Garo Flames of Gold
ESKK: Hey guys new chapter enjoy it! Oh by the way before I forget this chapter is on the short side at least how I interpret it but hopefully I reached my 5,000 words minimum. Anyway please enjoy.
(Start Chapter 11)
'Water'
An old man standing in front of his nation symbol, use his water bending to show his element
'Earth'
A guy standing in front of his nation symbol as he kick down to the ground as a bolder shot up before the guy kick it away as he show his element
'Fire'
A Female figure stood in front of her nation symbol shot flames out before jumping into the air and slamming down and send a stream of fire out as she show her element.
'Air'
Aang came out and stood in front of his nation symbol as he airbend at the screen showing off his element.
'And the Makai Order'
Three lone figures stood there as 2 of them standing back to back as one of them was Zorin and the other is Marvelous, as the 3rd a female within robes hold a brush in her hands; As these 3 stood in front of the symbol of the Makai order.
Zorin and Marvelous raise their sword and summon forth their armor of gold and silver, Garo and Zanga.
'Long ago, the 4 nation live together in harmony, With the Order watch over us protecting us from the shadow from the horrors of the world, then everything change when the fire nation attacked.'
Screen cut to the fire nation running on the beach of the Earth kingdom and send forth their flames.
"Only the Avatar, master of all four elements could stop them, but when the world needed him the most, He vanishes.'
With an old man on top of a towering rock bending all four element to his will as he bend Earth, Water, Fire, and then Wind before he vanish from the rock he stood on.
'The Makai order could not intervene to stop the fire nation, but only to keep balance so the world doesn't fall into chaos.'
Shadow of people stood to the side as they watch the world fell into war with the look of regret on their faces.
'100 years has pass, when a stranger named Zorin came to our home land and saved us from the evil spirit that been living among us, as he carry a legacy that been told among legends the Golden Knight Garo, the knight of Hope has come forth.'
'Together with him, my brother, and I found the new Avatar and Air bender named Aang and although his air bending skills is great, he has a lot to learn before he's ready to save anyone, but with Zorin guidance and protection, I believe these two can save the world.'
*insert Garo Yami wo Terasu Mono OST- Theme of Garo
(Start)
Young Zorin was running through a field as he smiled at big toothy grin. With him was Zuko and Azula as the three ran together dressed like children of the Makai as Zorin looked and saw Aang, Sokka, and Katara as the 6 met up and laughed at the island of Amber Island. Nearby was Ursa and Iroh as it was peaceful for them no war and no worries.
"Zorin!" Ursa called as Zorin ran over to his mother and smiled as she hugged her son while Zorin smiled. "Zorin please be strong ok." Ursa said as Zorin looked and was wide eyed as his mother began to vanish.
"No mom!" Zorin called as Ursa looked.
"Be strong Zorin and protect and guide your siblings, you and Azula are the hope." Ursa said as she was soon gone.
"Stand tall Zorin."
The voices soon got louder as Zorin was surrounded by many people and shapes, those he knew and those he didn't recognize and soon he had a flash of Sozin's comet exploding and releasing darkness and flames upon the Earth.
(Waking world)
Zorin and Aang shot up as Momo got up from the two as Zorin had almost yelled as Momo woke up Sokka and Katara.
"What's going on did we get captured again?" Sokka asked holding his sword and boomerang.
"No if we did you'd be the first to know in chains." Zorin said as he rubbed his eyes as Marvelous slowly rose like a vampire waking up in the night from its coffin.
"It's nothing I think both me and Zorin had bad dreams. Go back to sleep." Aang said as he curled back up to sleep.
Sokka yawn and lay back down and said, "Don't have to tell me twice," "Same here," Marvelous said as he lay down as well, with Katara keep up and look to Aang as she ask, "Are you all right, Aang?"
"I'm okay" Aang said as he look lost… and startled by his dream, as Katara look to Zorin who was lean up against the rock after he woke up and said to him, "How about you Zorin?"
Zorin rub the back of his neck a bit and said, "I'm good, I'm just going to stay up a bit before laying back down."
"Don't stay up too late mate, we might be busy again," Marvelous said as he try to get back to sleep and close his eyes.
"You seem to be having some nightmares lately even more so with you Aang. Do ether of you want to talk about it?" Katara ask as Zorin shakes his head no and Aang reply, "I think I just need some rest."
Sokka raise up from his in his sleeping bag as he said, "You guys want to hear about my dream?"
Katara and Zorin both glares at him, as Sokka read the mood between the two of them and said, "That's okay. I didn't want to talk about it anyway."
Sokka lay back down, as well Katara, with everyone lying down for the rest of the night, Zorin stay up against the rock for now as he rub his eyes and let out air through his nose, as his dream always tell him something and sometime it's just jumbled and doesn't make a whole lot of sense as Zaruba yawn a bit and said, "Another one of those dream again?"
"Maybe… I don't know," Zorin said as no matter what he does his dream tells him it was a danger that was coming… or something happened already.
"Zorin I know family means a lot to you and we have to convince Azula to side with us but what if her darkness had consumed her light then what?" Zaruba said as Zorin looked.
"I... I don't know, I still remember the times we went to Amber island during those times everything was calmer, peaceful, sure dad was an ass but he was less of an ass there almost like a normal father and mom she was a normal mother." Zorin said as he smiled. "I remember going with them to watch the Amber Island Players and watch them as they butcher Love of the Dragons every year, we all complained but I personally found it funny how bad they butchered it." Zorin laughed as he looked. "But personally I think I like this one play they did as a smaller scale, the one about Garo they tried to pitch." Zorin said as Zaruba chuckled.
"Yeah to bad they were rejected." Zaruba chuckled as he remembered that day. Zorin stood up before he saw something fall out of his bag as he looked and saw a wind chime as he picked it up and saw how sloppy it looked.
"Heh I remember this, it was so long ago." Zorin said as he took great care of it as it was the only thing he, Zuko, and Azula made together. Zorin then lifted it to his ear and rung it as it still made a beautiful sound despite its ugliness.
"If memory serves Azula bragged how hers was better looking than yours cause of her careful hand and Zuko was second place." Zaruba said as Zorin nodded.
"Yeah she may have been mean about it but I think the old man like me knew she really enjoyed making them though mine sounded the best because despite its ugliness its true beauty was its sound." Zorin said as Zaruba looked.
"Yeah Azula though was asked that day... what the wind said to her and before you vanished she never found what it said." Zaruba said as he saw the memory before.
"But... I hope one day she can hear what the wind says to her just like I do." Zorin said as he wondered if he can make another Wind Chime someday. Zorin then closed his eyes as the night wind blew as he was then wide eyed as he felt a warning from the winds. "A storm." Zorin said as he had to be careful now. "We should skip flying for a while tomorrow and focus on shelter." Zorin said as he looked to his sleeping friends.
