophesied Celestial Mage!" He added, pointing at Lucy who gasped in shock.
"Uh oh." Happy said.
"We're doomed." Gray added, sweat dropping.
"So what do you have to say for yourselves 'Bonzu Pipinpadaloxicopolis' and his 'personal bodyguard'?" The old king asked as Aang raised his hands in defeat.
"Okay, you caught us. I'm the Avatar and she's the prophesied Celestial Mage. You know, doing hero things and keeping the world safe. Everything checks out. No enemy Firebenders around here, so good job everybody. Love each other, respect all life and don't run with your spears. We'll see you next time!" Aang said as he and the others tried to leave, but before they could leave the guards crossed their spears, which blocked their exit.
"You can't keep us here." Katara said.
"Please let us leave." Wendy demanded.
"Lettuce leaf?" The old king asked as he pulled a lettuce leaf off his plate and ate it.
"We're in serious trouble." Sokka whispered.
"Yeah. This guy's nuts!" Natsu exclaimed.
"Aye." Happy nodded.
"I don't mean to be disrespectful to him, but it's like he lacks a mind of his own." Erza pointed out.
"Tomorrow, the Avatar and the Celestial Mage will face three deadly challenges, but for now my guards will escort you to your chamber." The old king said.
"My liege, do you mean the good chamber or the bad chamber?" A guard asked.
"The newly refurbished chamber." The old king quickly replied.
"Wait, which chamber are we talking about?" The confused guard asked.
"The one that used to be the bad chamber until the recent refurbishing. Of course, we've been calling it the new chamber, but we really should number them. Uh, take them all the refurbished chamber that was once bad." The old king ordered as the guards lead them to a nice looking room with four beds before leaving them in a sealed room.
"This is a prison cell?" Katara asked.
"It looks so nice." Wendy pointed out.
"He did say it was newly furbished." Natsu added.
"Aye." Happy nodded.
"Nice or not, we're still prisoners." Gray stated.
"He's right." Sokka said in agreement.
"I wonder what the challenges are gonna be?" Aang asked nervously.
"We're not sticking around to find out." Lucy said.
"We have to find a way out." Carla added.
"The air vents!" Aang cried as he pointed to a small circle in the wall.
"If you think we'll fit through there, then you're crazier than that king." Sokka said.
"We can't, but Momo, Happy and Carla can." Aang explained, pointing to the three laying on a bed. Momo was licking a apple.
"Guys, could you find Appa, ShineGreymon or Omnimon to bust us out of here?" Aang asked.
"You expect us to go through?" Happy asked.
"Yes." Aang said as he picked the small lemur up and hoisted him into the air vent.
"C'mon boy, get in." He said pushing one last time before looking down sadly.
"I have a question. How were those three supposed to save us?" Erza asked.
"He's a ten ton flying bison alongside a armored dragon and knight. They'll figure something out." Aang replied as he tried to free Momo.
"Well, no point in arguing about it now." Lucy said as she climbed on one of the beds.
"She's right. Who knows what you guys are gonna be in for tomorrow." Gray said as he took off his shirt and pants. Now he was only in his boxers.
"Can't you change somewhere else?" Katara asked, getting fed up with Gray taking his clothes off.
"We're trapped in here so no." Gray answered.
Everyone then climbed on a bed. Ray on the other hand, laid down on the floor.
Later on, Aang and Lucy were asleep when the room shakes and a guard opened the door. Aang and Lucy wake up then discover their friends were gone.
"Katara! Sokka! Ray!" Aang called.
"Natsu! Gray! Erza! Wendy!" Lucy said and then they face the guard.
"Where are our friends?" She asked.
"The king will free most of your friends if you complete the challenge." The guard replied. "The firebender somehow managed to escape from us."
"What happens if we fail?" Aang asked.
"He didn't say. Your staff please, Avatar and your gate keys, Celestial Mage." The guard said as Aang picked up his staff and twirled it around before tossing it to the guard while Lucy handed him her gate keys. Then they followed him out of the room.
The two were led to the throne room and then see the old king, who was now wearing a different robe from yesterday.
"First, Avatar and Celestial Mage, what do you two think of my new outfit? I want both your honest opinions." The king said. Neither of them had a answer.
"I'm waiting." The king replied.
"I guess it's fine." Aang said.
"It's okay?" Lucy commented.
"Excellent! You both passed the first test!" The king said.
"Really?!" Lucy and Aang asked at the same time.
"Well, not one of the deadly tests. The real tests are much more...challenging." The old king said, angering Lucy and Aang as he ran up to the king.
