Young Celestial Wizard [Celestial Grimoire, Harry Potter]

ATLA Universe, Sun Warrior Ruins

Avatar Timeline: 98 AG (After Genocide), 1 year before Aang's awakening

Universal Time: September 27th, 1988

Time until Elder Blood Teleportation is available: November 26th, 1988

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The darkness pressed against Harry's senses until light burst through, blinding him. Wind rushed past as he fell, and his stomach lurched from the sudden drop. He crashed onto cracked stone tiles, landing in a crouch so that his enhanced body could easily absorb the impact.

The intense heat surrounded him, the air heavy and wet, nothing like France's milder climate. Harry blinked rapidly to clear his vision while his heart hammered in his chest.

Right. First priority.

Harry drew back his power and relevance deep inside himself until barely a whisper remained. His halo dimmed and vanished as he pushed everything down. Who knew what mighty beings might exist in this world? Better to stay hidden until he understood where he was.

A worried meow made him turn his head. Chrysa stood a few feet away, panting slightly from the sudden heat.

"I'm okay." Harry's fingers found her mane. "Just a rough landing." He looked around, taking in their surroundings. "We need to figure out where we are..."

What he saw made him pause. Two large barriers of stone blocks reached skyward, reaching twenty feet high. Time had worn the gray walls, leaving gaps where tree roots pushed through the mortar. Green vines spilled down the eroded faces. The path itself ran straight as an arrow, vanishing into the distance both ahead and behind them.

"Reminds me of those Mayan ruins we visited with Uncle Nick and Aunt Nelle." Harry ran his fingers along the nearest wall, grimacing at the slimy moss. "But something feels different about this place."

Chrysa bumped her head against his leg and made an inquisitive sound.

"Yeah, we should try going back." Harry closed his eyes and reached for that vast structure he'd felt before - the omniverse itself. Unknown instincts guided him as he attempted to throw himself back toward home, toward the Flamel cottage...

Nothing happened. The power remained dormant, refusing to respond.

"Great." Harry opened his eyes with a frustrated sigh. "Looks like we're stuck here for now. I can feel it needs time to recharge or something." He looked down at Chrysa's concerned expression. "Don't worry, it can't be too long. Maybe a few hours?"

Chrysa's tail swished back and forth as she stared up at him.

"You're right, no point standing around." Harry squared his shoulders. "We might as well explore while we wait. Just... stay close, okay? We don't know what kind of traps or creatures might be here."

They started walking down the stone path. Harry kept his steps light, watching for any signs of danger. The oppressive heat bore down on them, and his damp clothes clung uncomfortably to his body. If they ended up stranded here, food wouldn't be their main concern. He could survive on minimal sustenance, and the graphorn in his pokeball could serve as an emergency food source for them.

Water would be the real problem in this heat. Harry wiped sweat from his forehead and glanced at Chrysa. She padded along beside him, golden fur already darkened with moisture.

"We'll need to find shade soon." Harry kept his voice low. The empty ruins felt wrong somehow, like they shouldn't be this quiet. "And water. Your fur must be-"

His foot caught on something. A tiny black rope stretched across the path, barely visible against the stone. Harry's eyes widened as the ground ahead dropped away, revealing rows of sharp metal spikes below.

Pure instinct took over. Harry threw his head back and let out a blast of solidified fire from his mouth. The force slammed him backward while azure flames roared forward, melting the black spikes into slag. He landed hard on his back, the impact driving the air from his lungs.

Chrysa was on him in an instant, nose pressed against his face as she made worried sounds.

"I'm fine." Harry pushed himself up, heart still racing. "Just surprised me." He crawled forward carefully and peered down into the pit. "What kind of place is this? Those weren't normal spikes - they looked like they were made from some kind of black metal."

A low growl rumbled in Chrysa's throat as she stared at the remains of the trap.

"Yeah, we need to be more careful." Harry stood up slowly, brushing dust from his clothes. "No more walking around blindly…"

The heat pressed down even harder now, making it difficult to think clearly. Harry shielded his eyes and looked ahead. The stone passage opened into a wider area, and he could see the edges of what looked like ruined buildings.

"Come on." He gestured for Chrysa to follow. "Let's see what's at the end of this death trap. Just... watch where you step."

Harry took two steps forward before stopping abruptly. He smacked his forehead with an open palm. "I'm an idiot." Sweat dripped down his neck, soaking into the thick fabric of his robes. "No wonder I'm dying from this heat."

