Prologue
Official Chicago Police Department Document.
Property of Baseilight inc. Not for reproduction, punishable under federal law.
July 23rd, 4983
Text recordings of Jeremiah Pool, found among the debris of the bunker.
March the 2nd, 4978
Many people say that the universe is vast. That much is true I suppose. But believing that it is infinite it pure nonsense. What I am about to say may be punishable or considered treason. I do in fact question what the "good" people of Baselight have been spitting at us. For I have seen the truth. It our mission to explore this galaxy, they spread the news of planets that could possibly harbor life. That the toxic we breathe everyday could in fact be a thing of the past. The already talk about how within the next hundred years we will be ferrying people to this new Earth. Oh, how the crowds rejoiced! Our children shall live, they all screamed.
But I know this to be nothing but a lie. Baselight knows they are on a sinking ship. But unlike the honorable captain, Baselight has no intention on going down with it. I have reviewed the papers, I have hacked the computer system that runs this town. They pictures they have showed us are nothing more than a cleverly computer generated image.
The facts are this; Baselight is looking for a way out. They have wrapped themselves in more lies then they can keep up with. I have come to peace with the fact that the average adult males lives to be 40. I also know that as this statistic will only go down. We are on a dying planet. Now, about Baselight. They are currently attempting to build a sort of filter that can be implanted in the throat that filters out the toxics in the air. Here's the catch, only the miserably rich can afford it.
They plan on eliminating 60% of the population. But that's just business. When I leak this to the press, I don't think they will let me live for long. But I only had about 10 years left anyway right? This was Jeremiah Pool… my only regret was living in the first place
This document is to be processed and then deleted.
Chapter 1
Peace. It was merely a few months after the fire lord had been defeated. Zuko and Aang, together as Fire lord and Avatar, had worked on settling the disputes between the nations, working on bringing peace to a world that had been burned by hatred. Together, they went from village to village, in an attempt to bring peace. For some it was easier, others were too hurt to listen. Zuko had told Aang that this would happen, but it still hurt to see their pain. They did not know that their world was about to change.
Aang had been ridding on Appa for what felt like days, but it was merely hours. Perhaps it was the anticipation of seeing his friends again; of seeing Katara again. Aang frowned and starting toying with his necklace. Zuko walks over to Aang, seeing his discomfort
"What's wrong Aang? We're seeing everyone again after these long months!"
Aang sighed, "That's the problem."
Zuko sat down beside Aang, "I don't understand."
Aang closed his eyes, "I haven't seen her since we kissed. After that day, we left. I guess I was avoiding her, but I don't know why!"
Zuko put his hand on Aang shoulder,
"I'm sure she's missed you."
Aang was cold from the wind, it felt icy and cut his face, making his tears burn as they flew into the wind.
"If she has even forgiven me. I left without saying anything! What's wrong with me?"
Zuko smiled, "She knows you have duties as the Avatar. Katara would never have asked you to stay."
Aang shrugged, "Maybe, but that doesn't mean what I did was right."
Zuko patted Aang shoulder and walked towards the back of the saddle.
They rode for most of the night, determined to reach their friends. The night was cold, and it made them weary and tired. They did not stop but only to let Appa drink. Many times they would see smoke rise from the woods, and sensed a warm home with a cozy fire. All they could was fire bend, and keep their hands warm. It was near midnight when Appa started to fall. It was a slow fall, perhaps a few feet a minute. It took Zuko nearly ten minutes to notice their altitude change. He stared off the edge and noticed he could see the nests in the trees very clearly.
"I think Appa is sleeping." He remarked as Aang awoke from a restless sleep.
Aang jumped over to Appas head and checked his eyes.
Appas eyes where hazy, and red.
Aang turned to Zuko, concerned, "We need to stop. I know we were set on getting there tonight, but Appa needs to stop for the night."
Zuko frowned, "Fine."
They lowered Appa into a bank by a river. It was an outcropping with a nice sandy beach. Zuko walked around, making sure it was a good place to sleep. The trees kept good cover, Appa could sleep under them. The river was to deep and wide for a person to swim across. If a boat were to make its way across, we would here it bank on the rocks. He could sleep with his back to the water and watch the woods.
"What are you doing?" Asked Aang as he prepared his bedding.
Zuko turned around and smiled, "I guess I'm just used to being a fugitive. I can't sleep without checking everything."
