Book Three: Fire
Chapter Eleven: Reunion and The War Begins
Reunion
I shoot up with a gasp of air, shivering from my latest nightmare about...About my father, Kurokiryu, the Spirit of the Night and former dragon with the power over darkness. My body and clothing is damp with sweat, and I don't know where I am, or how long it's been since I passed out. I look around to see a golden and red room, and for a moment I think I'm still on the mainland of the Fire Nation, and that for whatever reason, I'm now the Fire Lady. However, I'm proven wrong as my senses suddenly tell me of the person at my bedside. I look over, and my eyes are wide.
Who I see is someone I swear I just saw seconds ago before dieing. But I know that it was not really me that died, but Kurokiryu, my father that did. Before then, and before the other two dreams I had, last I remember seeing her was when I was thirteen, when I was leaving my home behind. She's as beautiful as I remember, be it from my father's eyes or my own. Her body is toned as any earthbender's should be, and time has been surprisingly kind to her. Yet I can tell that she's aged over the years that I've been away. Her hair is long and smoothly straight, and a milk chocolate color while her emerald eyes hold love and wisdom beyond her years.
"Mom?" I stutter out, ember eyes wide as I finally register that she really is there.
"Hello my little army," her melodic voice rings in my ears, her smile bright.
"Mom!" I greet, suddenly springing at her, wrapping my arms around her as she stands and braces for me to hit her. Due to the force I put behind my spring, we end up slamming into the wall behind her. However, she is a sturdy woman, so it does little to harm her. Once my strong hold releases her, I find that actually she was begging for air and I was so caught up in my glee that I hadn't heard her. "Heheh...Sorry," I grin to her, happily bearing my fangs.
"It's okay, my little army," my mother coos to me playfully. "Or maybe I should just call you Legion? After all, you are definitely a one woman army".
"How can you tell?"
"Iroh told me. He's told me of everything you've been through, whether he's learned it through tracking you and this Zuko boy he's told me about, or though you telling him yourself," she informs. She takes my upper arms and holds me at arm's length; it is then that I realize that I have to look down at her. "My you've grown into a willow tree you're so tall!" She laughs, "A beautiful willow tree. A deadly one too. What was your height that you last checked?"
"I think I was five nine," I tell her off the top of my head and her jaw drops.
"You can't be. I'm five nine. You have to be at least six foot! Tell me this Zuko fellow of yours was taller than you," she says.
I open my mouth to speak when I realize...Zuko's back in the Fire Nation living it up. My hand clenches, and my claws dig into my palm while I glare at nothing, "He was taller than me, yes; about six three".
Mother obviously noticed my anger, and she purses her lips, directing me to sit down on the bed I was just sleeping in. "Do you want to talk about it? It would be good if you did," she suggests but doesn't press that I do.
I sigh and my shoulders slump, "Oh mom...," tears again drip from my eyes, but my voice does not waver. I won't allow it to. Still, I tell my tale to her, not leaving a single moment out of place as my memory serves me well. Telling it from the very beginning, from when I left home to now, mom listened to me closely. I pay extra close attention to when Zuko comes into play, and finish up my story. "I love him. Even though he did all that to me. It was a simple deal that he took, but still it hurt me greatly".
"Oh Legion," Chiyu sighs out with a small frown, "Things like this happen. Maybe not as largely and out of proportion when compared to others as yours is, but it happens. You know they say, the harder the trial the stronger a rekindled relationship".
"Do they say that mom? Do they?" I huff out, wiping away my tears.
"Yes actually they do," mom smiles out lightly. She sighs as she doesn't even see a smile, "Listen to me closely, Legion. You are strong and you are beautiful. And most of all, you are smart. If you and Zuko are meant to be together, then in some way shape or form he will return to you, and you to him. Do you understand? For now, why don't you come with me?"
"Where are we going?"
"One, to get you a bath; you've been asleep for days and you need one. Plus I doubt you ever got one during your time in prison. Then, we'll see if we can't find you something better than these scraps you're wearing". Indeed, the outfit I was wearing the day of my capture is in scraps.
I sigh and stand to my full height, looking down at my three inch shorter mother and motioning for her to lead the way. She does just that, leading me out of my room and into the outside; I don't pay attention of what the rest of the building looks like. The outside looks to be run down and uncared for, which is what makes me wonder exactly just why Iroh brought us here. Speaking of which, "Where is Iroh?"
"He said he had some business to deal with, and left for the Earth Kingdom," mom tells me lightly as we continue to go through a maze of stone bricks.
"This is supposedly where the last two dragons are, right?" I barely remembering Iroh saying that before I blacked out on the day of Black Sun.