(Scene Break the next morning)
Appa yawned as Aang was on his head as Zorin was helping with camp clean up as Marvelous was on guard duty which was basically he had nothing to do so had to keep an eye on Aang. "Look at those skies buddy it should be some smooth flying." Aang said as a flock of birds flew by. Marvelous saw this as he got up.
"We should smoothly stop for the night at the next town." Marvelous said as Katara looked at their empty supply bag as she sighed.
"Yeah I'm looking at our food and we're all out." Katara said as Zorin looked.
"Yeah great." Zorin said as he sat down on Appa's saddle as he had finished picking up the supplies.
"Wait guys this was in my dream we shouldn't go to the market!" Sokka called as Zorin looked skeptical.
"What happened in your dream?" Katara asked as Zorin smirked.
"This should be good." Zorin said as he knew only those who were spiritually attuned to the world can get prophesy's.
"Food eats people!" Sokka said as everyone just went back to what they were doing as Katara was about ready to saw the phrase for Momo. "Also Momo could talk!" Sokka began as he pointed at Momo while looking at him. "You said some very unkind things." Sokka said as Katara sighed.
"Momo Slap him." Katara said as Momo then quipped and slapped Sokka causing him to yelp in pain.
"Ok you guys are abusing this!" Sokka called as everyone chuckled at this.
"You mean like this? Momo Slap him." Aang said as Momo did it again as everyone laughed at this.
"Why do I try?" Sokka asked as it was like he and Momo were comedic relief.
(Meanwhile on Zuko's ship)
The same flock of birds flying over to ship where Zuko looking through a telescope and see ahead to find the flying bison, with Iroh smells the air and saw the fear within the birds as they flew southern as if they were avoiding something as he said, "There is a storm coming. A big one."
Zuko heard who his uncle said as he put down the telescope and walk over as he said, "You're out of your mind, Uncle. The weather's perfect. There's not a cloud in sight."
"A storm is approaching from the north," Iroh said as he turns to face Zuko as he went on saying, "I suggest we alter our course and head southwest."
"We know the Avatar is traveling northward, so we will do the same," Zuko said as he point north as he very stubborn to following his uncles advice.
"Prince Zuko, consider the safety of the crew," Iroh said to his nephew as if they head north into the storm, they would endanger not only themselves but the crew as well but Zuko reply to this is, "The safety of the crew doesn't matter!"
Off to the side passing by as both uncle and nephew look to see who it was as it's one of the crew members that heard what Zuko said as he had a frown on his face and raise an eyebrow to the banish prince.
Zuko walk up to the man and said to his face, "Finding the Avatar, and my brother is far more important than any individual's safety."
Zuko soon walks away with an upset look on his face as the man look at the banish prince walk away into the ship as the man and Iroh watch him go as Iroh said, "He doesn't mean that. He's just all worked up."
(With the Gaang)
With everyone looking in the market for food and stuff with marvelous went off somewhere to see if he can find a good sale, or make a bargain of something, as Zorin going over the amount he gotten from the sometime ago 'Order' it wasn't much to say as he was down to a few copper pieces and a silver coin as well as he sighed to this.
Katara was checking out a fruit cart as she check the fruit that was being sold their as the Lady behind it said to her, "Ahhh, its good. It's perfect, I'm telling you!"
Katara shakes it and hears a sloshing sound which didn't sit well for her as she said, "I don't know if I like the sound of that swishing."
"Swishing means it's ripe! It's the ripe juices swishing around, eh?" The market lady said as Aang walks up to her and said, "I think it's true, Katara. Swishing means it's ripe."
"Don't bet on it." Zorin said as he passed by as he went to check out a different place or find a Watchdog to request more funds for the groups travels. That was all Katara needed to hear as she put the melon back.
"I just realized we're out of money anyway." Katara said as Zorin was heard from the distance.
"Good call Katara!" Zorin called as Marvelous was leaning on the wall with his eyes closed while Katara tried to be nice about it.
The woman growled as she then took the basket of fruit from Sokka as they began to walk away and as they did she kicked Sokka in the rear end as Zorin would have had a ball for that if Sokka actually deserved it this time around.
(Later)
The five were at the docks as Zorin sighed. "Out of food and out of money this sucks." Zorin growled as he hated when this happened on his travels and that was rare now it was happening more often since he had his own mouth plus four to feed.
"Hmm I could steal us some money and food I am a Pirate after all." Marvelous said as Aang looked.
"But stealing is wrong besides aren't you supposed to be above that being a Knight." Aang asked as Marvelous looked.
"Don't be stingy about it we need money and food besides no one will really miss it if we steal from nobles." Marvelous said as Zorin squinted his eyes at them.
"When you find a noble nearby I'll help." Zorin said as he knew that was a stupid suggestion from Marvelous.
"If we can't steal then what are we supposed to do?" Sokka asked as his rear still hurt from the kick.
"You could get a job smart guy." Katara said as Zorin laughed.
"Katara you are on a role for good ideas today." Zorin said as he felt it was about to go downhill.
"Wait I have good ideas." Katara said as Zorin sighed to that.
That was when two people were heard behind the group. "You shouldn't go out there please the fish can wait there's going to be a terrible storm!" The old lady called to the old man as Aang flinches at that for a bit.
"Oh your crazy it's a nice day no clouds no wind no nothing so quit your nagging woman." The old man said as Zorin looked.
"Maybe find some shelter." Aang said with fear evident in his voice.
"Are you kidding shelter from what?" Sokka asked as Marvelous and Zorin face palmed themselves as they both knew the storm was coming. Why are people like them always surrounded by idiots who don't know how to read weather patterns and how animals respond to them?
"My joins say there are going to be a storm a bad one!" The old woman argued back.
"Well it's your joints vs my brain." The old man countered.
"Then I hope your brain can find someone else to haul that fish because I ain't coming!" The woman shouted pointing her thumb at herself.
"Then I'll find a new fish hauler and pay him double what you get! How do you like that?!" The old man yelled as Zorin saw these two were like the basic old married couple.
"I'll go!" Sokka called as he ran over to them.
"You're hired!" The old man called as everyone was now worried for Sokka.
"What you said get a job and he's paying double." Sokka said as the old man glared at Sokka.
"Double who told you that nonsense?" He asked as Marvelous sighed.
"I'll come along just to make sure Sokka doesn't get himself killed... or worse thrown overboard." Marvelous said as the old man looked.
"You're hired!" The old man called as he saw Marvelous had much experience with the sea.