"We don't have time for your crazy games!" Aang yelled as Lucy walked up to the king.
"Give us our friends back! We're leaving!" Lucy demanded.
"I thought you might refuse, so I gave your friends some special souvenirs." The old king said as he revealed a wall being lowered by his guards Earthbending. Katara, Sokka, Natsu, Gray, Erza and Wendy were held in the corridor and the guards place small rings on one of their fingers which fit snugly as they are worn. They try to remove them but are unsuccessful.
"Those delightful rings are made of pure genemite, also known as creeping crystal. It's a crystal that grows remarkably fast and by nightfall, your friends will be completely covered in it. It's a terrible fate and I can stop it, but you BOTH must cooperate." The king warned them.
"It's already creeping!" Sokka exclaimed.
"I don't want to be covered in crystal!" Wendy said.
"We'll do what you want." Lucy admitted defeat.
"Yeah." Aang also admits defeat as a evil smile formed on the king's face.
A few minutes later Aang and Lucy arrive at a cave with stalagmites and a waterfall in the background. The two were standing on a ledge while the old king, his guards and prisoners were standing on a balcony. The crystals start to cover them.
"It seems I've lost my lunchbox key and I'm hungry." The king called out to Aang and Lucy. They see a bronze key hanging from a chain in the center of the waterfall. A ladder reached up to where the key was dangling.
"Oh there it is. Would you mind fetching it for me?" The old king asked.
"You can't be serious." Lucy said in disbelief.
"Well, not all the time." The old king replied.
"Let's just get this over with." Lucy sighed.
"Yeah." Aang nodded.
The two jump into action with Aang hopping across stalagmites while Lucy jumped on them to keep up. Both Aang and Lucy reach the waterfall holding their breath as they start climbing the ladder but the pressure from the waterfall stopped them from climbing.
"Oh, climbing the ladder. No one has ever thought of that before." The old king said sarcastically.
Eventually they were forced to let go and were shot out of the waterfall, almost falling on some stalagmites which would have impaled them. Aang sighed in relief while Lucy looks at her friends and gains a determined expression, then throws Aang up to the stalactites on the ceiling. Aang looks at the key and Lucy leaps on another stalagmite to join him. She jumps to the waterfall again but was quickly shot out and wrapped her whip around a stalagmite. The old king watched this with amusement as the crystals covered the shoulders of Katara, Sokka, Natsu, Gray, Erza and Wendy.
"I hope they're going okay." Wendy said.
"They'll get through. They have to." Katara replied.
"They'll be fine." They looked over to see Ray standing against the wall.
"How did you escape from the guards earlier?" Gray asked the firebender.
"Heard them coming while you were asleep. That made it easy to stay one step ahead of them." Ray explained. The others nodded in understanding.
"Yes. Keep diving head in. I'm sure it'll work eventually." The king said sarcastically.
This gave Lucy and Aang an idea and they nod before breaking off the top of the stalagmite they are holding then throw it at the chain holding the key. Aang uses his airbending to make sure it broke the chain and carried the bottom part along with the key up to the balcony and the tip of the stalagmite embeds itself like a spearhead into the top of the doorway and the key now dangles over the old king's head.
"Your lunch is served!" Lucy said.
"We completed your challenge now let our friends go!" Aang yelled.
"Not just yet. I have another problem. I've lost my pet, Flopsy." The king said.
They soon arrive at a shallow arena while the old king and prisoners were standing on a railing on top of the arena and the two see a fluffy bunny sitting on a rock.
"I think we found him." Aang said.
"Bring him to daddy. Daddy wants to kiss his Flopsy." The old king ordered.
"That doesn't sound right." Natsu said.
"If I wasn't trapped in this crystal right now, I would have punched you in the head to shut you up." Erza told him.
"I'll shut up." Natsu said as the crystal creeps up him again causing him to gasp.
"Come here, Flopsy!" Lucy said as they carefully approach the creature. Unbeknownst to them a giant creature arrived behind the two. Aang tapped Lucy on the shoulder and she turned to see the giant monster, then gasps while the bunny squeaks and runs off as the monster crushes the boulder in front of the two but they back off and see the bunny running and squeaking in terror.
"Flopsy! Wait, Flopsy!" Aang called out and chased it.
"Come back, Flopsy!" Lucy also chased Flopsy.
The two chase after the bunny as the giant monster pursued them and the old king laughed like a madman. While the two were chasing the small bunny but it ran into a small hole in the wall. Aang slid to the hole and stuck his hand in it while Lucy slid next to him. As he struggled to grab it, they see the monster closing in and Lucy decided to walk up to it facing the monster.