"Yes. It is inhabited by the Sun Warriors and I. I came here after learning that this was your father's home island".
"You mean Kurokiryu, right?"
"Yes". A few more winding ways and I find myself looking ad a fairly open area in that the walls are high and separate from one another, while the pool of steaming hot water is fresh and inviting. I waste no time undressing and getting in, sighing as the water hits my long since sore muscles. The soak is a welcome gift, and mom joins me until I'm definitely clean and ready to get new clothing. The journey to where she keeps her hand made clothing isn't so bad. I think she has it set up like a little market place just for the sake of liking civilization. I end up picking out black pants and boots, while the shirt I wear is short sleeved and cropped so that my navel shows. I wrap bandages around my mid drift just because I can, and do the same with my hands and half way up my forearms. Around my waist and not doing much besides holding the sheath of my dao swords is a red sash, a golden dragon sewn into it, just to give my look a bit of color.
Once done there, I look to my mother for guidance, "Now what?"
"Now, you perfect you mastery over darkness in preparation for the war. You are going back, aren't you?"
"Yea but...I don't see how perfecting my mastery will help...I've already perfected it actually," I tell her.
My mother smirks as though she knows something, before speaking up, "Now, we're off to go see the Chieftain of this island. You need Ren and Shaw's permission to live here, even if it is only for a little while". That said, she takes off, using the earth to push her forward at a rapid pace. "Keep up if you can!"
I blink dumbly as she 'runs' off and smirk myself. She wants to see me keep up? Fine. Feathered wings appear on my back, and I unfurl them and ready to take off until I realize something. Dad wasn't a bird...He was a dragon! And in honor of him, I should change these wings. It'll be odd, not having the feeling of feathers, but it'll be more so worth it I think. I take a breath and flap my wings once, but don't take off. Instead, all of the feathers that were once on my large wings fall off, and fall to the ground like black snow. I direct a wing to curl around me so I can feel it. The wings are more beautiful than the feathered ones I had grown used to. The bone structure is perfect- I thank my dreams for that- and everything including the membrane is black. The skin of my wings are scaled as they should be, and soon enough I'm up and in the air shooting off after my mother. Without the added weight of the feathers, I'm much faster, and I soon enough find myself hard pressing myself not to surpass her. After all, she's leading the way.
We follow a winding set of stairs, pass a large fire, and then go cross country as we race. All the way up another mountain until suddenly she stops, and I come to a screeching halt. My wings flutter before I land on two feet next to my mother. In front of us is a group of people- twenty by the looks of it- all dressed in red and gold garb, wearing golden jewelry and what not. I raise a brow at the sight of them, but quickly figure that these guys are the Sun Warriors. At the very front are three men, one on the tubby side and holding a staff as well as a yellow feathered head piece, his face painted in red and white markings, while his shirt is basically a red and gold drape. His sash is golden, and his pants are brown while he wears red and gold arm bands. There's a golden long necklace around his neck. I see my mother bow, and copy her quickly, my wings disappearing in an invisible wind.
"Greetings Chieftain, you do me a great honor for agreeing to see if my daughter can stay here for the time being," my mother speaks.
The Chieftain makes a rising motion with his hand, and we both stand up straight. His eyes then go to me, before they return to my mother. "This is Fēilóng Hēiyè's child?"
"Yes, she is. Her name is Legion," my mother answers for me.
"Being touched by a spirit is a very rare and sacred thing, young lady," the man speaks to me, "To be touched by a dragon spirit, is even more rare. I cannot judge you; Ren and Shaw must. Climb those stairs and we will call out to them. If they deem you worthy, you are always welcome here".
I look from him to my mother, who nods, and then nod to him, "So be it". He steps aside for me, and I ascend the stairs mentioned, standing on a platform between two caves. Below, I see the men doing a ceremony of sorts it seems, what with the drums and some of them holding out rings of fire controlled by them while they stand in horse stances. There is a sound of a horn, and when the echo of that is gone, there is rumbling. My eyes widen as suddenly my senses are bombarded with two massive darknesses, the feeling of them old and wise.
Then, out of the caves, come a red dragon, and a blue dragon in all their glory. Their slitted pupiled gazes stare down at me before they begin to fly, dancing around one another in perfect synchronization. I watch them in awe, speechless. If Iroh could see this...No, I have no doubt in my mind that Iroh's seen this before. Still, it is a wondrous sight. After about a minute or so and they don't stop dancing, I'm confused. Are they judging me? What do they want? But, within another minute, something clicks in my head. I don't know how or what, but a tiny voice in my head is telling me to...I sigh and close my eyes, concentrating. I've never tried to become one, but I think that they want me to become a dragon.