(With Zuko)
Zuko and Iroh were on deck as they saw the Storm Clouds were approaching as they also go closer to said clouds as Zuko saw he was wrong. "Lucky guess." Iroh said trying to defuse a situation before it blew.
"Lieutenant you better learn some respect or I will teach it to you." Zuko threatened as he pointed his index and middle finger at the Lieutenant's chest before walking away.
"What do you know about respect?" The Lieutenant called with a glare as Zuko stopped with Iroh trying to get the man to stop it before he said something he would regret. "The way you talk to everyone around here from your hard working crew to your esteemed uncle shows you know nothing about respect." The man said as Iroh saw there was going to be a confrontation soon. "You don't care about everyone but yourself! Then again what should I expect from a spoiled prince." The man said as Zuko then turned around glaring at them man clearly pissed off as he took a battle stance.
The Lieutenant mirrored it as a fight was about to spark. "Easy now." Iroh warned as he might have to intervene. There gauntlets collided as smoke built up from the Firebending mixed with friction which Iroh now stepped in. "Enough!" Iroh called as he broke the two apart. "We're all a bit tired from being at sea for so long, I'm sure after a bowl of noodles everyone will feel much better." Iroh said as Zuko and the Lieutenant glared at each other.
The two split up as Zuko looked to the storm. "I don't need your help keeping order on my ship." Zuko said as Iroh put his hand on Zuko's shoulder before Zuko forced the hand off and stormed off. As Zuko walked though he heard a voice in the wind as Zuko hadn't heard it in a long while as the last time he heard it was when he, Zorin, and Azula made those wind chimes after sneaking out.
(At Zuko's quarters)
Zuko arrived at his quarters as he found hanging near his bed close to a window was the wind chime as it blew in the wind making its resonating sound as he heard the voice from it as if it was trying to tell him something. "Heal." The voice said as Zuko growled and stormed off as his hand went to his face as the scar there... it would never heal.
Zuko knew his family was messed up, Zorin a traitor with Zuko trying to cover for him, Azula becoming more and more like their father and being his favorite, and Zuko here hunting down the Avatar.
(With the Gaang at the docks)
As Sokka and marvelous loaded stuff onto the old fisher's boat as Aang, Katara, walk up with Zorin near by watching over things, as Aang started to say, "Sokka, maybe this isn't such a good idea. Look at the sky."
"I said I was going to do this job. I can't back out just because of some bad weather," Sokka said as he went on put more stuff away as Marvelous walk around to face them and said, "If its gets too bad out there, I'll tie him down to make sure he does go floating with the fishes."
The old woman walk up and said to her husband, "The boy with the tattoos has some sense. You should listen to him!"
"Boy with tattoos?" The fisherman said as he turns around to looks at Aang as he went on saying, "Airbender tattoos. Well, I'll be a hog monkey's uncle. You're the Avatar, ain't ya?"
"That's right," Katara said as she and Aang smile to that to maybe help talk some sense into the old man, but Zorin saw the fisher man's expression and tell he wasn't happy about Aang for some reason as it seem he was correct as the Fisher man said, "Well, don't be so smiley about it. The Avatar disappeared for a hundred years! You turned your back on the world!"
Zorin was about to intervene until Katara got up close to the old man as she said to him, "Don't yell at him! Aang would never turn his back on anyone."
"Oh, he wouldn't, huh? Then I guess I just have imagined the last hundred years of war and suffering," The old man's words hit Aang hard than anyone relies as Zorin walk up to the old man and said, "That's enough from you, there no need to say that to a young kid."
Zorin knows Aang maybe 112 years old, but his mind and body were still of a 12 year old so it was still up to him to help him out and guard him against people like these, as he knew and so does everyone else a war is going on, and a lot of people had died and suffer for it on, but there's no need to put that out in the open, even to a young boy who cannot take the responsibility all by himself yet.
"Young or not, he did so and he's a coward for doing so," The fisher man said as Katara walk up to the old man and said to him, "Aang is the bravest person I know. He's done nothing but help people and save lives since I met him.
With Aang slowly begins to backpedal away as Katara keep on saying, "It's not his fault he disappeared, right Aang?"
Katara turns around to see Aang backing away, as did Zorin and knew it wouldn't look good if Aang backs away like this as he wanted to be the one to pull Aang out of here first but Katara got in front of him before he could do anything as she asked the air bender, "Aang, what's wrong?"
Before Zorin could shout out and stop him, Aang open his glider and flew away, Katara try reach out to him but he flew too fast to even stop him.
The fisher walk up and wave a fist at Aang as he said, "That's right! Keep flying!"
Katara turn to the fisher man and said, "You're a horrible old man!"
Zorin didn't say a word as he was upset at the old man for making Aang going off like that, but he has bigger problems than him anyways, as he and Katara rush to Appa, as they both got on and Katara took the Reins and said, "Appa, yip, yip!"
Soon enough they took off while splashing water over the old man with Marvelous nearby watching the whole thing and if he wasn't there to make sure Sokka doesn't go overboard, he would most likely leave the old man to his fishing in a dangerous storm.
Sokka came up from down blow to hear Appa take off as he said, "Hey! They left without saying good-bye!"
The fisherman whips the water off of his (if that's ever a thing, but hey anime logic), as he said to Sokka, "Your friends ain't too polite, are they?"
Sokka smiles to that it seem someone get him as he started saying, "I know! This one time, I was-
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Get below deck! You as well," The fisherman said as he look to Marvelous and handed Sokka a box to carry down as Marvelous said in a sarcasm tone, "Aye-aye captain."
(Scene change to Zorin and Katara)
As the water bender and Makai knight ride on Appa while they were chasing down Aang, it started to rain down hair to show the storm was moving fast.
"Zaruba!" Zorin called as he hoped Zaruba had Aang trail.
"I have his trail there's a cave nearby go there and you should find him." Zaruba said as Zorin nodded as they quickly found the cave.
(Inside the cave)
After they landed the two entered the cave as they found Aang on the floor with his hands to his chest as he looked depressed. "I'm sorry I ran away." Aang said as Zorin sighed.
"No use complaining about it now at least you got us shelter." Zorin said as he and Katara walked in.
"Yeah but that fisherman was way out of line." Katara said as Aang had a retort.
"Actually he wasn't." Aang said solemnly as Zorin sighed.
"Aang if this is about the other Nomads I keep telling you it wasn't your fault, and the order did save as many as we could." Zorin said as Aang looked.
"It's not that, it's what I did before it happened." Aang said as Zorin sighed.
"Is it a long story?" Zorin asked as Aang simply nodded his answer. "Alright let me get a fire started alright." Zorin said as Katara looked as soon Appa was heard as was Momo as the two had entered no doubt to avoid the rain.
