Author's Note: It's been a long time since I've written. Years, as a matter of fact. I can't say why. I suppose I just lost interest, but that's not the case anymore. I've found new inspiration in a cartoon, of all things, that airs on Nickelodeon. I never saw it coming, but then again, I never expected Avatar to be such a great series. It had very well thought out characters that developed as the story line progressed, along with some of the best couple romances I've ever come across. Avatar was something special...and it's reawakened my desire to write. So here it is! My first Avatar fanfiction. I hope you all enjoy!
Chapter 1 - Aftermath
The wind whirled viciously, tearing across the landscape in destructive gales as Aang soared through the brilliant, erubescent sky. The young boy's battle with Ozai had been epic. He and the Fire Lord waged a historic conflict within the confines of a desolate, lifeless canyon on the outskirts of the Earth Kingdom. Although Aang's advantage in terms of bending expertise was evident from the first blow, his hesitance to actually take his adversary's life had been severly crippling. Ozai, however, was a fiend that never knew such reservations. Every strike had been thrown with bad intentions, and soon...Aang was overwhelmed. On the receiving end of the empowered Fire Lords' might, Aang's defenses were broken.
By pure chance or fate, however, the odds that increasingly stacked against him suddenly turned in his favor. The Avatar state had been triggered by an accidental blow to the scar on his back, unlocking the seventh chakra that Azula's cunning had left sealed and inaccessible. The strength of the Avatar State empowered him, but as the sensation flooded through his veins, Aang found that another accompanied it.
"We will take it from here, Aang."
Roku's voice echoed within the sanctity of Aang's mind. Before the monk had the opportunity to respond, he felt what could only be described as a powerful "tug" on his spirit. All connection to his physical body was severed, rendering him incapable of controlling it even though he could still see out of his own eyes. He knew immediately that the Avatars before him were responsible. They were taking him over.
As the battle progressed from that point, the scales were soon tilted considerably in the Avatar's favor. The power wielded by the said state was truly a sight to behold. All four of the elements were bended effortlessly by the will of the spirits and laid atop each other, forming a protective cocoon of swirling energy around Aang's body.
The self-proclaimed "Pheonix King" was soon forced on the defensive. Even with the might endowed upon him by Sozin's Comet, he was incapable of resisting the transcendental powers of his adversary. The Avatar State was overwhelming - the extent of its' power was something Ozai could never have foreseen. Helpless, he ran for his life. Evading the onslaught of attacks was all he could do to stay alive. He narrowly evaded every blast of fire, wind, water or earth by a hair's breath.
Ozai knew he could not maintain the pace for much longer. He was becoming increasingly weaker. His body was pushed well beyond its limits, and every minute Aang's attacks got closer and his reactions got slower; It was only a matter of time...
Suddenly, the former Fire Lord felt a strong, wet grip ensnare his left ankle. He yelled out in surprise as he was yanked to a halt, his frantic eyes falling upon the whip of water that was coiled around his leg. The Avatar immediately willed the elemental appendage to ascend, pulling his helpless nemesis into an upward spiral that disoriented his senses.
Ozai was hurled downwards effortlessly. He came crashing towards the earth, slamming viciously against the surface of a protruding pillar of rock. He cried out in agony as pain lanced up his spine.
The Avatars that possessed Aang's body dispelled the elemental attack once the damage was done. They knew the man was no longer a threat to them...or the world.
Now...it was time to guarantee he would never have the opportunity to become one again.
The earth was bended around Ozai's wrists and ankles, fastening him securely against the surface of the rock and rendering him immobile. Aang hovered ominously over his now defenseless opponent.
"Fire Lord Ozai", came the distorted voices of all the previous Avatar's, speaking in perfect unity through Aang's lips, "You and your forefathers have devastated the balance of this world. For that, you will pay the ultimate price!"
No! Please! We don't have to kill him, yelled Aang as he battled internally for control over his own body. He struggled and thrashed against the will of his former lives, but he was overpowered. He was no match for the combined strength of all the Avatar's before him. They all were adamantly set on one outcome only.
"Please understand, Aang," Roku spoke. "The Fire Lord is too dangerous to be left alive. Even IF you were able to energy bend Ozai, he is symbolic of a way of life that many will continue to perceive as righteous. He would only rise as a threat again."