Darkness gathers around me, and continues to not only come from my body, but from shadows all around as well. I become a puddle of shadows, a massive one at that, and demand that they bend to my will and create something that I've only seen once in my life before. The shadows comply much faster than I expected to, but the building of this body is actually painful as compared to the other forms I've tried to make. The pain soon subsides, and I feel heavy and very large. At first, I'm confused as to what the hell is going on. And then I realize, just what the hell is going on. I move my large head from side to side, seeing Shaw and Ren still dancing, but now in a much bigger circle. I look behind me to see two large wings at my shoulders, black in color like the rest of me, and I mentally grin. From there, I take off like I normally would, and soon enough I'm twisting and turning in ways I've never felt myself do before. My body is a massive snake almost, but I'm so much more deadly. Ren, Shaw and I dance for another twenty minutes, silent in everything save for our movements. And after those twenty minutes are up, they land on each side of the platform I was standing on, while I land in the middle, winding my body into a tight coil. Fire shoots up in a tornado around me. And, going with what my body tells me to do, I lift my head and open my mouth, from which a beam of pure darkness comes from me. Soon after the fire stops, and I stop the darkness. Ren and Shaw stare at me for a moment before taking off again, and returning to their caves. I in the mean time feel an unbearable pain, my body becoming smaller and weaker, just as it had been before I became a dragon. I end up in a standing position, and stumble my way down the stairs. If my father, whom I like to call Kurokiryu rather than Feilong Hieye as the second one is too formal for him to seem like my father, were simply dead and now a spirit, I'd say that I could of sworn I saw his spirit guiding me down the stairs by my shoulder. But he's more than dead. He's both dead and fused into me; living through me and seeing through my eyes. I guess you could say that that's how he's guiding me, and I think I'll keep on thinking that way.
Once down the steps, my mother rushes to me and wraps me in a strong hug, "You were beautiful. You looked just like your father when I first saw him," I like how she said 'when I first saw him' because when she first met him, he was playing as a human.
"Thanks mom. But I'm really tired now, so please excuse me while I pass out," I say. From there, my tall frame slumps.
I don't dream or anything like the last time I passed out, so I'm pretty happy to wake up due to the fact that I didn't learn a single thing about daddy dearest while I've been out. I sit up and rub my head, trying to get the blurriness out of my eyes so I can see. At my bedside is my mom again, and upon seeing her a smile. "Hey," I greet.
"Good afternoon," she greets me calmly, hands in her lap. Why's she being so formal? "Tell me, Legion, what would you do if..."
"If what? Mom come on, tell me," I press.
She closes her eyes and sighs, "What would you do if you were asked to choose between Zuko, and taking your father's throne so to speak?"
Between who and taking the what now? "Mom...What are you talking about? Why would I have to do that?"
"The Sun Warriors are not only curious, but so am I," she answers.
"Why can't I have both? You said that the harder the trial, the stronger the relationship. I was going to leave soon and go find Zuko and...And...And forgive him," I'm confused.
"While your plan is fine and dandy, the Sun Warriors worship dragons like they are gods. For you to be, basically put, part dragon and able to become a spirit thanks to your father's touch, you are something very rare. They want you to choose now. If you choose to take your father's throne-"
"If you choose to take Feilong Heiye's throne, then we will train you in what we know on how he got to that very place. If you choose Zuko...Then we will be disappointed but still respect your wish," the Chieftain suddenly walks into the room. "Good afternoon, Lady Legion".
Woah woah woah woah woah, hold on, back it up. "Lady Legion? Why are you calling me that?"
"It is out of the respect your mother mentioned moments ago," he explains.
"...Oh. Right, I knew that," lier, you thought for a second you were married to Zuko and he was the Fire Lord despite not being anywhere near the mainland at the moment.
"What will you choose?" Mom questions, brows furrowed.
I sigh, closing my eyes and slumping my shoulders, and bow my head in thought. Well, on one hand, I'd be happy here with my mom, training and what not to become an all powerful spirit. I'd be training to control the night and make sure it fades and what not at the right time. I'd be watching over everyone I care about from above, watching their destinies unfold. That sounds nice. But...I wouldn't be able to really help them should they find trouble...Which is bad. On the other hand, I'd see the love of my damn life. I'd be able to be held by him and kiss him, spar with him and protect him. I'd be able to be with Aang and Katara and Toph and Iroh. I would be the Fire Lady of the very nation that caused me so much grief, and caused Jet's insanity and eventual death. I'd have to watch my friends and Zuko die away one by one while I remain young and healthy and strong. But, if I were to bear children- now there's a thought- I don't know how they'd turn out. What I do know, is that I'd be able to watch them grow and live and find love without having to ever worry about them.