(Scene Break after Aang's story [ESKK: It basically happens like cannon but Zorin stays silent])
"I see where you're coming from." Zorin said as the two looked to him. "But you didn't know what would have happened, but I think deep down it was meant to be this way, the Nomads we saved only one or two of them were actual masters and the rest were children from what I read. Aang that Air Nomad tattoo is commonly given to Airbender Masters so if that is the case it was meant to be this way because I think you were meant to teach them the art they lost touch with." Zorin said as he sat there looking at the fire.
"Me on the other hand I have my own baggage one I try to hide behind well everything." Zorin said as Aang looked.
"Well you listened to my story, and you actually gave a good point." Aang said as he knew that he was the only Airbending master those survivors had now.
"Alright I guess I'll start the day I met Zaruba." Zorin said as he looked to Zaruba. "Zaruba can you show them what happened if we use the camp fire." Zorin asked remembering that old skill.
"Yes I can, old Barago wasn't the only one who can use that." Zaruba said though the last parts to himself remembering a time so long ago before the world was as they knew it.
"Thank you." Zorin said as he then pointed Zaruba to the fire before his eyes glowed and green flames lever the Madou Rings mouth melding with the flame as they formed an image.
(Flashback/Fire's picture)
Zorin was in his room as Lu ten his cousin had died in battle. As Zorin laid on his bed he looked at the present his uncle had sent. While Azula had gotten a doll which she had burned, Zuko got a knife that had words of encouragement, Zorin had gotten a book, one that had the tale of the Golden Knight Garo as a more novel like form. Zorin had read the book from start to finish as it had always been his favorite. People always said Garo wasn't real that he was just an urban legend but Zorin loved them all. As the young Prince sat up he stretched a bit as he walked over to his practice sword as he then grabbed it before swinging it around training as he was a natural with it.
Zorin had advanced farther with swordsmanship but Zorin himself wanted to advance his own Fire Bending Style to his own needs, but his main thing was he didn't want to rely on Rage and Hate to his flames. As Zorin swung the sword he sighed as he then sat down before he noticed something. He walked over to his table and saw a box which looked like a puzzle box. As Zorin looked at it he picked it up but as his hand touched it the box activated as it began to turn around by itself causing him to yelp as soon the box unlocked as he looked at it.
"What in the name of Agni?" Zorin asked as he walked over to it and carefully opened it. Inside to his shock was a skull themed ring as he was wide eyed as he had seen this ring in the stories of Garo. The Spirit ally who acted as Garo's partner and guide as he looked. "Wow someone made Zaruba like the Garo stories." Zorin said as the Madou Ring then laughed.
"No I am in fact the real Zaruba." Zaruba said as Zorin was wide eyed as he yelped in shock as he fell on his rear and dropped Zaruba who simply chuckled at his new partner.
(Flashback pause)
"You actually reacted like that?" Katara said as it was humorous as Zorin glared.
"Hey I was young and unaware so don't blame me." Zorin said as Katara chuckled at this. "Anyway back to the tale." Zorin said as he looked at the Madou Ring.
(Flashback continue)
"Hey boy tell me how is Ursa doing these days?" Zaruba asked as Zorin looked.
"What how do you know my mother?" Zorin asked as Zaruba chuckled.
"Hmm why not find her and ask?" Zaruba asked as Zorin summed flamed and sent it to his foot causing him to yelp in pain as luckily he held back as he looked. "Hey what you do that for?" Zaruba asked as Zorin looked.
"Ok, not dreaming but maybe crazy." Zorin said as he looked before he took Zaruba and put him on.
"Well you don't have the armor of Garo but I suppose I can stick with you for now." Zaruba said as Zorin looked.
"By the way I'm Zorin." Zorin said as Zaruba understood.
"Then I am Madou Ring Zaruba pleasure to meet you." Zaruba said as Zorin smiled.
(Later with Zorin)
Zorin arrived outside the room and saw Azula and Zuko arguing as he sighed and decided to play peace keeper. "Ok you two what's the problem and if it's Zuko my question is why did, you prank Azula without me?" Zorin asked as Azula looked.
"Oh well I heard that Uncle Iroh is coming back because he is a quitter and a loser." Azula said as Zorin looked. "A real general in my opinion would have burned Ba sin Sei to the ground." Azula said as Zorin clenched his fist.
"And how would you know, Uncle Iroh lost Lu Ten if I was in his spot I would have left also no one else needs to lose their kids." Zorin said as Azula scoffed.
"So you're like him weak and cowardly, what was that thing you always boasted about, ending the war without any more fighting?" Azula taunted as Zorin's hand became a fist. "A naïve child's dream the only way to end the war is to win no Avatar means no peace maker." Azula taunted as Zorin just about had it.
"Azula don't cross that line, if you take a life... you'll never be able to go back." Zorin said as he knew how killing affected the Troops.
"Oh and how would you know? You never killed." Azula said as Zorin glared.
"No but I do know it hurts both you and the people close to the dead." Zorin countered as Azula glared.
"Don't compare me to you Zorin I'm stronger so if I kill I won't feel a thing." Azula glared as Zorin glared back.
"Don't make yourself a monster Azula if you do I'll take you down our score is currently with me in the lead right now." Zorin said as the elder brother was in a sort of endless competition with his younger sister as Zorin and Azula glared at each other. "Now I'll be the better person and walk away don't make a mistake." Zorin said as he then began walking away as Azula felt insulted to which she responded by bending her fire at Zorin as Zorin saw this and quickly slid to the side and pulled out his sparring sword and sent a fire slash from it as the metal was dull but custom made to handle it. Zorin put out the fire and got into a hand to hand style as he kept his feet light and swift as he and Azula then began fire bending at each other.
"Guys stop it you're going to break something!" Zuko called trying to break the two apart but Azula then slid under Zorin tripping him up but before Zorin could recover Azula used the 5 second window to strike as she sent a hard fire jab at Zorin's ankle to which he was wide eyed as he fell and grabbed his injury.
"Well then Zozo looks like I win and our score is all tied up." Azula said as she smirked at Zorin.
"Well Lala I'm not down yet." Zorin struggled as he got up as he kept a light force on his sprained ankle as his own stubbornness strikes again.
"Idiot this will be easy." Azula said as she now had a weakness to exploit on Zorin.
It was then they heard footsteps as Zorin, Zuko, and Azula looked and saw their mother there. "Your father has requested an audience with Fire Lord Azulon, best cloths hurry up." Azula said as Zorin limped a bit to his room to get said cloths as he tried very hard to hide it be it out of his own stubbornness or pride was unknown.
"Fire Lord Azulon." Azula began as Zuko left. "Can't we just call him grandfather he's not exactly the powerful Firelord he used to be someone will probably end up taking his place soon." Azula said as Ursa did not like that nor did Zorin.