Aang smiled and stared up at the stars, "It's hard to believe that nothing is hunting me. First it was you, and then it was your sister. I always used to sleep with my staff in hand, in case."
Zuko grimaced, remembering who he used to be. It always hurt to relive those dark days.
Zuko pulled his bed off Appa and threw it on the ground.
"Let's get some sleep." He said and collapsed on the ground. He looked over and Aang was already asleep. He stared up at the stars and started counting; it helped him to sleep.
"Zuko."
Zuko awoke in a field. He turned, and Aang was gone. He reached for his swords and they weren't there. He stood up and looked around him; he wasn't at the river anymore. He was in a field of wheat. Suddenly he realized he knew this place. He turned to the north and saw his palace in the distance.
"Zuko, where are you?"
He turned around and saw a figure standing at the edge of the grass.
"Who are you?" He yelled.
"Zuko! I'm lost!"
Zuko was tired of this; he started to run towards them.
"WHO ARE YOU?" He screamed.
" Jeem'say" It spoke, then turned are ran.
Zuko awoke and screamed and unsheathed his sword. He was back at the river, it was morning. He was covered in sweat, but he was chilled. Aang was filling his canteen by the water, and turned when Zuko screamed.
"Zuko? What happened?" He inquired.
Zuko rubbed his face, and reached for his shirt.
"I was dreaming, I guess." He pulled his shirt on and sheathed his swords.
Aang walked over and threw the canteen on Appas saddle.
"That must have been some dream; I've never seen you like that."
Zuko grabbed his own canteen and started filling it.
"Me neither."
Aang jumped up on Appas saddle.
"Let's go!" He said.
Zuko smiled at the ease that Aang jumped on Appa. That's what you get for air bending the currents around you. As for Zuko, he would just have to climb up.
As he pulled himself over the saddle he remarked.
"You seem more content with all this now."
Aang smiled, "I'll just be happy to see her face, whether or not it's a scowl, or a smile."
Zuko laughed, "Well let's hope it's a smile."
Aang hung on to Appas fur tightly. He tried many times to talk to Zuko, but Zuko would only say remark quietly and continue on with his thinking. He seemed in such deep thought; Aang gave up trying to talk. He looked ahead and noticed a city in the distance.
"Zuko! We're here!" He cheered.
Zuko grinned, "Ba Sing Se, I've missed this city."
They flew over the plains speedily as the approached the outer wall of the city. A few sentries pointed and waved as the great sky bison flew over head. A loud echoing chorus of screams and cheers erupted from below.
Zuko smirked, "Well, this is a nice welcoming."
Aang smiled, "Should I give them a show?"
Zuko shrugged, "Why not? Their practically begging for it."
Aang jumped off Appa and pulled out his glider. He began to weave and spin, a wave of fire following him. He couldn't help but do this; he was living off their vibe. He jumped back and fell on Appa.
"I spelled Ba Sing Se." He spat, out of breath.
"They love that." Zuko replied, looking down on the crowd.
He was right, as loud as the people were moments ago; they were ten times louder now.
Moments later they were down in the crowd, fighting off fans.
"Aang! Thank you for saving us!"
"Zuko, you are the BEST FIRE LORD EVER!"
"Can I ride on your Sky Buffalo?"
Suddenly a louder voice broke through the crowd.
"All right, All right, leave the poor men alone."
Zuko smiled as a familiar face broke through the crowd.
"Uncle!" He said and ran out to hug him.
"My boy." Iroh said as they embraced.
The crowd dispersed as the two reinqateed
Iroh smiled and looked at the two boys.
"Everyone is waiting for us at the tea shop."
"Is-"Aang asked.
"Katara is waiting for you, just like everyone else." Iroh said and slapped Aang on the back.
As they approached the tea shop, Aang was hurting with anticipation. He was nervous and scared, but he looked over to Zuko who gave him a reassuring smile. Aang opened the door, and his feelings just fell away as he saw her. She was sitting in the corner, smiling. Their eyes met, and they started walking toward one another. The crowd seemed invisible, and they were alone.
"I've missed you Aang." She said.
Aang took her hand, "I've missed you too Katara."
He moved in and they kissed. Aang hadn't felt so happy in a long time. Moments later, they just stared into each others eyes.
"I've missed you so much." Aang said.
Katara smiled and looked down at her feet.
Suddenly Aang felt a strong bump on his arm. He turned to see Toph glaring at him.