Chrysa tilted her head and made an inquiring sound.

"These robes." Harry pulled at the heavy material. "I still have my muggle clothes from visiting the Dursleys in my pouch." He reached for the enchanted bag at his belt. "Jeans and a t-shirt will be much better in this weather."

A quick rummage through the pouch produced the familiar clothes. Harry leaned against the wall, keeping his voice low as he changed. "Keep watch, will you? I don't fancy getting ambushed with my robes around my ankles."

Chrysa snorted but turned to keep her eyes on both sides of the path, ears perked forward and alert.

The difference was immediate once Harry pulled on the lighter clothing. The cotton t-shirt let his skin breathe, and even the jeans felt cooler than the stifling robes. He stuffed the wadded-up robes into his pouch and continued walking.

"Much better." Harry rolled his shoulders, enjoying the freedom of movement. "Now maybe I can actually think straight without my brain melting."

They continued forward more carefully this time, watching for any sign of additional traps. The passage gradually widened until the walls fell away completely, opening into what must have been a city square.

Harry stopped at the edge of the open space, mouth falling open slightly. "Well... this is something else."

Broken pillars rose from cracked stone tiles, some still standing thirty feet tall while others lay shattered across the ground. Beyond them stood the ruins of what must have been magnificent buildings, their walls weathered but still bearing traces of red and gold paint. Trees grew through empty windows, branches reaching out like grasping fingers.

But what drew Harry's eye was the massive structure directly ahead. A stepped pyramid rose into the sky, each level smaller than the last until it reached a flat platform far above. The stone blocks were massive - each one larger than Harry himself.

"That's bigger than the ones we saw in South America." Harry shaded his eyes, trying to count the levels. "Must be at least two hundred feet high."

Chrysa growled softly, and Harry followed her gaze to their right. A huge stone wall stretched along one side of the square, covered in carved figures that had somehow survived the centuries. When they drew closer, Harry could make out more details.

"Dragons?" He squinted at the mural. Two great serpentine forms curved around a central figure, their stone mouths open in eternal roars. The human figure between them stood with arms raised, flames hovering above both palms to join with the dragons' breath.

Chrysa padded forward to sniff at the base of the wall before looking back at Harry with questioning eyes.

"I don't know what it means either." Harry ran his fingers over the carved flames. "But whatever civilization built this place loved fire..." He glanced around the empty square. "The question is - what do we do now?"

Harry wiped more sweat from his forehead and looked up at the bright blue sky. They needed to get their bearings, but wandering around on foot seemed risky after that spike trap.

"Maybe we should try a different approach." Harry turned to Chrysa. "The view from above might help us understand this place better. But..." He frowned, crossing his arms. "I don't want to draw attention if there's anything dangerous up there."

Chrysa bumped her head against his leg and made an encouraging sound.

"You're right." Harry smiled down at her. "We can't just stand here forever. And you'll need to go in your ball while I fly - I don't want us getting separated if something goes wrong."

He pulled out the Premier Ball, expanding it to full size. "Ready for a quick rest?"

Chrysa nodded, and red light surrounded her body. Through their familiar bond, Harry felt her settle into the comfortable space inside the sphere. He clipped it securely to his belt before taking a deep breath.

"Here goes nothing."

Bones shifted and hollowed while feathers sprouted across his body. He spread his wings wide, testing the air currents.

The thermals rising from the sun-heated stones made taking off simple. A few powerful wing beats carried him above the ruined buildings. Higher and higher he flew until he could see the full extent of the ancient city.

The view stole his breath away. The ruins spread across an entire valley, bordered by green mountains that rose like walls in every direction. Hundreds of stone buildings stretched out below him, bleached nearly white by countless years of sun. The massive pyramid dominated the center, but smaller temples and what must have been homes filled the spaces between. Trees and vines claimed much of the ground, breaking up the pale stone with patches of deep green.

Harry banked left, riding another thermal even higher. From this altitude, he could see how the buildings followed careful lines, creating wide avenues that radiated out from the central pyramid like spokes on a wheel. Many structures had completely collapsed, leaving only scattered blocks to mark where they once stood. Others remained surprisingly intact…

Movement caught his eye - something glinted in one of the distant mountains. Harry turned his head, sharp eagle vision focusing on the flash of... metal? He flew closer, careful to maintain his height.