"Azula that was uncalled for take it back!" Zorin called as Azula scoffed.
"Why don't like the fact that I insulted your grandfather." Azula said knowing how Zorin next to Lu Ten was Azulon's favorite.
"Young lady not another word!" Ursa scolded as Zorin was shocked as Azula ran off but as Ursa looked to Zorin she quickly saw the limp but with it was Zaruba as she was wide eyed. "Zorin, where did you get that ring?" Ursa asked as the old training she received as a Makai Priestess never really went away.
"Oh um I uh found it in this box in my room, though I don't know where the box came from." Zorin said as Ursa looked as if she had seen a ghost.
"Zorin... can I see it for a bit I promise you he will be in your room waiting for you." Ursa said purposely making the slip of calling Zaruba a, he.
"Oh um sure." Zorin said before passing the ring to Ursa and running off. Once Zorin was gone Ursa looked to Zaruba and smiled.
"It's been a while... Zaruba." Ursa said as Zaruba nodded.
"Yes it has Ursa my you've grown." Zaruba said as those three kids of hers, Azula really worries him.
(Later Throne Room)
Zorin did his best to treat his sprained ankle but he wouldn't give Azula the satisfactory of him being in pain. The family of five stood before Azulon as the man was quiet imposing and intimidating especially with the fire before his throne as he wasn't like he was in the Spirit World. Right now Ozai was basically showing off Azula as Zorin chose to stay quiet for this since he knew his father was basically whoring out Azula's talents. Zorin knew his chances for the throne may have increased with Lu Ten's death but... he didn't want to kill for that throne, he refuses to do something so horrible just for power it was dishonorable and insulted everything about family he believed in.
"Now would you show grandfather the new moves you demonstrated?" Ozai said as Zorin rolled his eyes as once his original style was complete Zorin would have a game changer in Fire Bending at his disposal. Of course he would need to prove it is a new style by being able to teach it to others who can utilize it to prove it was teachable and useful.
Azula then began her demonstration as she performed the Fire Bending kata as she had learned as she quickly began fire bending as Zorin looked next to him and saw his training sword as luckily the heat from the blade catching fire had died but the fact remains that Zorin's original style would incorporate Fire Bending with sword play. Once Azula was done she topped her demonstration with sending the fire to Azulon's endless flame as Zorin saw this.
"She's a true prodigy just like her grandfather for who she's named." Ozai said as Azula returned between her two brothers.
"You'll never catch up, and you're oh so great original style will fall face first into the ground." Azula quietly taunted but soon Azulon spoke.
"Zorin." Azulon spoke catching Zorin's attention as Ozai's small smile became a small frown no doubt not liking how Azulon continues to favor Zorin. "I hear you had made a few breakthroughs in your developing self-created style, you found a proper metal for your sword to form your style that can catch fire and guide it. Would you be interested in demonstrating?" Azulon said as Zorin looked to Azula and smirked a cocky smirk while he looked to Zuko with a look that said "Watch this and see Azula flip out."
Zorin got up as he was lucky he did an old fire cotton trick to numb the pain in his ankle but still had the ever so slightest limp. "Ok let's do this." Zorin said as he was ready. Zorin took his Stands to start his style as he did a few swing of his sword before starting then took a breath. Zorin slash the air as he add his fire bending to it as he went on, with every step he took he winch a bit but keep going trying to push the pain to the back of his mind and focus on his movement, his breathing, and started to add his feelings to it.
Azula piff a bit as she seen his new style of bending many times but wasn't that impress with it, but Zuko was with his brother as he made a new style of bending with a weapon, as Zuko wish he thought of it first, but he try and adapt as well, even wanted to try duel sword form of it as well if he could, and Ozai frown to this as he never thought of using fire bending with a sword as it's like mocking the way of fire bending should be by the hands and feet, and the anger that is keep within, but he saw Zorin, his son using fire bending another way, as Zorin using his bending in the way of peace, and strength that came from his heart with a passion.
The more Zorin moves the more he feel like his movement was just natural, it just flows like water, and his flame shine bright as the sun, and when just moments away from the climax of it as the way he went faster in his movement, something is happening. Something that Zorin didn't pay attention too, as his flames started to flicker, its tone was changing, to a bluish color as Ozai, Azula, Zuko, and Azulon can see but could not explain.
Zorin went faster and faster as he flip and spin around in the air as his flames keep changing to a different from blue to a darker green before it gotten brighter and brighter until it was a bright green flame.
Zorin quickly finish as he spin around with the tip of his sword touching the ground making a ring of fire, before be he jump up, and came down standing again as he smacking the tip to the ground with the flames around him, shot up in a pillar as it shot almost to the ceiling, as if it was like a beacon that would draw in anyone.
Zuko was 'Aww' stair as the pillar of flames, with Ozai could not believe his eyes were seeing as he never thought there was an ounce of talent in his 2nd born son, Azula was irritated… or enrage as she sees not only Zorin pull off something that seem impossible, but he change the color of his flames, and lastly Azulon as he was speechless and never in his life he seen such talent as he saw Zorin preform that out shine Azula by a mile, but his display of his fire bending is something else as well, even more so seeing green flames which he felt somewhat at peace to see, which is funny as fire is usually a symbol of fear and power.
The pillar of green flame died down as Zorin look down at his sword and soon came around and blink for a moment as he raise his sword and saw the green flame dancing on it as he never seen green flame before at all, and soon enough he hears a clap as which Zorin lower his sword and look up at his grandfather as he saw a smile on his face and he was clapping, and soon Zuko did the same as Ozai and Azula glare at him but with empire clapping they did so as well.
"Well done my boy, well done," Azulon said as he was proud of his grandson and he always seen why Zorin is his favorite, to not only to his new style and the change to his flames, but the look in his eyes, a look he once saw in himself and that was determination of never giving up and stand strong, which seem to him is rare to see and knew Zorin has potential.
Zorin quickly realized what he did as he then bowed before Azulon as Ursa now knew for a fact what Zorin's future entailed as she knew Zaruba was right. In fact for a moment Ursa saw her own father in Zorin's place. Azulon though saw that Ozai wanted something as Zorin himself was content with the rare approval especially his brother and mother.
"Prince Ozai we both know you want something from this and Zorin here is clearly dealing with a sprained ankle so tell me what you want the rest of you go." Azulon said as that surprised Ozai. Azula quickly remembered she inflicted that injury and she unintentionally made Zorin look better.
(Later with Zorin)
Zorin was getting his ankle treated as his mother was there as Zorin felt embarrassed as he already heard people cling him master Zorin since he pulled something from left field. Once the ankle was treated Ursa hugged her son surprising Zorin as he felt her crying. But the tears were that of happiness as Ursa looked. "Zorin I'm very proud of you." Ursa praised as her son... he was the one chosen by Garo.