"We're here too Twinkle toes!" She said and frowned.
Aang looked around. Sokka had his arm around Suki and they were talking to Zuko and Iroh.
Aang smiled and hugged Toph, "I've missed you too, Toph."
Toph brushed him, "Yeah, yeah whatever."
She then smiled and punched him in the shoulder again, "I guess I missed you a little."
"Hey! What about me?" Yelled Sokka, his arms crossed.
Aang ran over and hugged Sokka,
"So how was the peace making mission?" Sokka remarked, patting Aang head.
Zuko frowned, "Terrible. It was a disaster."
Katara smiled, "Come on, Zuko. It couldn't have been that bad."
"It actually was," Aang muttered, "People were so hurt, and in pain. That clouded their judgment. Zuko was chased out of tones of earth kingdom villages."
Zuko grabbed his arm, "I still have bruises from the rocks they were chucking at me."
"Did you make it to Kyoshi Island?" Suki asked, concerned.
Aang nodded, "They were willing to listen. They were one of the few."
Suki smiled, "I knew they would."
Aang smiled as well, "So what have you guys been doing this whole time?"
Sokka smiled, "I have been working on my sword play with Master Piandao."
Zuko chuckled, "Still think you could take me in a fight?"
Sokka grinned, "Any time skinny!"
Everyone laughed, and the merriment continued.
The group continued on for several hours, reminiscing of old times, telling jokes and catching up on lost time. It was nearly morning before Iroh announced he was leaving.
"I am just a poor old man who needs his sleep, continue without me." He said as he reached for his hat.
Zuko walked over and bowed, "I will see you tomorrow uncle."
Iroh smiled and hugged Zuko, "You had better."
With that he left, and Zuko turned back to the crowd. Everyone around him seemed so happy and free, he was going to miss this when he went back to the palace.
The palace.
He remembered his dream, the figure standing at the edge of the wheat field. What did it say? Something like Yeem'say, or Teem'say, he couldn't remember. He rubbed his fingers against his forehead in frustration. This was just a dream. That's all.
"Zuko? Are you okay?" Asked Toph, staring at him from across the room.
"I thought you were supposed to be blind." He said and smiled.
Toph frowned, "I could sense your feet shifting uncomfortably, are you upset?"
Zuko, "Thanks for your concern Toph, but I'm fine."
"But-"
"I'm FINE!" Zuko retorted and stomped off.
Sokka came over and stood by Toph.
"What's his problem?"
Toph frowned, "I don't know."
They watched as Zuko slammed the door and stood outside to sulk.
Katara and Aang and Suki all came up to join the Conversation.
"He's been really weird since we started making our way back."
Katara lowered her head, "I'm worried about him. He has seemed so… Off."
Sokka yawned and put his arm around Suki, "I'm sure he's fine, just give him time to blow some steam."
Sokka raised his arms, "C'mon? Not one laugh? He's a fire bender people!"
Katara frowned, "Steam comes from water, Sokka."
Sokka crossed his arms, "Just like you too ruin a good joke."
Suki grabbed his hand, "I thought it was funny Sokka."
Sokka laughed and kissed her.
Zuko sat outside the door, and grimaced. He was obviously overreacting, he regretted snapping at Toph. He regretted a lot of things; let's just add that to list. He couldn't believe he was so worked up about a dream. It was just a dream! But it felt so real; he could feel the grass under his feet. He could feel the sun beating down on his neck. He just felt like he was a kid again, running around outside his palace. Maybe that's why it was so painful to relive his dream. Or maybe it was because the voices of the figure sounding just like his mother. That's it. That was definitely it. He had once asked his father where his mother was, shortly after they had won the war. Ozai just laughed and said good luck. No matter what Zuko did, no matter what he threatened, Ozai would just laugh. He lowered his head, maybe I'm going crazy. He thought.
As he said this he noticed a tile on the ground. He picked it up and stared at it. It had the strangest writing on it, and it felt warm. It was not much bigger then his hand, and felt smooth. As he held it, he noticed it was getting warmer, and heavier. He struggled as the weight and intensity of its warmth continued. He tried taking his hand off, but it felt like the tile was becoming a part of him. He couldn't shake it off. He tried to yell for help, but his voice wouldn't find its way out of his throat. The weight of the tile pulled him down to the ground, his arms and legs would no longer move. He felt tired, and after one final effort to get up, he closed his eyes.