Please! It doesn't have to be like this!
"This should never have been your burden to bare, Aang. You are too young - too inexperienced - to grasp the importance of this. We will not plague you with this...necessary...deed any longer." Roku's voice became increasingly more solemn and regretful. "We Avatars will do what we must for the good of the world. Just know, Aang...that for all of this...we are sorry."
The Avatar lifted his right arm, calling upon the elements and concentrating them into a violent, swirling mass at his fingertips. He then condensed the said mass, focusing it into a smaller beam of natural energy that rocketed upwards. It hurled into the sky, towering over the surrounding rock formations, where it tarried for only a moment...before it came crashing down.
Don't do it, Aang cried out.
Ozai stared at the descending beam in terror. He fought and tugged against his restraints, desperately attempting to escape, but he couldn't break free. In the end, Ozai he could only shut his eyes - helpless to do naught but embrace his quickly approaching demise.
Stop, Aang bellowed once more.
The air was peirced by the fallen Fire Lord's scream...and then...the Pheonix King was no more. The war was over.
The Avatar...had won.
"Aang!"
Katara awoke in bed with a start. She panted heavily as she placed a hand comfortingly against her chest, trying to still her racing heart. There was no stopping the horrible feeling in her gut. What startled her wasn't a nightmare. She was forced awake by what she could only describe as a sensation, a terrible foreboding that something had gone terribly wrong and it involved Aang.
The water bender bit her bottom lip, forcing the horrible images that popped into her head away. She couldn't think like that, no matter what. She wouldn't accept Aang losing. Such thoughts didn't change the fact, however, that the possibility remained.
Katara cast her gaze around the room. She was in one of the chambers in the castle of the Fire Nation Capital. Approximately a day had passed since it was re-captured. The painstakingly arduous confrontation with Azula was nothing but a memory, albeit a fresh one, in the back of her mind. The dethroned Fire Lord was now contained in the securest part of the dungeon, where she would remain for what Katara expected to be a long time. Zuko would soon take her place as the rightful heir.
Katara had to admit...it was one hell of a ride.
She shrugged off the smothering blankets, sitting upright as she swung her feet over the edge of the mattress. She placed them on the cool floor and stood up, stepping towards a mirror that was placed in one of the corners of the large chamber. The water bender situated herself on the stool in front of it.
As Katara stared at her reflection, she immediately thought again of Aang. The wrench in her heart had remained consistent with every time she would think of him, resurrecting the fears that she struggled to deny.
Aang won, she thought, trying to reassure herself. I know he did! There is no way that he would lose. He's the Avatar!
Still...even the Avatar wasn't immortal.
An abrupt knock emanated from the other side of her chamber door, snapping her out of thought.
"Katara," arose Zuko's muffled voice. "Are you awake?"
"Come in," Katara responded.
The too-be-crowned Fire Lord entered with her consent, stepping into the expansive room and gently shutting the door behind him. Garnished in royal black and red colors, he truly assumed the image of the prince that he was; it was something Katara couldn't help but note as he approached her with a warm smile.
It was just another reminder of how things had changed.
"Are you sure you're feeling well enough to be up and about?" Katara inquired teasingly, returning the smile.
"Ha ha." Zuko's tone dripped with sarcastic humor as he rolled his eyes. "It's not all that deep," he asserted. "You act like I got struck by a lightning bolt or something."
"Maybe it's because you did!"
After indulging in a moment of laughter with Katara, Zuko's demeanor suddenly fell solemn as his lips set in a firm line. "Anyway," he started, "I came here for a reason."
Immediately, her laughter stopped. Her expression hardened, but her eyes shimmered with evident concern. She was trying to brace herself, but her soul felt like it would shatter with just one wrong word from the man.
"We've received news..."
"Tell me Aang didn't..." Katara suddenly interrupted, her voice weak with desperation as she made an attempt to stand up.
Zuko, however, forced her back down gently.
"Easy, easy. Relax," he said, trying to calm her as he squeezed her shoulders reassuringly. He could plainly perceive the harm that both her worry and exhaustion had wrought on her features. He knew she was close to her breaking point. "Aang won," Zuko stated. "The war is over. He did it."