My eyes open and I sit up straight and tall. I know that if I'm going to take this choice, then I'm going to have to ride it out until the last of my days...Which are far far far away right now. "I know my choice".
"And that would be...?" The Chieftain presses.
"I choose Zuko," I tell the man, and then look to my mother. "I will not take my throne right away; only when I die will I do so. I won't stand for any objections; it's my choice".
Mom stares at me for a second before a beaming smile spreads across her face, and an amused and happy one spreads across the Cheiftain's.
"Very well, Lady Legion. Chiyu, if you would go get our guest please," the man suggests.
"My pleasure," before I can ask her, she stands to her feet and exits the room.
"Wait a minute, what's going on?" I ask, confused, and about to spread out my senses.
"Do not search for the answer. Wait a moment if you will," the man replies.
"She's going to be so surprised that you're here; alive and well. And the fact that you've finally gotten yourself figured out," I hear my mother's voice down the hallway.
"Are you sure I should be bothering her? Last time I saw her, she was a tornado of rage and anger. And it was because of me and me alone," a scarily familiar voice replies.
"Nonsense! I know for a fact that she's already forgiven you. Now come on, before I earthbend you in," mom playfully threatens.
The young man being pushed into my room is tall and handsome, and his eyes are a liquid gold that I fell in love with. There's a scar that will never go away over the left side of his face, forever reminding him of his past and of his woe. His clothing is simple, which a red short sleeved shirt and red and gold tunic matched with red pants, he stumbles into my room. His hair isn't short nor long, but of a medium length and shaggy, bangs fall in his face and between his eyes to frame his face. His voice isn't a baritone like you would think with his height, but it is a medium tenor, with a light smokey feel to it naturally. His darkness is filled with woe, sorrow, loss, regret, worry, but no anger, or rage, or the urge to hunt, or even confusion. The man I look upon is as nicely built as I remember- I'd have to, the last time I saw him was about a week ago at most- having worked hard in his training. The man now at my bedside with me in the room all alone, is Zuko, former crowned Prince of the Fire Nation, and the love of my life.
"Zuko...," my eyes are wide with surprise, and I can only murmur out his name.
"Umm...Hi?" He's tentative and he backs up from where he is, holding up his hands as I get up and walk after him, "Hey listen, if you want me to go, just say so". His back hits the wall behind him and my ember orbs bore into his liquid golden ones, "I was told you were here and thought it might be a good idea to beg your forgiveness; Aang thought it was a good idea. But obviously you don't want to see me so...All just be going". He tries to move to the side, only for a wall of darkness to block that way. He goes for the other way, however that is blocked as well. High above us, there's another slab of the dark stuff; I am blocking the only way out. "L-Legion?"
The sound of him calling my name, even if it's out of slight fear and confusion, does it for me. I lunge, and capture his lips in a kiss that I pour all my love, my sorrow, my grief, and my yearn for him into. My arms keep his head from pulling back, but it's not like he fights me for long. His arms snake around my waist, and the slabs of darkness disappear. His hold is strong as he returns the kiss, and his weight leans into mine which I take as a silent sign for me to back up. I do. And I keep on backing up until we fall onto the bed, not that we care. My back hits the bed, and Zuko follows after me, his arms sliding from my waist and catching himself just enough to keep his weight off of me. Even so, the kiss never breaks. I feel a hand laying itself on my taut stomach, fingers dancing along the bandages that I've placed there. While his other hand tangles itself in my black tresses. There's a light tug on my hair that causes me to gasp at the sudden and sharp pain, and he takes the advantage of my gasp to slip his tongue into my mouth. The sneaky bastard. Still, I won't let him win this battle just yet, seeing as I started it in the first place. My hips playfully buck against his own, causing a muffled groan to come from hm; a sound I am proud to hear. My punishment is his tongue luring mine out to play, and a moan of my own comes out muffled.
Suddenly there's a knock and the sound of Aang's voice, "Hey guys? Is it safe to come in? Is Legion done destroying you Zuko?" Mom must of closed the door behind the Chieftain when he and she left. I can hear the door beginning to open, and as one Zuko and I gasp and he gets off of me. We sit up, our faces flushed and red, and my hair a mess from him playing with it. As Aang walks into the room, Zuko takes the wrist of mine that's closest to him and begins to kiss and nip up and down it, making shivers run all over that limb. This is what Aang sees. "Oh! Sorry, I didn't know if you guys were fighting or not," he looks away bashfully and rubs the back of his head.