There! Nestled deep into the mountains was what looked like a village. Smoke rose from several points, and he could just make out people moving between buildings that shared the same architectural style as the ruins below.

Harry's heart beat faster. People meant answers about where they were. But... he couldn't just swoop down and transform back. What language would they speak? How would they react to a stranger appearing in these ruins?

He needed more information first. Harry glided toward the village, searching for a good observation point. A small building near the edge had a flat roof partially hidden by overhanging trees - perfect. He descended carefully, talons gripping the stone as he landed.

Now all he had to do was listen and learn...

Voices drifted up from the street below. Harry settled into a more comfortable position, grateful for the shade from the overhanging branches.

The words he overheard gradually became clearer as his mind pieced together meaning and context. Two women walked past, discussing plans for a festival next month. A group of children chased each other down the street while an old man yelled at them to be more respectful near the temple.

After an hour, Harry understood enough to follow most conversations. The people below spoke with formal cadence, using many traditional phrases and honorifics. They talked about daily life - cooking, training, ceremonies - but also mentioned guardians and ancient duties that meant little without context.

Names drifted up as people called to each other. Itzali shouted for his son Necalli to come home. Yaretzi haggled with Acat over the price of woven cloth. Metztli scolded young Teyacapan for climbing the sacred statues again.

The heat grew more intense as the sun climbed higher. Harry shifted position, careful to stay hidden in the shadows of the branches. The stone roof burned against his talons even through the shade.

More voices approached - two men discussing guard rotations. Harry caught mentions of watching the ruins, keeping outsiders away, protecting something they called the sacred relic. But without seeing their gestures or understanding the context, much of the meaning remained unclear.

He'd learned enough. Time to find a safe spot to transform back and approach properly. Harry spread his wings and took off, staying close to the treetops until he reached the outskirts of the village. A secluded clearing between massive boulders provided good cover.

Harry transformed back, steadied himself against one of the rocks and pulled out the Premier Ball.

"Sorry about the wait." He released Chrysa, who stretched and shook herself before bumping her head against his leg. "I found people living in the mountains. They speak differently than anyone I've met, but I can understand them now."

Chrysa tilted her head and made an inquiring sound.

"They seem... formal. Traditional." Harry ran fingers through his messy hair, trying to tame it. "And very concerned about protecting these ruins. We should probably introduce ourselves before they find us wandering around."

He straightened his t-shirt and checked that his belt with the pouches sat properly. "Ready to meet some locals? Just... stay close. They might not be used to seeing Nemean Lions."

Chrysa huffed and lifted her head proudly, making Harry laugh.

"Yes, yes, you're very impressive." He started walking toward the village path. "Let's just try not to start any fights, okay?"

The path wound upward between big stones, leading toward the village gates. Harry noticed more signs of habitation as they climbed - worn smooth patches in the rock from countless footsteps, carefully maintained stairs cut into steeper sections.

"They'll probably spot us soon." Harry kept his voice low. The sound of drums echoed from somewhere in the village. "And I stick out like a sore thumb here."

Chrysa made a questioning sound.

"Everyone I saw had brown skin and a different facial structure." Harry gestured at his pale complexion. "I look... very different." He tugged at his messy black hair. "At least my clothes are relatively plain, even if it's nothing like theirs. Better than showing up in robes that are not at all suitable for this climate."

The drums grew louder as they rounded another bend. The village gates came into view - tall wooden doors set into the mountain rock. Two guards stood at attention, wearing red and gold cloth wrapped around muscled frames. Both carried spears and wore elaborate headdresses that made them seem even taller.

The guards spotted them immediately. Both men stiffened, spears lowering to point at Harry and Chrysa. The taller guard barked out a command.

"Halt! How did you discover this place?"

Harry raised his hands slowly, keeping them visible and away from his belt. "I mean no harm." He spoke carefully in their language. "I found myself in the ruins below and sought out signs of civilization."

The shorter guard stepped forward, spear still ready. "Your skin... I have never heard of anyone so pale." His eyes narrowed. "Where do you come from?"

"Far away." Harry kept his voice steady. "Very far away. I'm... somewhat lost." Not technically a lie. He glanced at the spears still pointed at them. "I'd prefer to explain to whoever leads your people, if possible."

Chrysa stayed pressed against his leg, watching the guards with alert eyes but making no aggressive moves. The taller guard stared at her.

"What manner of beast is that?"