It felt like a ten ton weight had been lifted off of Katara's heart. She sighed heavily with relief. She was so elated to her that she couldn't stop her eyes from watering with tears.
"Thank the spirits..."
He's alive! He won, She thought to herself as she closed her eyes. I was worried over nothing.
If that was the case, however...why did something still feel off?
"Sokka and the others commandeered one of the Fire Nation airships during the fray," Zuko began to explain," and are on route as we speak. We can estimate their arrival to be a little over an hour at the most. I just wanted to personally inform you. So get ready and ask one of the guards to escort you the landing grounds. We'll be there to welcome everyone back as soon as they touch down."
He turned and made a move towards the door, but was halted in his tracks by Katara.
"Wait," she started, causing Zuko to turn back to her. "Was...there anything else about-"
"Aang?"
She couldn't help but blush. Was she that readable?
"...Y-yes, but the others too," the water bender stammered, averting her gaze in embarrassment.
"There's not much I can tell you," he began. "The message wasn't very detailed. All it said about him was that he had won. Nothing else. As for your brother and friends, they're fine as well. Sokka was the one who sent the message."
"That's great," Katara exclaimed, elated to hear that her brother was fine well. She had been so terrified that they all may not make it back alive, yet somehow...they had. Somehow, they had rose up against the insurmountable odds...and prevailed. That didn't mean, however, that no one had been injured. "Everyone's okay," she stated, more so to herself than anyone. "That's all that matters. I just...can't help but worry about Aang."
Zuko regarded her with a sympathetic expression. "You really care for him."
"Yeah," she confessed. "I do."
"Well, like I said. I'm sure he's okay. They would have reported it if Aang was seriously injured," Zuko declared. "Trust me. He's just fine."
Katara nodded, appreciating his emotional support. "Okay. Thank you, Zuko."
He returned her nod as he went to leave. "I'll see you at the landing grounds."
"Till then," she responded as he exited the room, leaving her alone to her thoughts.
Aang...Katara thought as she lowered her head, clutching her mother's necklace. Why do I feel like something just isn't right?
The hours came and went by so slowly to Katara that it was nothing short of torture. She had immediately dressed and sought out with her escort towards the landing grounds, which involved a long walk down a long path that led to an open field on the outskirts of the Fire Nation Capital. Zuko, along with Mai and a handful of guards were already there waiting.
So when Katara's ears heard the steadily increasing hum of an engine break the silence, her eyes immediately shot to the sky just in time to see an airship descend from the clouds. Her heart nearly shot out of her throat. Finally, the waiting was over.
The massive airship lowered itself to the ground a couple of hundred feet away from where they stood. Katara didn't waste time getting to it, as she practically sprinted the whole way there. A ramp lowered from the back of the aircraft. Shortly after, Sokka, Suki and Toph emerged to greet her.
Only Sokka, Suki and Toph...
Her heart wrenched as she didn't see Aang.
He's probably just inside the ship, she told herself. It's to be expected that he'd be worn out. He DID just battle Ozai.
The water bender threw herself at her brother when she was close enough, wrapping her arms around him and holding him tightly. A lone tear fell from her right eye as she smiled against his shoulder.
"Hey! Hey! Easy," Sokka moaned as he was almost knocked on his rear. "Do you not see the broken, bandaged up leg?" he inquired as he gestured to his right leg with an annoyed expression. "I'm crippled here!"
"Oh! Sorry," Katara exclaimed as she pulled away from him. She smiled softly. "It's good to see you didn't get yourself killed, idiot," Katara said jokingly."I was really worried about you, Sokka."
"Hey! There is no way any evil Fire Nation douchebags are going to take ME down," the Water Tribe warrior stated.
"You looked like you were having a little bit of trouble with those douchebags yesterday," Toph laughed. "How many close calls did you have again?"
Sokka jumped to defend himself. "Who was it that saved who from falling again?"
"Yeah, you did keep me from falling," Toph conceded, " but it was Suki who saved us both. Without her, neither of us would be standing here right now."
Suki blushed lightly. "Umm...I didn't do all that much," she said modestly.