"Aang, I think if we were fighting, you'd hear me cursing him out and him running away...And lots of crashing," I smile to the young man who blushes hotly and nods.
"Yea...I guess you're right," his face brightens up though as he looks at me and speaks, "It's really good to see you Legion! I was worried you might still be in prison by the end of the invasion. I'm sorry we didn't get a chance to save you".
"Don't worry about it kiddo," I grin out and stand, pulling my wrist from Zuko's mouth and out of his hold- damn it there's a hickey there. He must of undone the bandages when I wasn't looking- and wrap my arms around Aang's young frame, pulling him to me in a hug. "Iroh and I got away during that day though. It turns out that Solar Eclipses give me wild rushes like no tomorrow".
I release the young man as Zuko comes to my side and wraps a strong arm around my waist, pulling me close to him, "So, are we ready to go or not?"
"I just gotta say 'bye' to my mom is all," I tell him, and then tow him along as Aang follows at my other side. Down the stairs and out the door of the house we go until we stop upon seeing the entire Sun Warrior Tribe- that I met at least- as well as my mom. I slip from Zuko's hold and rush to her, bending down just a little bit to hug her around her shoulders.
"You take care my dear. And beat some Fire Nation ass!" Mom cheers me on, kissing my cheek and giving me one last squeeze before letting go.
"I will mom," I grin out, "My name's not Legion for nothing you know".
"Damn right it's not," she chuckles out. Her emerald eyes then fall onto Zuko and her arms spread out again, motioning for a hug. "Come here you handsome devil you," she laughs out, "Come give your future mother in law a hug".
Zuko stays where he is, embarrassed, until Aang shoves him forward and into the woman's arms. He tentatively hugs her until her arms wrap around him in a bone crushing hug. He gasps but holds his own even as mom whispers something into his ear that makes him blush hottly. "I-I will," he promises.
"Mom, what'd you tell him?" I ask, curious.
"Oh nothing important. Just telling him to make sure babies don't come too soon after you win," mom waves me off. "Now shoo! Go save the world and what not!"
"You're such an embarrassment," I sigh out, and follow the boys to where they left Appa.
On the ride back to the Eastern Air Temple, I'm cuddled up to Zuko happily between his legs. Aang is of course on Appa's head, making sure he goes the right way. Though I see him turn to look at us, and he smiles. "Man, you guys are so lucky to have one another," he admires.
"Yes. I am lucky to have her," Zuko smiles out, his fingers trailing on my arm just because.
"I'm sure that once the war is over, you and Katara will finally be able to confess to one another," I grin out. And then I find myself laughing at Aang's comically red face.
"Y-you think so?"
"I know so kiddo. You two were a match made by the spirits," I assure.
"I hope you're right," Aang sighs.
"I know I am," I grin out. A hand reaches forward and tips my head back so that I'm looking up to my lover. Lips cover mine, and we share a sweet kiss. The peace in my heart despite the on coming- very soon at that- war that I feel in my heart is something I never want to lose. It is then and there that I decide that I will tear the world asunder just for the man holding me. Since Aang is taking on Ozai, that leaves me and Zuko with Azula. Well, me with Azula. Because I know that even though Zuko hates her, he can't destroy her like I can and will. I don't know who that leaves Zuko with, but no matter.
The War Begins
To say that confusion and bad luck is a friend of ours is an understatement. Why do I say this? Hmmm, let me think...Oh, I know! IT'S BECAUSE AANG FUCKING DECIDES TO DISAPEAR DAYS AWAY FROM SOSIN'S COMMET THAT'S WHY! THE LITTLE ASSHOLE! I DOUBT HE DID IT ON PURPOSE, BUT THAT DOESN'T FUCKING MEAN THAT HE CAN JUST UP AND DISAPPEAR! Okay, I'm good for now. He left Appa behind, so we thought he couldn't get too far despite the fact he's Aang and therefore the impossible is possible. Still, it's unnerving to have him be just...gone. At one point in time, Zuko had made friends with a tracker named June, whom helped him find Aang when he was still hunting him. We went to where he knows her to reside, and asked her and her shirishu to find the Avatar one more time. Unlike last time though, Naga couldn't find any trace of Aang, and he was way out of my own senses range. Though apparently he's not dead, so that's good.