"What is she doing?" Sokka asked.
"She's gonna get herself killed." Gray answered.
"Flopsy?" Lucy asked. The beast immediately stopped while wagging it's tail and pulled her into a big hug.
"Flopsy!" Aang called out as Flopsy now hugged him and Lucy while licking them.
"We found Flopsy." Lucy said as it lets go of them and she petted Flopsy on the head. Flopsy then heard the old king's whistle and runs to the top of the arena to meet the king.
"Aw, that's a good Flopsy. Yes. Who has a soft belly?" The old king asked rubbing Flopsy's belly as it laid on it's back.
"THAT'S Flopsy?!" Natsu asked, shocked.
"I don't think he mentioned monsters being here." Wendy said.
"She has a point." Katara said as she sees Lucy and Aang jumping onto the railing of the arena. They see Katara, Erza and Wendy covered from head to ankle in crystal.
"Are you guys okay?" Lucy asked.
"Yes." Wendy answered.
"Other than the fact that my entire body is being covered in crystal, I'm fine." Erza said and they see Sokka, Natsu and Gray were also covered head to ankle in crystal. Then a new length of crystal grows on the left side of Sokka's head and Natsu's head as they both lose their balance and fall over. A new length grows on Gray's crystal and despite him trying to keep his balance he falls down as well.
"Ow." Gray said. Aang and Lucy continue to watch the king rub Flopsy's belly.
"Aw yes." The old king said still rubbing Flopsy's belly.
"Okay, we're ready for the next challenge." Lucy said.
"Let's get the third and last one over with." Aang added as the king had another evil grin form on his face.
The gang later arrived at what looked like a Earthbending arena and on top of it were two balconies. Lucy, Aang and the old king were on one balcony while the prisoners now encased in crystal except their faces and feet were on the other balcony.
"Your final test is a duel and as a special treat, you may choose your opponent." A man with two swords on his back, a spear in his hand, a metal claw hand and a scar over his left eye soon appeared. Aang looked a little scared.
"So we point at whoever and that's the person we get to fight?" Lucy asked.
"Choose wisely." The old king warned them as Aang grinned evilly.
"I'll pick..." Aang looked at the two champions and then at the old king.
"I choose...you!" He pointed at the old king who laughed.
"Wrong choice!" The old king suddenly stood up straight. He removed his robe revealing a muscular body as Lucy and Aang sweat drop. He just realized his mistake.
"That was a bad choice." Aang said.
"REALLY bad." Lucy added as the old king stomped his foot on the ground and a small chunk of rock was launched Aang and Lucy into the arena.
The two land in the dust and they see the old king jumping off the balcony and into the arena. He laughs evilly as Lucy and Aang look at each other with fear, sweat trailing down their face.
"You two thought I was a frail old man, but I'm the most powerful Earthbender you'll ever see!" The king said.
"Why did I have to pick him?" Aang asked, face palming.
"Can we fight the guy with the axe instead?" Lucy asked.
"There are no take backsies in my kingdom. You two might need these." The old king motions to a guard who tossed Aang's staff and Lucy's keys to them. They take them and then the old king launched several boulders at Aang and Lucy who dodge them. The old king then launched another boulder at Aang who dodges once again.
"Typical Airbender tactic: avoid and evade. I'd hoped the Avatar would be less predictable." The old king said as he launched four boulders at Lucy who dodged them all.
"Time to show you what I can do." Lucy said as she held a gate key in her hand.
"Open Gate of the Maiden, Virgo!" She called out and Virgo appeared once again.
"Punishment time, princess?" Virgo asked.
"You can punish that insane king!" Lucy ordered.
"As you wish." Virgo nodded as she grew to giant size.
"And a typical Celestial Mage tactic: summoning Celestial Spirits to fight for her. Also predictable." The old king said as he unleashed two boulders underneath the two females but they dodge it and Lucy snagged one of the boulders with her whip before throwing it at the old king while Virgo slams the ground and creates a earthquake which headed towards the old king. He moves out of the way then bends a giant boulder and kicks it sending it in Lucy's direction as she dodges.
"Don't you two have any surprises for me? Sooner or later, you'll have to fight back." The old king told them.
"Virgo!" Lucy yelled.
"Yes, princess." Virgo said as she attempted to punch the old king who dodges it and then generates a earthquake of his own. Virgo burrowed under the ground and surfaced behind the old king in hopes of attacking him but he delivers a powerful kick which knocked Virgo down. She then returned to her normal size.
"Forgive me princess, I tried." Virgo apologized to Lucy.