"Don't be humble, girl," the blind earth bender asserted. "You deserve all the credit."
As Katara stood there, she felt so relieved to know that everyone survived, but what ailed her was the fact that...not everyone was present. When it got to the point that she couldn't contain it any longer, she had to ask.
"So...where's Aang?"
Instantly, the expressions on all three of their faces darkened, their lips setting in a firm line.
Her heart immediately dropped. The feeling that had been present inside her roared to life, wrenching her chest with pain. Katara desperately clutched at Sokka's tunic, her eyes pleading with him as she spoke in a shaky voice, "Sokka, what happened to Aang?"
Sokka scratched the back of his head. "Well...look...Aang's alive. He's inside the ship."
"And?" she pressed.
"He's..." her brother seemed to struggle with his words. "He didn't react...well...after the battle."
Katara swallowed, frowning as she grew impatient with his vagueness. "Sokka!" she snapped.
"Twinkletoes...killed the Fire Lord," Toph interjected suddenly.
Realization dawned on Katara. Aang had killed a man. He had struggled for so long with the decision, and had taken every measure he could to prevent it, but she suspected it all along that it was inevitable. Still, he was too young to take a life.
He must be struggling with it, she thought.
"I'm going to see him," Katara declared firmly as she tried to move past her brother, only to be stopped as he stuck his arm out in front of her.
"Wait, Katara," Sokka exclaimed.
"Let me go, Sokka," the water bender said in a threatening voice. "I'm going to see Aang."
"Listen...he's not doing well. You don't know the full story."
"I don't care!" she asserted, forcefully pushing her brother's arm up over head and walking briskly up the ramp.
Sokka made a motion to pursue her, but was quickly halted in his tracks by a sting in his leg. "Ah! Wait! Katara," he called, but she didn't respond. She vanished inside the airship a few seconds later.
"Just let her go, Sokka," Suki said as she placed a hand on his shoulder.
"She needs to see for herself. If anyone can help Twinkletoes, it's her," Toph declared as she crossed her arms.
"I know," Sokka admitted, his expression downcast. "Still...she wasn't there like we were. She didn't see how Aang reacted. How will she respond once she sees the kind of shape he's in?"
"Well, Zuko's coming, so let's just leave Katara to it," Suki suggested as she spotted the man approaching them with his escorts. "She's the best qualified to handle Aang."
"Yeah," Sokka agreed. "I just know this is going to hurt her..."
It took only a quick question and a quick answer from one of the workers for Katara to wind up outside of the room Aang resided in. She stood motionless before the door for several seconds, apprehensive over what she would see when she walked in. Sokka's words haunted her.
"Listen...he's not doing well. You don't know the whole story!"
What had he meant by that?
What could possibly be so wrong?
She swallowed her fears, approaching the door and placing her hand on the knob. She paused only for a moment, before she opened it and stepped inside.
Darkness encompassed the room when she quietly shut the door behind her. A tiny candle shivered dimly by an empty mattress. There were evident signs of someone having slept there, going by the way the covers were tossed around, but Katara didn't see any other trace of Aang...and it worried her even further.
"Aang..?" she called out uncertainly. Am I in the wrong room?
Suddenly, she caught movement in the darkness. She immediately turned to see a small figure sitting in the darkest corner of the room. Katara retrieved the candle and approached slowly.
"Aang?" The water bender called again as the light illuminated the boy's features.
Katara lowered herself to her knees beside him, having not seen him even motion to answer her. She laid a hand gently on his shoulder. "Aang, look at me."
The young Avatar had his head buried in his knees, so she couldn't see his expression. The girl couldn't see any prominent injuries on the boy's arms or legs, which made her feel relieved. She shook him softly.
Finally, he stirred. The boy moaned, lifting his head slowly as his eyes moved around the room dazedly.
She immediately sat the candle to the side, embracing the young Avatar. "Aang! I'm so glad you're alright!" She kissed his head affectionately, holding him like that for several seconds before pulling away just enough to look at him again.
It was only then she noticed how distant his eyes were.
"Aang?" Katara inquired, worry lacing her tone.
Aang portrayed nothing but a cold numbness that was painful for her to see. "Huh...?" he responded in a low, monotone voice that frightened her.
