I don't own Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Chptr 1: If Anything Should Happen
Katara skipped through the Fire Nation village's streets. Freely. She almost could not believe it. After the gruesome four years of bloody battles between her brother, Aang, and Fire Lord Ozai, she couldn't believe it had been three years to the day that he had been defeated. She glanced back playfully at Sokka, who sent a grin back at her and ran to catch up, accidentally catching two or three people on his way through the tumultous crowd of street-goers and shop vendors.
"Come on, Sokka! You'll miss the sale on chugen gifts for Aang when he comes home next week!" she shouted as she accidentally bumped into another few people, who quickly cursed and moved on. She blushed and stopped for him when he glared as more people slammed into him. Sokka took her arm with a raised eyebrow.
"I know you're eager for Aang to come back from Omashu, but isn't this overdoing it?" he asked as she walked into a small shop that offered dozens of small trinkets. She selected at least a dozen different things, and cast a glance over at Sokka, who was playing with a small wooden boomerang.
"I wouldn't think so. I mean, poor Aang has been in the Earth Kingdom for months!" she said with sincerity playing in her innocent blue eyes. She snatched another bright red fan or two and put all the things on the counter to pay.
"I donot need one!" Fire Lord Zuko roared, white hot flames rearing as he stood from his throne in outrage. The counselor before him shrunk.
"But my Lord, the Laws of Fire Lord Azulon clearly state-" the poor counselor coulend't get any further before the Fire Lord's booming voice revererated off the walls.
"I KNOW WHAT THE LAW STATES!" He bellowed angrily. "But my Father, Fire Lord Ozai, had not had a wife when he entered the monarchy! Shouldn't he have been impeached!"
The advisor dipped his head in agreement.
"But my Lord and Liege, Fire Lord Ozai had an heir to the throne when he entered Lordship. Therein lies the loophole, your Majesty." Answered the royal advisor, who was visibly paling by the second. Things didn't improve. Fire Lord Zuko pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Could I not just simply produce an heir through one of the many royal concubines?" He asked, his temper still showing through the white flames that surrounded the broad golden throne.
"I'm afraid that the first concubine to concieve may not be the true royal heir. There have been instances-" again the Fire Lord interrupted him. Flames roared angrily, dancing high above the throne and veiling it's occupant. When the flames finally died, Fire Lord Zuko was nowhere to be found.
Thankfully, the other Fire Lords had come up with a clever outlet out of the throne room located to the right of it, and if used properly, served as the perfect escape hatch for attacks on the palace... or escaping incompetent servants. Zuko snatched the cool damp towel from the servant posted at the secret hatch and planted it over his face, letting out a greatful sigh to be out of the congested throne room. He breezed down the hall to his Personal Chambers. Even after closing the massive bronze door he knew that someone was about to walk through them. He walked across the room to the middle of the enormous room and paused.
The heavy robes that he bore were beggining to wear down on him, and it was only his third year on the Throne. He removed the bright red silk overrobe, shed the underrobe, the over shirt, and finally the undershirt. He pulled off the two layers of pants, the first silk for decor and the second for comfort, though neither really did their job. He strode to the golden chests and pulled one of the heavy drawers open, snatching a pair of cotton pajama pants and pulling them on. He then walked over to the furs beside his bed and touched the dark maroon satin sheets.
His enormous bed was surrounded by a sheer red sheet lined with gold that split on the left, right and foot of the bed. Another heavier gold sheet was tucked behind it, incase of "personal needs". It had become dusty with the years of disuse. He scoffed at them. His father's room had stayed the same. It's giant bronze chandaliers hung high above the room, illuminating it. If you were to walk right through the red room lined with gold, you would find a massive bathroom that held white marble baths. One was for washing, the other for rinsing. The towels were made from the finest linens and cotton, and the soaps and water scents were collected from all over the world. He had golden chamber pots, and enormous Ticat rugs, made from the rares species itself.
The floor beside his bed was covered with Polar Cappybear furs, their white softness just adding to the tainted bronze bedframe. His walls had tapestries of dragons, faithful fire insignias on them, and even an huge gold, bronze, and steel crafted sun hanging above his royal dressers. Fire Lord Zuko looked around the room, seeing that nothing was denied to him. Yet, somehow, it didn't feel right. He looked around the room one more time, seeing the majesty in it, but then realized something was missing. He sat heavily on the bed and ran a hand through the new, cropped hair that had begun growing. Sighing as he heard the door gong at the slightest touch, he glared daggers in it's direction.
"Fire Lord Zuko..." A familiar mumbled from behind the doors. "Before you incinerate me, realize it is unhonorable to be disrespectful to your elders."
The Fire Lord's face softened and he lowered his head.
"You may enter." he said loudly, not looking up. The doors creaked on the hinges as it opened and closed behind Zuko's guest. The Great Dragon of the West hadn't changed a bit. His gray hair hung loosely over his broad shoulders, the bun sagging and shaking a bit with each step. Though the former General had gained a little weight, he still had quite a physique. He sat beside Zuko on the bed and patted his shoulders.