"It's okay, Virgo. Go back and rest." Lucy instructed.
"Yes, princess." Virgo nodded before disappearing.
"Guess she's out." Aang said.
"For now, yes." Lucy nodded.
They see the old king lifting a giant boulder and launching it at them but the two move out of the way then the boulder explodes up impacting with the ceiling and the debris knocked Aang and Lucy down to the ground causing them to lose their staff and keys. They get back up while the old king walked around and each turn he makes a huge rock pillar blocking their path and one of them struck the two in the gut as it sends them into the air.
"You two will have to be more creative than that. Got any more Spirits to summon, Celestial Mage?" The old king asked as Lucy got to her feet and took out 
another key.
"Yeah. This time with air." Lucy said as she held out another key.
"Open Gate of the Scorpion, Scorpio." She called and Scorpio appeared.
"What's up, Lucy?" Scorpio asked.
"Teach this guy a lesson." Lucy ordered.
"Got it!" Scorpio said.
"I'll help out." Aang added as he jumped off the rock pillar.
Aang created a air scooter and started riding it up the wall around the arena getting to the old king's right side while Scorpio got on the left and at the same time Aang let out a huge gale while Scorpio fired a whirlwind at the old king but he blocked the attacks with a rock wall.
"Did someone open a window? It feels a little drafty in here. Are you three hoping I'll catch a cold?" The old king asked.
"Shut up already!" Lucy yelled.
As Aang dropped his air ball the old king kicked the stone sheet at him and Scorpio unleashes another whirlwind but the old king bends another rock wall and kicked it at Scorpio, knocking him down. Then the old king slammed his fist down on the ground producing a powerful shock wave which raced towards Aang, Lucy and Scorpio. Aang flipped backwards while grabbing Lucy and avoiding the shock wave as they close to the arena's rear wall. Scorpio on the other hand wasn't so lucky.
"Oh no! Scorpio!" Lucy cried.
"Oops...I forgot to get him too." Aang said as he rubbed the back of his head nervously.
"Sorry Lucy. This guy's too strong for a crazy person." Scorpio told her.
"Return and rest." Lucy instructed. Scorpio nods and disappears.
"Giving up already?" The old king asked.
"No!" Lucy and Aang answered at the same time.
"Then how are you two gonna get me from over there?" The king asked.
"You'll see what we can do!" Lucy declared as she jumped down to the arena and Aang followed her.
The old king raised a boulder that failed to crush the two and pulled it towards them with lightning speed. Aang quickly grabbed Lucy and they did another back flip allowing them to get up and over the flying boulder. It headed in the king's direction but he quickly destroyed it and then he ripped the gate out of the ground and held it over his head causing the two to scream. Aang ran around in a circle and produced a tornado as the old king threw the earth mound. The tornado sent it back towards him, but he cut it in half. Lucy then appeared between the rock pieces and launched a drill kick at the old king. She then pinned him to the ground with her whip but the old man smiled and broke free from her grip. He threw a punch but Lucy caught it and delivered her own punch which was followed by a spin kick. Aang released a gust of wind pushing the old king back as he looks up. They also look up and see the two halves of rock over their heads as the old king smiles.
"He he! Well done, Avatar and Celestial Mage! You both fight with much fire in your hearts!" The king complimented them. He then tossed the rock aside before sinking underground. This left the two confused. A hole opened on the floor of the other balcony in front of the prisoners showing the old king rising and closing the hole under him. He spots Aang twirling his staff around like a helicopter with Lucy holding onto his legs as they arrive at the balcony.
"You both passed all my tests. Now you must answer one question." The old king said, causing the two to become flabbergasted.
"That's not fair! You said you'd release our friends if we finished your tests!" Lucy argued.
"Oh, but what's the point of tests if you haven't learned anything?" The old king asked.
"Oh come on!" Gray and Sokka complained.
"Just answer one question and I'll free your friends. What...is my name." The king promised. Lucy and Aang look at each other with confused expressions on their faces.
"By the looks of your friends, I'd say you two have a few minutes." The king said as he walked away.
"Think about the challenges! They may have had some riddles." Erza advised.
"I think I know." Natsu said.
"What is it?" Lucy asked.
"He's an Earthbender so he's Rocky!" Natsu exclaimed. Everyone else looked at him like he grew a third head.
"I get it because he uses rocks." Sokka replied.
"That's a really stupid name from a really stupid person." Gray muttered.
"Well, I don't see YOU comin' up with name suggestions!" Natsu yelled.
"We'll keep trying but that is a good backup." Katara said.