"Aang! Aang! Look at me," she cupped his face, trying to get him to focus on her. ""Look at me!" She tapped his cheeks lightly, scared and shaken by his change in demeanor. He seemed so...detached. "Snap out of it. Come back to me, Aang!"
The lifelessness in the young Avatar's eyes didn't so much as waver. The light that always shimmered in them was no where to be seen, almost like it had been...snuffed out.
Katara started to panic. She bit back a sob as concern overwhelmed her. "Aang!" she practically shrieked.
It was like she just couldn't get through to him. That was what scared her most of all. Even when he was in the Avatar State, she had always found a way to reach him. This time, however, that wasn't the case.
What was worse, she knew the reason he was in such a condition.
"Aang," Katara whimpered. "Please...it's not your fault. You did what you to do to defeat the Fire Lord."
Aang suddenly went rigid. She noticed the change in his posture, and as she watched some level of consciousness manifest in his eyes, she thought maybe he was coming out of it.
"Aan-"
Katara paused when she saw the boy begin to visibly shake. When the tears began to swell in his eyes, the pain behind them and his expression was heartbreaking. She sobbed softly, hating what he was having to go through.
She tried to soothe him as she whispered, "You did the right thing."
Katara didn't even have time to register what happened before she was shoved back. She was so taken off-guard that she immediately fell backwards, bumping her head against the floor. A sharp pain shot through her skull, but she ignored it and stood up.
Aang had never physically put his hands on her like that.
"You don't know anything!" the boy roared through his tears, startling and frightening the water bender. Just as quickly as the rage had come, it was gone, as some level of realization set in about what he had done. Sadness was soon the only thing visible in his expression. His hands clutched the side of his head as he again buried his face in his knees. His shaking worsened.
Katara didn't let his outburst get to her. He was just emotional. She approached him again, this time cautiously laying a hand on his forearm to gauge his reaction.
He made no attempt to force her away this time.
"I'm so sorry," she heard him whimper quietly. "I'm so sorry..."
"Ssh, ssh," Katara said soothingly. "It's okay. I know you didn't mean to."
Aang began to sob audibly, each cry cutting into her heart. She never wanted to see him like this, so broken. His entire way of life had been shattered by his duty to the world.
"I couldn't stop them, Katara," Aang whispered. "I couldn't...I just couldn't."
"Stop who?"
"The Avatars," he answered, his voice cracking. "I had the power to stop Ozai without killing him, but they wouldn't accept it." His voice strengthened angrily. "They used me like a puppet! They made me kill someone against my will! I HATE THEM!"
A gust of strong wind exploded from the boy's body, almost knocking Katara on her rear again. She recomposed herself quickly.
"Aang...I know you're upset, but...you can't dwell on it. You saved the world," she reminded him. "You saved all of us. Without you, we never would have won this war."
"I'll never forgive them..." He acted like he didn't hear her. "Never..."
"Aang..."
"Just leave me alone, Katara. Please..."
Tears swelled in the water bender's eyes as she looked down, wanting to protest, but unable to bring herself to do so. She didn't want to leave him alone, but for once...it didn't look like she'd be able to do much at the moment. This wasn't something a heart-to-heart conversation could rectify, as much as she hated to admit. She felt useless. Aang had done so much for her and for the world, yet in his truest moment of need, she could do nothing for him.
"Okay, Aang. I'll be back later," Katara said softly as she leaned forward, planting one last kiss on his head before standing up and turning towards the door. She cast a final, sad lasting look in his direction, before opening the door and shutting it behind her.
Out in the hall, she lingered with her back against the smooth surface of the wooden door. She inclined her head against it, her thoughts clouded with concern for Aang.
I'm so sorry...
I HATE THEM!
His words played repeatedly in her in head like a broken record. The water bender sighed, lowering her eyes sadly.
Just as she made the motion to walk away, she heard him scream.
It was a long, anguished wail that tore Katara's heart into pieces. She bit her bottom lip, unable to stop the tears that began to cascade down her cheeks as a sob rocked her shoulders. Finally, she couldn't stand it anymore. She sprinted away, trying to escape the terrible sound. She hated it.
It was something that would haunt her forever...