"But all I did was fire bend and showed how my self-developed style was progressing." Zorin said showing modesty.
"It's more than that Zorin you did something only my own father could do." Ursa said as she looked to her son. "Now off with you, a man needs his rest." Ursa said as her son was stubborn but kind.
(Flashback pause)
"Yeah the Green Flames is the Fire Nations mark of Garo it was inherited from my grandfather each bending nation has their own Garo mark ranging from specific birth marks to element differences." Zorin said as Aang and Katara understood.
"So you were like me thrusted into this who responsibility." Aang said as Zorin nodded.
"Yeah." Zorin said as the story continued.
(Flashback continued Zorin's bedroom that evening)
Zorin was doing pushups with his legs on his bed as he needed to get stronger to figure out how he did those flames though by chance. It was then that he saw the door open to which he got up and saw Azula. "Well behold crown prince Zorin next in line to be Fire Lord." Azula said as by the sound of it she didn't like it.
"Ok what's your problem now Azula?" Zorin asked as he looked to Azula.
"Oh nothing just that once Uncle Iroh retires you'll be the next firelord." Azula said haughtily as Zorin was skeptical.
"Ok and how will I be becoming Fire Lord?" Zorin asked as Azula smirked.
"Well dad is going to be killing Zuko." Azula said as Zorin was surprised by that.
"Wait what?!" Zorin demanded as he glared at Azula.
'Uh oh.' Zaruba thought as he knew Zorin was still young and inexperienced in controlling his emotions.
"Yeah I heard it, Azulon yelled at father you will experienced the same pain as Iroh did by losing your son." Azula said as Zorin glared as he looked for the signs of Azula's lies. Zorin always knew when Azula was lying he had to so he can pull his and Zuko's pranks on her and give her the slip when needed. As Zorin glared he saw no sign of lying so either she was getting better at it or she meant it
"He wouldn't." Zorin countered but deep down he knew Ozai may very well do it.
"Why are you upset now you have no one standing in your way to the throne? Oh wait is your oh so iron clad moral code won't allow you to let people die to further yourself?" Azula taunted as Zorin glared.
"I'll stop father if I have to." Zorin said as he got up. "No one will die tonight." Zorin said as he got up as Azula scoffed.
"That's rich Crown Prince Zorin vs Fire Lord Azulon and Prince Ozai the match of the century." Azula scoffed as Zorin was about to exit the room before Azula left. "Makes no difference to me take him on if you want it's your funeral and it will make the throne much clearer for me." Azula said as she walked away. Zorin of course stopped as he knew Azula was edging him on trying to make him do or say something stupid as he glared at Azula vanishing form before he jumped into bed and roared.
"DAMMIT I HATE IT WHEN SHE'S RIGHT!" Zorin called out as he needed an ace to take them both on.
Zorin rush out to where his father and grandfather to maybe stop this madness before it was too late to his thoughts were, and the more he try to think what he can do, he started to slow down him movement when it was a Break run to came to a slow walk before stopping in his track as he relies something.
He wasn't strong, not that skilled, and his bending was incomplete as he thought, how would he stand against his grandfather as that throne he sits on maybe ruin his back, but what his father as well as he knew that man was far strong with his bending, also if he could take them on then what is the cost, him being label as a traitor, or maybe something far worse than that.
He turn back and maybe try to find someone to talk sense to them, maybe his mother as he knew she would not stand if any of her children were hurt by someone of this family or anyone else and soon he rush off to find his mother and tell her what Azula told him and hope she can do something.
(Flashback pause)
Zorin look down in the flames as Katara and Aang seem horrified to hear such a thing as Ozai would most likely kill Zuko and what to know what happens next as Aang said, "So what then? Did you tell your mother and manage to stop it?"
Zorin didn't say a word for the moment before he took a breath and said, "Yes… but what happen after… change my life forever the day I died as a prince, and reborn as a Makai knight.
Zorin point out Zaruba to continue the story and show Aang and Katara, where his story truly begins.
(Flashback continued)
When Zorin told his mother Azula said to him, she was shock to hear this but keep calm and said to him she will take care of it and told him get to bed and she promise him it would be alright.
Alright she says… but it was far from it.
Ursa walked in Zorin's room wearing cloak as she walk over to Zorin who was sound asleep before she shakes to wake him up as she said to him. "Zorin we have to leave."
Zorin yawned as he ask her "Where are we going?"
"Away, we're leaving the fire nation." The Ursa said as Zorin look up to his mother and said, "Is Azula, Zuko, and father coming?"
He didn't know if this was a fire nation business or something dealing to what Azula said to him as Ursa said to her son, "No just us, you're going to awaken to your destiny and don't forget to bring the ring you found and that sparing sword of yours."
Zorin yawned and nodded to his mother as he said, "Ok." He said as grabbed his sparring sword and Zaruba who was on his Stand that looked like he has a body.
Grabbing Zaruba off his stand and put it on his finger before taking the stand and putting it in a pack he has nearby as he pack a change of clothes and stuff before turn around to his mother as Ursa kneel down before him giving him a smile and said, "Let's get going Zorin. Your destiny awaits."
Soon enough as things happen very fast, with Ursa taking Zorin who was still tired, as he was mostly getting drag around without realizing what was going on, as they walk through the kingdom with every Guard they pass, Ursa held out her madou brush and did a spell to make them forget they ever saw them.
(Scene Break)
By morning they were already gone as now they were disembarking from a boat to one of the colonies as they were in the woods outside said colony as before them were Makai Knights and Priests all of which were in robes, hoods, and masks as Ursa walked over to them keeping Zorin close. Ursa summoned a Madou Flame before sending the ashes to their eyes and saw they were in fact human and who she was to meet.
Ursa then took out a key of sorts and the leading Knight presented his own before the two halves fit perfectly together releasing a glow. "I'm trusting you all with my son, I know the Fire Nation has done a lot of wrong but the Knight and Priests from the Fire Nation haven't given up there duty and mission as ones who protect." Ursa said as the Knights and Priests seemed skeptical as Zorin was unaware as to what was going on. "My son has bended the green flames the Garo Mark of the Fire Nation and had also awoken the Madou Ring Zaruba these two facts should be more than enough truth to my son being the next Golden Knight." Ursa said before Zaruba spoke.
"It's, true fellows this boy's destiny is to inherit the Golden Armor and title of Golden Knight Garo all he needs is proper training to prepare him for his fate." Zaruba said as they all nodded.
"Very well we will take him and train him in our ways." The Knight said as Ursa nodded.