"This is Chrysa." Harry placed one hand on her head. "She's my companion. Well-trained and no threat unless attacked first."

The taller guard's eyes narrowed. "You claim to be lost, yet these waters are isolated. No ships pass within sight of our shores." He stepped forward, muscles tensed. "Where is your boat? How did you reach this island?"

Harry kept his hands visible. "I... appeared in the ruins. I know that sounds impossible-"

"Appeared?" The shorter guard spat the word. "You expect us to believe you appeared from thin air?" He jabbed his spear forward. "Speak truth! Who sent you to spy on our sacred grounds?"

"No one sent me." Harry stayed still, feeling Chrysa's muscles bunch against his leg. He squeezed her scruff gently - a signal to stay calm. "I understand your suspicion, but I truly mean no harm. I simply seek answers about where I am."

The guards exchanged glances. The taller one raised his spear toward the sky and struck the butt against the ground three times. The sound echoed off the mountain walls.

More guards emerged from the village gates, all wearing similar red and gold wrappings. They moved quickly, surrounding Harry and Chrysa in a wide circle. Each held a spear at ready position.

An older man pushed through the circle. His headdress rose higher than the others, gold and red feathers swaying as he walked. Face paint marked his features - red lines that resembled flames across his cheeks and forehead.

"I am Huemac." The man spoke with authority. "Chief of the Sun Warrior tribe." He studied Harry with sharp eyes. "Explain your presence here. And choose your words with care."

Harry met the chief's gaze. "My name is Harry Potter. I found myself in your ruins and I don't understand why I'm here. I assure you I'm not a spy or a threat - just someone very far from home trying to make sense of my situation."

"You expect me to believe such tales?" Huemac's voice hardened. "No one simply appears on our shores. The waters around this island kill any who dare approach without proper knowledge of the currents." He gestured at Harry's clothes. "Your manner of dress is unlike anything in our lands. Your skin alone marks you as a foreigner not just to this island but to all we know. And that beast..." He pointed at Chrysa. "I have never seen nor heard of such a creature in all my years."

Harry felt frustration building in his chest. The spears hadn't wavered, and more guards had appeared at the gates.

"What must I do to prove I mean no harm?" Harry spread his hands wide. "I understand your suspicion. I look different, dress different, and appeared from nowhere with a golden lion at my side." He met Huemac's stern gaze. "But I speak truth - I'm lost and seeking answers. Nothing more."

Chrysa pressed closer against his leg, a low rumble building in her throat. Harry squeezed her scruff again.

"Easy girl," he whispered. "Let me handle this."

Huemac stepped forward, the feathers of his headdress swaying in the hot breeze. "You claim to seek answers." His eyes narrowed. "Yet you stand in our village without permission. These grounds have remained secret for thousands of years." He raised one hand, and the circle of guards tightened. "Why should we not throw you in our deepest cells until you reveal your true purpose?"

"Because I'm telling the truth!" Harry clenched his fists, then forced them to relax. Getting angry wouldn't help. "Look, I'll submit to whatever test you require. I'll answer any question as honestly as I can." He gestured at the spears surrounding them. "But threatening me won't change the facts - I appeared in your ruins without intending to."

"Chief, he must be lying! Our lands-" A younger guard stepped forward, but Huemac's sharp voice cut through the air.

"Silence, Necalli!"

The guard retreated, head bowed. For a moment, only the whisper of wind filled the tense silence. Though the circle of spears remained steady, Huemac's expression shifted from open hostility to something more considering.

"Tell me, stranger." Huemac stepped closer. "Are you a bender?"

Harry blinked, caught completely off guard by the question. Bender? These people were benders? Then... were they firebenders like him? Had he somehow landed in a world full of people who could bend the elements?

"…yes, I am." Harry raised his right hand slowly, palm up. Azure flames crackled to life above his skin.

Gasps erupted from the circle. Several guards stepped back, spears wavering. Even Huemac's eyes widened as he stared at the blue fire.

"Impossible..." The chief leaned forward. "We've never seen anyone produce flames of such color..." He gestured at a nearby guard. "Necalli!"

The young guard who had spoken out of turn stepped forward. He thrust his palm outward, and orange flames burst forth.

"How do you create such flames?" Huemac demanded.

Harry closed his fist, extinguishing the azure fire. "It comes naturally to me." No need to explain about the offers or the natural balance between Yin and Yang. Some techniques were better kept private, especially since he didn't really know these people.