"Back to the challenges. We got a key from the waterfall, saved his pet and we dueled." Aang said.
"And what did you learn?" Wendy asked.
"Well, everything was kinda different than we expected." Lucy admitted.
"And?" Erza asked urgently as her crystal started to grow again.
"They weren't straightforward. To solve each test, I had to think differently than I usually would." Aang said. Then he realized something.
"I know his name!" Aang exclaimed.
"Really?" Lucy asked and he nods.
The gang then returned to the throne room to see the old king who was back in his robe.
"I solved the question the same way we solved your challenges. You said a long time ago I had to open my brain to the possibilities." Aang explained as the old king laughs and snorts. Aang then smiled.
"You're a sight for sore eyes, Bumi." Ray smirked as Aang hugged the king.
"THAT'S Bumi?!" Lucy asked, shocked.
"Yep. Guys, meet Bumi. He's the old friend we told you about." Ray introduced the king to Lucy.
"Aang, Ray it's good to see you again. You two haven't changed...literally." Bumi said as he then looked at Lucy.
"I have heard great things about you, Celestial Mage or should I say Lucy." Bumi said as they see their friends entering the throne room as well.
"Over here!" Katara called.
"Aren't you forgetting something?" Gray asked. Bumi pulled back his fist and shattered the crystals around everyone else before grabbing one and eating it.
"Genemite is actually made of rock candy." Bumi said as he took a bite of the crystal piece.
"Delicious." He added.
"So this crazy old king is actually your friend?" Natsu asked.
"Who are you calling old? Okay, I'm old." Bumi asked before admitting it.
"Why did you do all of this nonsense instead of telling Aang who you were?" Erza asked, slightly annoyed.
"First of all, it's fun messing with people." Bumi chuckled before turning to Aang. "Aang, you have a difficult task ahead of you. The world has changed in the hundred years you've been gone. It's the duty of the Avatar to restore balance to the world by defeating Fire Lord Ozai and you have much to learn. You must master the four elements and confront the Fire Lord and when you do, I hope you think like a mad genius." Bumi said before turning to Lucy.
"Lucy Heartfilla, by now you are aware of the prophecy about helping Aang defeat the Fire Lord and restore balance to the world. But you must also know that not only must you use your Gate Keys, you must also learn to how master the elements as well." Bumi explained, surprising Lucy.
"Is that what the prophecy really says?" Lucy asked.
"Well, it's part of it. You must learn to master three elements instead of four. You may choose three of the four elements to learn and if you master those three elements you wish to learn, I'm sure you'll be as great as Aang or maybe even better." Bumi said as he motions for a guard to approach. The guard was carrying a chest and Bumi opened it, showing Lucy the key she and Aang had to retrieve from the waterfall.
"This chest contains a Celestial Gate Key. Keys like this can summon Zodiac Celestial Spirits. These Zodiac Celestial Spirits are as powerful as the Celestial Spirits you summon and they have amazing powers that can be very useful to you during your quest and you'll be able to find and earn more like this one during your journey. Use them well. And remember, like Aang, when you face Fire Lord Ozai, be sure to think like a mad genius as well." Bumi said.
"Thank you, King Bumi." Lucy said as she clasped her hands together and bowed before taking the bronze Zodiac Celestial Key.
"Another thing. You two are not alone either. Your friends are more help to you than you'll ever know. You'll need them to help you fight against the Fire Nation as they need you too." Bumi said as Momo jumped on Aang's shoulder.
"You'll need Momo too." He added.
"Thank you for your wisdom King Bumi. Now I have a challenge for you." Aang said.
In the city Aang and Bumi ride down a cart. They laughed and cheered as they relived the good old days until they crashed into the cabbage merchant's cabbage cart.
"My cabbages!" The merchant cried.
"Sounds like they're having fun." Katara pointed out.
"TOO much fun." Gray replied.
"I'll admit, even though Bumi is crazy, he's very wise and if what he said is right about me mastering those three elements I'll have to choose to learn, then I guess 
I should get to that." Lucy said.
"So what elements are you going to learn?" Katara asked.
"I'll probably learn Airbending, Waterbending and...I'm not sure about the third one." Lucy answered.
"In that case, when we get to the North Pole, you can learn Waterbending along with Aang and Katara." Sokka suggested.
"Yeah and I'm sure Aang would be more than happy to teach you Airbending." Natsu pointed out.
"Yeah." Lucy said. Then they hear another noise and see smoke rising in the air as they shake their heads.
"Oh Aang...what am I gonna do with you?" Lucy asked herself before smiling.