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Chapter 8: The Final Test: Part One: Waterbending Rematch

That next day, after waking up, Katara and the rest of Team Avatar had breakfast before going out to train one last time before facing Shiro due to the fact that it was the day before the day of the full moon. That evening, the team plus Ty Lee, Mai, Pipsqueak and the Duke sat together in the meeting hall finishing dinner. "Maybe he forgot," said Ty Lee after Katara mentioned that the day was almost over, and Shiro never showed up. "I doubt it," said Zuko, "He seemed serious when he told me. This must be part of his plan." Just then, Hakoda rushed in, "Everyone, an Airship is headed this way." They all rushed out.

As the gang gathered outside, the airship came into view. It continued to fly towards them until it finally began to descend. It landed in a large clearing. They rushed over to see Pakku come down the gangplank. "Pakku," said Katara, "What are doing here?" She rushed over and hugged him. "Katara," he said, "I'm sorry." "What do mean," she said. "He's talking about me," said someone behind him. Katara looked up and saw Shiro and Bethany. "You," she said. She turned back to Pakku, "What's going on?" "After we fight," said Shiro, "Everything will be made clear." "You think you can just come to the water tribe and fight some of the strongest fighters in the world," said Hakoda. "Of course not," Shiro said, "I would never do that… I'd show off first." He turned to an open ice field. He made an Earthbending move, and a large arena shaped rock formation rose out of the ground, with a huge arched doorway. The gaang stood in awe. "That's where we'll fight," said Shiro, "Let's go." He began walking towards the structure. Bethany followed, as did the others.

As they entered the stadium, the gang marveled at Shiro's handiwork. The arena was surrounded by stone bleachers. It had an earthen floor, and in the center, there was a pool of water. Shiro turned to the group, "I'll fight you in the same order I fought you before, which means that Katara is first. The rest of you will sit over there on the bleachers." Sokka, Suki, Ty Lee, Toph, Bethany, Zuko, Mai, Pipsqueak, Pakku, Hakoda, and the Duke walked over and sat down. Shiro and Katara walked out to the arena.

Katara and Shiro faced each other. "You've got a lot of nerve coming here," she said, "Give it back." Shiro pulled out her necklace, "Do you mean this? Like I said before, take it back?" Katara bent two water whips and swung them at him. He dodged. "Come on now," he taunted, "The same tricks won't work twice." He formed a staff made of ice. "To give you a fair chance," he said, "I won't bend at all. I'll only use this staff." "Now you're just underestimating me," she said as she formed ice claws on her fingers. She launched them at him, but he spun the staff around and blocked them all. She again formed ice claws, this time, making them longer and sharper. She rushed toward him, slashing furiously. "That's a new trick," said Sokka from the stands. "It's smart though," said Mai, "That allows her to fight close range." "It's also more dangerous," said Hakoda.

Shiro blocked her slashes with the staff. He was stunned at her speed and ferocity. A smile broke out on his face. Katara continued her assault. He continued to parry. He used the staff and vaulted over her, but Katara followed his movements. As he landed, she swung her claw around and slashed open his side. In the stands, Bethany jumped up, "No way." Pakku shared her surprise. Shiro groaned as his hand went to his side. He dropped his staff, which melted as it hit the ground. Katara stood over him. "Are you going to finish me," he said, "I'd understand if you wanted to." Her claws melted. "Don't move," she said, "If you do, you'll bleed out." She formed water around her hands as she walked up to him. When she got to him, she placed her hand on his wound, and it began to heal. "Don't misunderstand," she said, "I'm only healing you because you still have to fight Toph, Sokka, Suki, and Zuko." He smiled, "Of course." He pulled out her necklace again, "You can have this back now. You passed." "What," she said. "I told you I wanted to test your worth," he said, "and you passed. If the others have improved as much as you, I may be in trouble." Katara stood up and walked over to the stands.

After Shiro stood up, Bethany walked over to him. "Are you okay," she asked. "Yeah," he said. "So you're still going to fight," she said. He nodded. "Did I ever tell you that you're an idiot," she said. "More times than I can count," he said. He turned to everyone else, "Toph, you're next." Toph smirked as she walked into the arena, "Don't think you're going to beat me as easily this time."


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