Zuko, ever the idea guy since our normal idea guy- Sokka- is too busy worrying, thought of the only other person who could have a chance against Ozai. I wasn't surprised that he thought of Iroh. What I was surprised is that he had kept one of the man's sweaty sandals. I don't know whether to be touched like Toph seems to be, or kind of grossed out. I decide on a mix of the two. This time we have a lot more luck tracking the scent's owner down, and Naga goes running off at the command of his mistress, June. There's a lot of us and Appa can only carry so many, so I stop Zuko from getting onto the bison, causing the whole group the pause.
"Come on Legion we don't have time to waste!" Sokka pushes.
"I know! That's why I'm gonna carry Zuko so Appa can keep up!" I growl out, and then take to my wolven form; haven't done that in a while. I see the others' eyes widen, and Katara quickly explains to Toph what happened seeing as she can't currently see me.
"Since when could you do that?" Katara asks.
"Since I started traveling with Zuko and Iroh, I had lots of time to train when I was with them," I grin, it looking more like a nonhostile snarl than anything. From there, Zuko doesn't waste any time getting onto my back and holdng onto my fur.
"Let's go then," Zuko demands, urging me forward and I nod before shooting off. I'm happy to find that Zuko still remembers the rhythm of my running, or else he'd be bouncing all over the place like he had done the first and second times we did this. But he is a talented man, so of course he'd remember. It doesn't take us long to catch up with June and Naga, the former of the two looking to Zuko as he leans low on my body.
"Where'd the giant wolf come from?!" June asks over the wind.
"Don't worry about it!" Zuko shoots back, "Just keep going!" And so she does. Naga and I run, while Appa flies, the whole day into the night until we reach Ba Sing Se. It was a harsh run, and once June is gone and Zuko is off my back, I turn back into my usual human form.
"That was amazing Legion! You didn't slow down for even a second," Sokka praises from Suki's side.
"Thanks," I smile out tiredly, leaning into my own lover's form. "But I'm tired now...Can we rest?"
"That actually sounds like a good idea," Zuko agrees, wrapping an arm around me and becoming my support beam as I begin to fall asleep standing up. "We'll rest for tonight and then start our search at dawn". And that's just what we do.
However, we are woken up at some point by a ring of fire, Toph being the first one to realize that there are people there. I wake up and jump to my feet, standing in a fighting crouch, fingers splayed into claws and a glare on my face. However, my eyes widen as I realize that these people are not hostile; they were merely getting our attention. I know none of these men personally, nor do Suki or Zuko or Toph, but Sokka and Katara seem to know them quite well. There are four of them, and by the looks of it they're all old but very powerful. Oh wait, I know Pakku, but that's it. I see Katara and Sokka smile to the large muscled man, whom by build I can only assume is an earthbender. That, and no water or fire bender could possibly become that bulked up.
"Well well, look who's here!" The old man laughs out, snorting here and there.
"Who are these people? We're surrounded by a bunch of...Old guys," Toph asks.
"Not just any old people. These are very powerful and good friends of ours," Katara corrects, bowing to Pakku.
"It's always respectful to bow to an old master," he praises, bowing back, "But how about a hug for your new grandfather?"
My eyes widen, and bright smiles of surprise spread across the Water Tribe siblings' faces. "That's so great! You and Grangran must be so happy together!" Katara gives him that hug as asked for.
"I made her a new betrothal necklace and everything," the old man happily confirms.
"Welcome to the family...Grampgramp!" Sokka all too gladly greets with a hug, only to be pushed away and told he can just still call him Pakku. "What about...GranPakku?" That's shot down too, and I chuckle before walking forward to him.
"It's good to see you again, sir. We didn't talk much but," I bow to him respectfully.
"Iroh has told us much about you, Legion. It is an honor to meet you," Pakku smiles to me.
Katara introduces Zuko to another older man, his hair short and wild, "And this was Aang's first firebending teacher".
The man bows, and Zuko does the same, "Jeong Jeong," the old man introduces himself.
Sokka in the mean time bows respectfully to the only man who is not so old as to have white hair, "Master Piandao," I can see he is a swords master...Did Sokka find himself a teacher at some point?
"Hello Sokka," the man bows back.
"Wait," Suki speaks up, "How do you all know each other?"
"All old people know each other, don't you know that?" The earthbender laughs out. Actually...Now that I think about it, this must be Bumi. Aang told me of how the old man played with Aang's mind when they met back up after a hundred years. God the guy is ancient and yet in such good condition.
"We're all part of the same organization, a group that transcends the divisions of the four nations," Piandao explains lightly.
"The Order of the White Lotus," Zuko fills in. I guess Iroh told him about that...At some time. I dunno when.
"The White Lotus has always been about philosophy, and beauty and truth. But about a month ago, a call went out that we were needed for something important," Jeong Jeong picks up.