But still, to think there was a whole society of firebenders hidden away on this island... Did that mean there were airbenders, waterbenders and earthbenders in this world as well? The offer had mentioned them, so they must exist, right?

Huemac paced in a small circle, feathers swaying with each step. The gathered warriors watched their chief in silence. Finally, he stopped and faced Harry again.

"There may be a way to prove your intentions." Huemac said quietly. "If you truly seek knowledge, if your heart holds no deception..." He pointed toward two mountains connected by a bridge in the distance. "Face the test of the Masters. Should you pass, we will know your spirit is pure."

Harry frowned slightly. "What kind of test?"

"Follow me." Huemac turned toward the massive pyramid. He motioned to four warriors who stepped out of the circle. "Necalli, Itzali, Metztli, Acat - come."

The spear-wielding guards parted to create a path. Harry walked forward with Chrysa close to his side, the four chosen warriors falling into step behind them.

"First, you must prove worthy of the Masters' judgment." Huemac led them through the village. People stopped to stare as they passed, mothers pulling children inside while others whispered behind raised hands. "At the top of the great pyramid burns the Eternal Flame - a gift from the first Masters to our people."

After fifteen minutes, they reached the base of the pyramid. Harry craned his neck back, counting at least a hundred steep stone steps leading to the summit.

"The Eternal Flame has burned for thousands of years." Huemac said. "From this sacred fire, you must take a portion to present to the Masters."

Chrysa jumped up the steps beside Harry, showing no sign of fatigue. The warriors behind them breathed heavily in the thick air, but kept pace.

"If the Masters judge you worthy..." Huemac paused on a wide platform halfway up. "You will live. If not..." He left the threat unspoken.

Harry nodded slowly. "These Masters - who are they?"

Huemac simply continued climbing.

They reached the summit, and his eyes widened when he saw what waited at the top.

A massive flame roared within an decorated stone gate, reaching higher than Harry stood tall. The heat pushed against his face even from twenty feet away. The fire burned with a pure orange-gold color that reminded Harry of sunrise.

Huemac approached the Eternal Flame and twisted his body as he swiped away a small portion away from the main blaze. The fire hovered above his palms, perfectly controlled.

"You must maintain constant heat." Huemac turned to face Harry. "Make the flame too small and it will die. Too large and you will lose control." His eyes narrowed. "Both mean failure."

Harry nodded, stepping forward with hands raised. Huemac carefully passed the flame across the gap between them. The fire settled into Harry's palms.

"The Masters await your arrival." Huemac pointed toward the distant mountains. "We will keep watch."

"Come on, Chrysa." Harry spoke softly in English, not taking his eyes off this 'Eternal Flame'. "Let's go meet these Masters." He glanced at the distant mountains connected by that stone bridge. The path looked long, and the sun still beat down mercilessly.

Chrysa pressed against his leg and made a concerned sound.

"I know." Harry kept the flame burning steadily. "But we don't have much choice. These people won't trust us until we pass this test." He looked back at Huemac. "And we need to know more about this world…"

oo0ooOoo0oo

Poll is over. Fire Nation – Sun Warriors and Time Period – Quiet period (98 AG) won.

Places:

1. Fire Nation – Sun Warriors (QQ: 431, SB: 68, SV: 30) – Total: 529

2. Fire Nation – Capital (QQ: 308, SB: 31, SV: 4) – Total: 343

3. Earth Kingdom – Gaoling (QQ: 204, SB: 18, SV: 5) – Total: 227

4. Southern Water Tribe – Discover Aang with Katara and Sokka (QQ: 124, SB: 20, SV: 14) – Total: 158

5. Earth Kingdom – Save occupied village from Earth Soldiers (QQ: 74, SB: 20, SV: 4) – Total: 98

6. Earth Kingdom – Jeong Jeong's camp (QQ: 30, SB: 11, SV: 4) – Total: 45

7. Earth Kingdom – Omashu (QQ: 27, SB: 11, SV: 4) – Total: 42

Time Periods:

1. Time Period – Quiet period - 98 AG (QQ: 293, SB: 56, SV: 14) – Total: 363

2. Time Period – Aang broke out of iceberg - 99 AG (QQ: 118, SB: 29, SV: 13) – Total: 160

3. Time Period – Aang is mid-journey – 99.7 AG (QQ: 119, SB: 16, SV: 3) – Total: 138