"Be strong Zorin." Ursa said to her son before she brought her son over to them and handed him off to them as Zorin was shocked at this as Ursa then began walking away.
(Flashback pause)
Katara wiped away a few tears as she saw how Zorin in the flames was in tears all but begging his mother not to go as Aang could see why Zorin felt so much baggage in his life. The fact his mother left him like that without saying a word other then be strong as no doubt that must have been traumatizing for a child like that. "Well it got better after right?" Aang asked as Zorin sighed.
"I honestly wished it did." Zorin said as they paid attention to the flame.
(Flashback continued)
Zorin was wearing a head band and training garb as he was sword fighting with other children his age as that was what it looked like as they soon pushed him down hard as they scoffed and glared at him as they were from Water Tribe and Earth Kingdom Descent. "Fire Nation scum you have no right to be here." They said as Zorin simply yet silently got up as they then water and earth bended him off his feet as Zorin was knocked down again but the boy still chose to stand up.
The water bender was about to use ice to keep him down before the water moved on its own and restrained the group. "All of you stop this!" The Knight in charge of this group roared as they each saw they were in trouble. "You may not like him cause of his nation and blood but he is like you all a Makai Knight in training so he is your ally and equal!" The man yelled as the boys glared.
"NEVER, he has tainted blood. Blood stained with the lives of innocents!" One yelled before a gust of air was thrown as they Knights saw a bald Knight in training with a staff and a priest with him as they glared at the two.
"Let's all cool down alright we are all a bit on edge when we received word The Makai Knight Ohga would be arriving with the Makai Knight Zanga so let's all walk away and enjoy a meal." The Air Benders of the Order said defusing the situation.
The group of bullies broke apart as Zorin then spit out some blood in his mouth as he then walked back to his training dummy and continued his training alone as he tried to develop his style more. Unaware to them a young Earth Kingdom Girl with her own master dressed as a Kiyoshi Warrior saw this as both wielded a scythe weapon as they saw the whole thing. The Kiyoshi Makai Knight looked to Zorin with pity as she saw ta boy who was unjustly being tormented for the sins of others.
(Flashback Pause)
"Ok that's not fare of them, you didn't choose to have Ozai as a father and those kids were treating you as if you were Ozai himself or responsible for the 100 year war!" Katara called as Aang may have had his friends start leaving him but he saw that Zorin didn't have many friends when he joined.
"But then it starts getting better." Zorin said with a smile as he showed what happened after this. "Because when Ohga and the Zanga before Marvelous arrived my training really got into high gear." Zorin said as the flames showed how things got better.
(Flashback continue as montage)
The flashback then began showing Zorin practicing Fire Bending as he sent green flames as Jeong-Jeong kept a close eye on Zorin as they boy guided the fire and made sure it did not hurt or burn anything as he then was showed atop a mountain breathing as he was being patient. The screen then showed Zorin asleep on the same mountain to which Jeong-Jeong arrived and sighed before chuckling and wrapping a blanket around the young Knight before carrying him back to the hut.
The screen then showed Zorin back in the Fire Nation leaving these ruins as he carried a small green flame to the mountain as he is training grab had become a bit ruined as he ran through the mountain pass to the peak in tent on reaching his destination.
The then then showed Zorin enduring Sword Training under the a man in his estate within the Fire Nation as Zorin learned calligraphy, utilizing the land around him in a fight, and even landscaping and painting as Zorin may be great at landscaping he was adequate with painting.
Through it all Zorin met with many of his former bullies and spared with them showing he was getting stronger as he began to earn their respect and acknowledgement as they gave him some pointers on his bending style such as being as a leaf when he dodged to avoid getting hit like an Airbender, to be as water pushing and pulling like a Water Bender, but when need be stand firm like an Earth Bender but light on his feet for fast combat. The story soon ended with Zorin standing in the Tower of Heroic Spirits as they granted him the honor and right to use Garo and granted him the title of Golden Knight Garo.
(Flashback end)
"Incredible you worked your tail off to earn their respect going as far as you did, though I wish I was more like you... maybe all those years ago I could have saved my people." Aang said as Zorin chuckled.
"Yeah... but then I wouldn't have you as a friend." Zorin said as that cheered Aang up.
"So I guess in the end you got Garo." Katara said as Zorin nodded.
"Yeah I did, in the end it all paid off and with Garo I cut down my graduation Horror and thus formed my contract with Zaruba." Zorin said as Zaruba chuckled.
"Yeah Zorin had proven himself quiet capable as a Makai Knight but he still needs a little more curving here and there." Zaruba said as the story ended.
"Yeah..." Zorin said as soon the thunder was heard once again as they soon heard a voice.
"HELP OH PLEASE HELP!" The old lady from the docks called as Katara ran over to her to help her.
"It's ok your safe." Katara said trying to help the old woman.
"But my husband isn't." The old woman said as Katara helped her inside.
"What do you mean? Where's Sokka and Marvelous?" Katara asked as she was worried for them.
"They haven't returned. They should have been back by now and this storm is becoming a typhoon there caught out at sea." The old woman said as Zorin stood up and looked to the storm at the Cave's entrance as he saw it.
"This storm isn't doing this naturally, it's the work of a very power sea based Horror." Zaruba said as Zorin looked.
"My job is never done huh." Zorin said as he was ready to prove once more who he was.
"I'm going to find them." Aang said as Katara looked to Aang with determination in her heart.
"I'm going with the both of you." Katara said as the Old Lady glared.
"I'm staying here." the woman said as she wanted to stay alive and dry then go back out there.
(Scene Break out at sea with Zuko)
The crew had heard Zuko's story and understood that the Avatar and Zorin were Zuko's last hope of returning home and most of all finding his mother. As they knew this now Zuko was trying to keep his footing as with the Lieutenant as this Typhoon was rocking the boat bad. "Where were we hit?" Zuko asked as he came up to see the damage.
"I don't know!" The Lieutenant called as Iroh saw it.
"LOOK!" Iroh called pointing to the Helm as he was shocked.
"The Helmsmen!" Zuko called out in shock as he saw the Helmsmen was hanging on for dear life.
Zuko and the Lieutenant quickly began climbing the ladder to help him as they had to hurry. Iroh though saw Lightning was about to hit as he then got ready before he was hit by it and in turn he bended the lightning through his body to the water keeping damage to a minimum as this metal ship was like a lightning rod. Most of all though... Iroh got singed a bit as his hair had that lightning crazy look going on.
(Zuko)
The Helmsman lost his grip and fell but Zuko caught him just in time as Zuko then passed the helmsmen to the Lieutenant as the two looked at each other before nodding as they had an unspoken respect for each other especially after what the Lieutenant had learned from Zuko.