"It came from a White Lotus, your uncle, Iroh of the Fire Nation," Pakku informs, making Zuko and I smile.
"That's who we're looking for!" Toph and I say in unison.
"Then we'll take you to him," Piandao offers.
"Wait!" Bumi causes us to pause. "Someone here is missing...Someone very important...Where's Momo?" He ends up leaning over Sokka, causing the young man to lean back. I grin in amusement. This guy is great.
"He's missing...And so is Aang," he tells the old man.
"Ahh well," Bumi backs off, "So long as they have each other I'm sure they're fine! Now let's go!" He rockets himself into the sky with a gesture of earthbending.
I twitch a finger in order to keep Sokka from falling over backwards, a hand of darkness holding him up; he smiles to me gratefully.
And so off we go. The walk there isn't that long, but it is quite once Bumi tells us of how he took back Omashu single handedly. Officially, this guy is my second favorite old guy. Iroh is first of course. With a stomp of bending from Bumi, we arrive in a little camp filled with tents and torch light. I can tell by the anguish that feeds Zuko's heart that he is very worried and troubled. My hand goes into his, and I twine our fingers, earning me a small and grateful glance from him.
"Where is he?" Zuko asks.
"Your Uncle is in there, Prince Zuko," Piandao offers, pointing straight ahead; Zuko and I branch off from the others.
Though once in front of the tent, Zuko stops and sits down, pulling his hand from mine and making me frown. I kneel and wrap my arms around him, "Are you alright, love? What's stopping you?"
"No I'm not okay. My Uncle hates me and I know it. I loved and supported me this whole time, and I still betrayed him," Zuko confesses.
"Listen to me Zuko," I tell him, speaking into his ear after moving to hug him from behind, "Iroh is an understanding man, and he will always love you. You are truly sorry about what you did; I know, I can sense it. He will forgive you". The end result is us sitting in the currently sleeping man's tent, waiting for him to wake up. I don't bother to leave Zuko's side.
When Iroh wakes up, I back away a bit, and the reunion occurs while I sit there silently, waiting.
"Uncle," Zuko starts, "I know that you must have mixed feelings about seeing me here. But I want you to know...I am so so sorry Uncle". I can smell fresh tears starting to fall, and his voice is barely keeping from wavering. "I am so sorry and ashamed for what I did," oh, there's the wavering and voice cracking, "I don't know how I can ever make it up to you. But I-" a hand suddenly reaches out and grabs his tunic, dragging him to Iroh as he hugs his beloved nephew back. I can see a small smile on his face, and tears of his own are falling. I tear up myself at the sight of the two, and I smile widely as tears freely fall. "How can you forgive me so easily? I thought you would be furious with me" Zuko asks, confused.
"I was never angry with you. I was sad because I was afraid you had lost your way," Iroh tells him, holding him close.
"I did lose my way," Zuko admits, and they separate to look at one another.
"But you found it again. And I am so proud, that you found it yourself".
"It wasn't that hard Uncle, you have a pretty strong scent," Zuko jokes a bit, and they hug again. It's a beautiful sight to see.
Iroh's eyes open to see me in the tent as well, and his smile widens at the sight of me. "It is good to see you again too, Legion," he offers his arms in a hug, but makes sure that as I leap to him with a little whimper. A group hug is created as I hug my two favorite men in the whole wide world.
The next day, we eat with Iroh, all of us. I am next to Zuko, who is next to Iroh, and then the order goes Katara, Suki, Sokka, Toph, and then myself again; a whole circle. "We need you to come with us Uncle, and help us defeat the Father Lord," Zuko introduces.
"You mean the Fire Lord, hun," I smile out lightly.
"That's what I said. Either way, you can defeat him Uncle, and we'll all be here to help you".
"Mmm, no Zuko, I don't think that will work. Even if I can defeat Ozai, it will not be pretty," Iroh declines. "Also, it would still be seen as pointless fighting by everyone around the world. A brother killing a brother just for power".
"But...When we do defeat him...Then will you come back and take the throne?" I press, hopeful.
"No...It must be someone new. An idealist with a pure heart, and an unending well of honor. It must be you, Prince Zuko," Iroh states, directing his words to his nephew.
"But I've made so many mistakes," Zuko persists.
"Yes. You have. You've struggled, you've suffered, but still you followed your own path. You restored your honor all on your own. And only you can restore the honor of the Fire Nation".
Zuko pauses before he accepts his new duty, "I'll try Uncle".
"I'll help you in any way I can," I smile to my boyfriend, earning a look of thanks from him in return.