"You have to realize, the Royal Cabinet is only doing this for your good." he said quietly. Zuko nodded slowly and finally raised his head. He motioned for the gaurds stationed outside his room.
"Retrieve Couselors Huang and Chan Po." He said quickly dismissing them. They waited a moment. Once the two clearly nervous councelors had arrived, he rose and slipped on a dark red robe lined with black velvet. He paced a few times, Iroh and the counselors watching his every step. Then he stopped, his index finger pointing straight at Counselor Huang, who flinched.
"I want the six legions of twenty men each." he stopped, turned and paced, then paused. "They will collect 700 different young women, all under the age of 20, but over the age of 14. They will be treated for an entire year to whatever they want... Whatever women do when they want to make themselves... Beautiful." The counselors nodded in agreement, as did Iroh.
"When do you want them sent out?" Counselor Chan Po asked. The Fire Lord thought for a moment as he had his guests escorted to the door and removed the robe as he prepared for bed.
"Send them out in twelve days. I want a parade of the women the day after they have been collected to weed out a few. Then the Royal Cabinet will remove at least 150 of the young women." He dismissed them and the doors closed behind them. He sank down onto the feather-filled mattress and slipped into a black dreamless sleep.
Aang had been sent to the frontlines to take care of the fighting south of Omashu. The war had continued away from the Firenation. The New Fire Lord Zuko had stopped the war in his domains, and around a few nations close to him. Though he had made a visible effort, Zuko still needed to withdraw his forces from Earth and even a few Water nations. His fifteen year old body had grown two feet taller, and he had finally earned some muscles that had come from trying to bring an end to the war. The Fire Nation had been hesitant in accepting the Fire Lord's reforms, and many rebelled. Some of them were still fighting on the frontlines because Fire Nation dominance was what many of them wanted. Aang nodded as General Incho pointed out the tougher spots in their defense's lines.
"We replace the firebenders troops with hand combat teams to lessen the casualty rates." he said, referring to the red line of troops on the front-lines. General Incho paused and shook his head. "We want to discuss the issue of POWs."
Aang gave him a questioning side-glance, which the General quickly picked up.
"Prisoners of War." he said grimly. Aang nodded again silently.
"I'll head to the Earth Nation capital and deliver the message to King Boomi. I'm sure he'll work out a compromise." Aang finally said. "I will need a decree from the Firelord that he is willing to remove his troops though."
The General comprehended this and handed him a piece of rolled up parchement.
"Received two days ago from the Fire Lord Zuko himself." he answered. "We'll get you supplies for the journey and send you off as soon as possible. Meanwhile, you had better change into this."
A servan bowed as he produced a package up to Aang. Aang thanked him quickly and read the note placed on the top of it.
Friend Aang,
This may be a little late, but my incompetent laundresses took forever to find the correct silks and colors in order to complete the sketch made by my royal designers. This may help in our quest for returning the land to peace. Your's truly,
FIRE LORD ZUKO
Aang eagerly unwrapped the large parcel and found a truly magnificent outfit inside. Holding it up, he studied it's diversity. Zuko's designers had done a fantastic job. It resembled his other air nomad outfit. The shirt was just like his but it had dark red over sleeves sewn onto the arms to help with airbending. The sleeves were brown with an intricate gold patter woven down and wrapping around another pattern of shining green material into an arrow. The cuff was dark shining green and sharpened where a hole had been put so he could fit his middle finger through. The rest of the chest was dark yellow golden silk.
On the back was a brand new symbol. It had all four of the National Symbols on it. The waves of the Water Nation had been sewn in varying blues, from the crest of the wave to the body of it, making it shine as if it were truly real in the upper left corner. The Air symbol was in white and light blue, in the same shimmering substance in the upper right corner. The Fire Nation insignia was in bright orange red that danced in the low candle light of the tent on the lower left, and the Earth Nation's emblem was in dark brown and gold on the lower right.
The pants that went with the shirt were in the same colors, the extra flap for airbending dark red, and the main color dark gold with orange cuffs. There were dark gold shoes to match with green tips as well. Aang grinned at the clothes fit for a king. He thanked General Incho and left for his tent. Once he arrived, he quickly donned the new uniorm and went to the food tent to gather the supplies the General had ordered for him. He thanked the cook quickly and stuffed it in the bright orange bag that he flung over his shoulder. Aang made his way quietly to the edge of the camp and stared at the moon for a moment, wondering what his beloved friends were doing.
"Be careful Aang. There are still Fire Nation rebels that want to see this war continue." The General's deep voce suddenly commented. Aang turned around, seeing General Incho holding his staff glider. Aang nodded silently.
"I just want this war to be over with. I'm sure the Earth Kingdome will too. I promise to get as many of your soldiers home as I can." Aang answered him with determination fresh in his voice. General Incho looked confidently at the fifteen year old boy and patted his shoulder.
"We know. You have our armies at your disposal, Avatar." Aang almost cringed at the mentioning of his spirit, but forced a smile.
