.:Author's Note:. Well, I knew I'd forget something. T.T Supid flu... Anyway. I hope you like the new chapter. I may or may not post again tomorrow, it depends on this darned illness I have. Thanks to everyone who has reviewed. Makes me smile to know you like it. I'm always willing to try to make it so everyone likes it, but I won't do what you tell me to. Just remind me if I forget something until the Dayquil/Nyquil wears off. Oh, as another reminder... I don't own, and am not affiliated with the Avatar: the Last Airbender. I just write about it. 3
In the End
Chapter Four: "...To the South Pole."
Toph stirred. She heard everything that was happening when Aang awoke, but she still felt a little out of place in the group when it came to major decisions. When Katara climbed into the gigantic saddle next to her, Toph slid close to her.
"Katara," Toph whispered.
Katara and Toph had learned to get along, and now Katara respected Toph. They talked, albeit they sometimes argued more than talked.
"Toph, why didn't you get out of the saddle while we landed?" Katara questioned.
"Oh, I was tired, and I haven't been able to sleep since we left Ba Sing Se." Toph smiled, "But you know, I think its smart to go to the south pole."
Katara stiffened. She knew Toph would side with Aang and Sokka. Katara just didn't think Top would be so blunt about it. Then again... Toph was never really one to use a vass amount of tact.
"I know, Toph. I just..." Katara sighed sadly. "I just don't want Aang to be hurt."
"Because he means a lot to you, Katara," Toph patted Katara's shoulder. "It's natural to think that way, to want to protect the people you love."
Aang and Sokka were listening to Toph and Katara through the gently snores of Bosco and the rukus of snores from the Earth King.
Sokka sniffed, trying to keep his tears to himself. He had lost Yue because he wasn't able to protect her like he had wanted. She had given her life back to the moon to save the water tribe of the north pole. Yue was another woman he loved that he lost to the Fire Nation's attacks and this stupid war they had caused. Now he had Suki, and because of Azula, he wasn't even sure Suki was okay.
Aang felt his form slump. He wanted to protect Katara. The girls continued to talk, when Aang inquired, "Sokka?"
Sokka turned to Aang, the trail of twin tears shining on his face through the moonlight. Aang knew who was on Sokka's mind.
"Don't worry Sokka, I'm sure Suki is fine," Aang smiled.
Sokka smiled sadly, turning his head to watch in the direction Appa was still flying in.
Suki looked up at the sky. She had been harmed badly by Azula. At least they had helped the avatar's flying bison escape. Hopefully Appa was able to find Aang, and hopefully Sokka was okay.
Sitting up carefully, Suki looked at the burned trees, scorched limbs reaching upwards, as if praying to the moon to give them life. As she looked up, she thought she saw Appa.
"Sokka, please be safe..." She moaned, turning to see how her comrades were doing. But her friends, the other Kyoshi warriors lay motionless.
"We are gone.." Suki cried, laying back down. "The Kyoshi warriors are no more."
Zuko left his uncle's presence, returning to the throne room where Azula was. She was still giving orders.
"It is settled, Zuzu," Azula smiled. "Uncle Iroh will be sent back to father's dungeons tomorrow morning. The Dai Li will treat him as a traitor, and there will be a prosectution when father hears of Iroh's deeds against him."
Zuko smiled at her. The thoughts of his and Iroh's plans coming together sooner than later. "Perfect."
"Yes, brother, everything will go as planned."
.:Author's Note:. Okay. Another chapter down, and the plot thickens. No, you will not know what the plan Iroh and Zuko planned until right before it happens. If you understand the symbolism from the third chapter, it will make it easier for you to figure things out. I hope you guys liked this chapter. Laters.