"Well...What if Aang doesn't come back?" Toph asks the question I know most of us were thinking.
"Sozin's comet is coming, and our destinies are upon us. Aang will fight the Fire Lord...When I was a boy, I had a vision that I would take Ba Sing Se. But now I realize that it was truly to take it back".
"So that's why you gathered the White Lotus," Sokka speaks up, earning him a nod.
"Zuko, you must return to the Fire Nation so that when the Fire Lord falls, you can assume your position at the throne. But Azula will be there, waiting," Iroh continues.
"I can take her," Zuko states, a sneer on his face.
"Not alone," Iroh denies.
"You're right," his molten gold eyes fall on me, "Legion, how would you like to help me put Azula in her place?"
"It would be my pleasure," I grin out, fangs gleaming in the sun.
"What about us? What's our destinies?" Sokka asks.
"What do you think it is?" Iroh asks lightly.
"I think...I think that even though Aang might not show up, we need to do everything we can to stop the Fire Nation," the boy in Water Tribe armor admits.
"And when Aang does show up to fight the Fire Lord, we'll be right there to back him up," Toph smiles out.
Soon enough we're separating, and Suki, Toph and Sokka are placed onto a giant eelhound. At Master Piandao's words, I purse me lips; I'll keep that in mind if Zuko needs to be carried to the Fire Nation.
"The airship base is just about a day's travel away," the sword master tells his student.
"Thank you, Master," Sokka smiles, and gives the man a hug before mounting the large eelhound who has been waiting for him patiently.
Katara in the mean time will be set with the job of taking care of naval ships. That's why she has Appa to back her up if need be.
Zuko and I stand before Iroh, "So, if I'm going to be Fire Lord, what are you going to do Uncle?"
"After taking back Ba Sing Se, I'm going to take back my tea shop and play paisho every day," Iroh answers with a grin.
"How are Legion and Zuko going to get to the Fire Nation?" Katara asks, brows furrowed. She's headed in that direction, but still she needs to stay above the water where her duty calls her.
I grin wide, my fangs being bared for everyone to see. "I have that problem covered," I assure, heart thumping wildly. I only did this one other time, and I passed out after twenty minutes. But, if my dad is fused in me, and he's still somehow aware of what's going on just as the past Avatars are with Aang, then he will help me as a father should.
"You can't carry me over an ocean with just your wings, Legion," Zuko tells me, "You're strong, but you're not that strong".
I roll my eyes and huff out an, "I know. But, while I was on the island Iroh left me on," I can't actually say where for reasons Iroh and Zuko know, "I learned a new trick. You wanna see?".
"Yes". The lot of them intone.
"Good...Step back...," once they're a good distance away, I sigh and sit before concentrating. I urge the ocean of darkness inside of me to show itself, and it inks around me like a pool of blood. I command all surrounding shadows to come and bend to my will, and the pool gets bigger. I demand for shadows a bit farther away to come and do my bidding, and they reply if I'd like a shake with those fries. My eyes open, but I see nothing as a large tornado of darkness is whipping around me. I can feel the others' alarm, worried as to what's going on. And then, I change. My body expands to proportions much larger than this camp, and twist and turn my skin and muscles. More muscles and more bones are given to me. A giant mawl replaces my mouth. Fangs that cross over one another jut from my mouth, and whiskers that hang like some kind of mustache are there. Deadly spikes line my back, and massive wings sprout from me. At this point, I'm in the sky, the tornado following me and continuing to make my talon clawed feet and legs. When the tornado disappears, I realize that there was no pain this time. Apparently dad heard me as my body hums with power. I cry to the sky and get used to my new body, before quickly coiling my form and landing. Ember eyes look down at everyone as though they were ants, and I grin which looks like a nonhostile snarl.
"L-L-Legion?!" Sokka stutters upon his now nervous eelhound.
"You look magnificent!" Katara's eyes are wide as she sits upon an also nervous Appa.
"That would be my name," my voice booms out, however my jaw doesn't move. It's like I'm talking with my mind. I look down to Zuko, and Iroh, and I have never seen such amazement in either of their eyes.
"You're beautiful," Zuko whispers as I lower my face to look at his tiny body.
"She's more than beautiful," Iroh states, "She's the spitting image of her father". This makes me very happy.
"Come on Zuko, we need to get going," I tell him, and steps made of darknes appear against my body where he can put himself; just behind the juncture where wings meet body.
"Good luck everyone," Iroh speaks loud enough for Zuko to hear. "May we all succeed in fullfilling our destinies!"
From there, Appa, the eelhound, and I take off at full speed.