"Thank you for your confidence in me, General. I'll be back as soon as I have struck a deal." Aang said quietly. Then he pulled away, took a running leap, and soared off into the night. The General shrunk from view and Aang felt free again.
He had soared for a few hours when his arms finally decided they were tired. After landing, he set up camp and let a small fire. He piled some tree branches in a small area close to the fire and lay down on the bed of pine. Shifting uncomfortably he tried to sleep. He drifted off for a few hours, dreaming of the previous adventures he shared with Sokka and Katara, and his enemy-turned-ally Zuko. When he woke again, the sun was softly shining through the branches, began his journey. He speed walked down the trail, not realizing something was dreadfully wrong.
A pair of eyes were wathcing for his arrival. The dust in the distane and quivering of trees made six different bows prepare six different arrows. Six different men were stationed high above the trail. Six shrewd eyes were dwelling on the Avatar's arrival. The moment the teenage boy was in range, six arrows sped through the air and found their mark.
Searing pain made Aang cry out. The first place he felt it was just below his left shoulder. The second sudden burst of heat came from his side as another skimmed through the right portion of his stomach. The third and fourth arrows hit behind his right knee, and through his left hand. Thankfully, the fifth and sixth arrows missed him by a few inches. Aang tried not to scream in pain as tears welled up in his eyes and he fell to the ground whimpering. Blood from the wounds streamed from them, staining his new uniform. The wound in his left shoulder bled down his back and began to stream past the water symbol and soaked the Fire symbol. Aang groaned as he became dizzy, and took a deep gurgling breath. Exhaling softly, he whispered, "katara..." before he finally felt himself fall to the ground and slip slowly into black madness.
The archers studied their handiwork with pride. The Traitorous Avatar had finally come to an end.
"Cut the symbols from his shirt and iscard the body in that pile of leaves." the leader ordered with satisfaction. The other five kneeled at their kill, peeling the piece of blood-soaked shirt off the boy's pale skin and finally heaving Aang's body into the leaves, careful to cover it thoroughly with dead branches and foliage. Our Leader will be pleased. the lead archer thought to himself as a horrible smile spread across his face.
Later that evening, General Incho was carrying on a conversation with Lieutenant Zhang. Shouts suddenly filtered through the Meeting Tent's walls and the Lieutenant and General quickly ran outside to see the flurry of arrows raining down on the tents. He quickly organized his benders and had them create a wall of flames to burn the arrows before they could reach the campgrounds. Once he thought the whistling of arrows halted, he cautiously let the wall back down. A sudden zing! flew by him and into the soldier next to him. The arrow planted itself neatly into the soldier's chest, making General Incho pale. But it wasn't the arrow's precision that made him shake. It was the Four Nations insignia soaked with someone else's blood that alarmed him. The Four Nation insignia that was last seen on the back of the Avatar's new uniform...
IIf anything should happen to me... The words were plain, nothing about them were special.
If anything should happen to me... The General kept the tears from his eyes at the young boy's death. Though a hard Fire Nation Genera, he was only a man.
If anything should happen to me, send my friends Katara and Sokka something by which to remember me by. Please, don't let them be sad by my death, but remind them of the new Avatar that will come with it. Aang
The General sat heavily on his chair in his Personal Tent after reading the note found among the Avatar's belongings. With it was his old clothing, the yellow and orange monk clothing from the air temple, a hat, marbles, his old shoes, and last but certainly not least, a drawn picture of the Avatar and his friends, another boy and younger girl. He ran a hand through his thick light colored hair and motioned for the soldier outside the tent, ordering a scribe.
"We need to write a letter to the Fire Lord... He will be most distressed." He said slowly.
Fire Lord Zuko chuckled at a random joke one of his Admiral's had made when the he heard the a boom. There were three more rapid booms, and finally the door of the Main Hall of the palace flew open and a red-faced messenger rushed past the dieties without any respectful regards. He kneeled sloppily in front of the Fire Lord.
"My Lord, urgent news from the Omashu sector." he gasped. The Fire Lord frowned and allowed him to approach, snatching the scroll. He unraveled it, still giving the breathless messenger a raised eyebrow. He glanced over it's contents. Disbelief and fear crept into the powerful leader's eyes. He reread it, then read it again.
"Oh no..." he murmered. He rose from his throne, the flames that normally danced around it dying completely. His reflected pain, still wide. The court was completely silent, watching in awe as the Fire Lord Zuko stared blankly out the open doors into the sunlight beyond them. Something glinted off his cheek, then off both of them. Anger entered his eyes suddenly and the flames roared around him.
"The Avatar has been murdered." his voice bellowed across the courtroom.
Author's note: Okay, hopefully my old/new reveiwers will know my style by now! I hope you checked out The Pained and the Small! It is one of my fave stories that I wrote. SHORT BUT BITTERSWEET AND IT LASTS LIKE A SWEET CHOCOLATE ON YOU MOUTH... okay that is how I describe it! Okay, R&R, peeps. Leave me a message
Godsspiker