(With Aang, Zorin, and Katara)
As everything was loaded up on Appa, with Zorin pull up his hood as he said, "Ready to go?"
Everyone nodded as Aang look to the fisherman's wife as he said, "We'll be back soon. I promise."
The trio got on Appa and flew out into the storm as Zorin held out his madou ring partner as he call out his name, "Zaruba!"
"I got a clear sense of where they are at, thanks to Doruba sending out a signal but is unable to send a message due to this story and the horror that making it worst," Zaruba said as Zorin frown and ask, "Which way?"
"North eastern, but slightly more in the north," Zaruba said as Aang nods as he said, "Hang on guys!" Aang whip the reins a bit and said, "Yip-yip!"
Appa roar out as he knew faster to the direction Zaruba pointed out and hope they can get there in time.
(Moments later)
As the trio arrive in the area where the ship should be at as Katara ask, "Where are they?!"
Zorin looks ahead as he saw a wave coming at them as he said, "We got a wave coming!"
Aang whip the reins again as he said, "Come on Appa!" as Aang wanted to dodge it, but the wave was too fast and too high to dodge it, with the look of panic on Aang's face, when the wave came down on them, a combine ability of fire and wind blew a whole throw the wave as Zorin and Aang stood in front on Appa's head to do so.
After a moment as Zorin look ahead as he said, "Ship ahead!"
Aang look and said, "It's them!" as the trio were happy to see the boat, they can save Sokka, Marvelous, and (*taking a breath)… the old fisherman.
But before they got too excited, a huge fin like the Unagi back at Kiyoshi Island but more bigger, darker, and decaying looking fin with the site of pealing flesh and holes in it.
"That not good," Zorin said as he going to have one heck of a fight on his hand and in this storm as well.
(On board the fishing boat)
Marvelous was breathing hard and has his sword out as one moment they fishing in the storm before it got worst, and next thing they know small horror came forth from the waters below as they attack, Marvelous sprang into action.
The fisherman is out cold due to a horror knocking him out and about to eat him until it was kick off by Sokka but that got the horror attention and chase after him, Marvelous cut down the many horror that came at them, but was already tired of all the fishing he's done as it took a toll on his stamina, could even summon his armor without a horror attacking him from behind.
At this point Sokka is taken cover, the fisherman down, and marvelous was about to overwhelm by the huge horror he notice out in the sea but hasn't surface yet, and didn't know if he can even fight it off, and then the site of Appa came into view as marvelous smile and said, "The golden spirit has come, finally."
(Zuko ship)
As everyone taking a breath after that moment with the Helmsmen that almost died if Zuko didn't catch him, and soon enough the banish prince saw it as he said, "The Avatar!"
Soon enough Lieutenant pointed out and said, "What do you want to do, sir?" Before Zuko can answer, the serpent like horror raise up from the waters looking down at the fishing boat and not at them at least as Zuko knew it was bad news, and the rate his crew is lasting in the storm wasn't looking great ether as Zuko said, "We leave them be and hope they can come out alive. As right now we are not going to last long. We need to get this ship to safety."
Iroh nods as he said, "Then we must head directly into the eye of the storm." Iroh points out to the massive area of clouds where they have gather as that were the eye of the storm lays.
(With Zorin)
"Anything you can tell me about this Horror Zaruba!?" Zorin called as he had never seen a Horror like this.
"This Horror very rarely ever leaves the bottom of the ocean. It's known for only appearing during times of great wars and when a Storm becomes a Typhoon it means it is about to Surface and consume. Those Horror's name is Evera the Leviathan Dark Queen of the Deep." Zaruba said as this was an extremely troublesome Horror. "It's very troublesome a close rival to Agni in Sozen's comet I don't like your odds, Zorin." Zaruba said as Zorin nodded.
"Leave this to me, Aang Katara you two handle getting Sokka, Marvelous, and the old fishermen on the boat I'll deal with our sea friend!" Zorin said as Aang nodded. "Aang... I leave this in your capable hands." Zorin said before he jumped down and summoned his armor becoming Garo.
Once Garo landed he took a battle stance and grinded the Garoken against his armored palm as he then took his stance as the rain hit his armor giving it a brighter glow. Aang soon arrived as Garo fought the Horror's minion as Aang grabbed Marvelous and air bended him to Appa. Aang then returned and then grabbed the two and tied Sokka to the knocked out Fisherman. The mass of the Boat was about to fall on them but Garo acted and cut it in half straight down the middle before returning to the fight. Once their friends plus the old man was ok Garo then did a spin attack cutting down all the minions at once. Garo then looked at the water and soon the Horror surfaced as it looked like a demonic and evil parody of the Unagi on Kiyoshi Island but its length exceeded the Unagi by a mile while its width exceeded the Unagi as well as the Horror roared sending out black water from its mouth.
The Horror looked down upon Garo and glared as a Makai Knight had dared to show itself here and destroy its children. "Golden Knight Garo... still you exist in this era." The Horror growled as Garo glared. "To bad for you and the others I will have the pleasure of extinguishing your light from this world!" The Horror Evera roared before it attacked but Garo avoided the attack as the Boat was destroyed but enough of it survived to float as Garo landed on the floating remains while Evera then charged forward. Garo blocked the attack as he used his strength to push the Horror away.
Evera responded by sending its tendrils of pealing skin at Garo who slashed them away as best he could but was knocked away by its power. Garo then summoned his green flames onto his sword and sent a powerful slash at Evera but when the attack hit Evera felt pain and roared in fury before it summoned the Storms thunder power and used its power to strike Garo. Garo jumped to the other half of the fallen Boat as the first half was destroyed in an instant.
"We're running out of leg room!" Zaruba called as Garo looked.
"I have an idea." Garo said as he saw the thunder and remembered his Uncle Iroh.
"Zorin that is reckless beyond all measure you haven't even learned how to lightning bend let alone redirect it!" Zaruba called as Garo looked.
"Any better options, Zaruba?" Garo asked as Zaruba looked.
"No but be careful." Zaruba said as Garo nodded.
Garo then raised his Garoken skyward as the thunder soon struck again as Garo waited and once hit he tried to channel it. Key word being tried as like Zaruba said he didn't know the skill as he only knew he had to keep it away from his heart at all costs. But the thunder was wild and violent as Garo tried his best but the armor itself gained a current around it as it was trying to keep its master protected from his reckless plan. Garo tried his best to utilize it but he then slashed at the Horror releasing a powerful arc of chi but missed as the thunder soon struck Garo while he was weakened knocking him into the water as everyone was shocked.
(Gaang)
"Zorin!" Aang called as Garo feel into the deep.
(With Zorin)
Garo was still active but Zorin could barely move as he sunk into the waters depths. "Dammit..." Garo cursed as he looked. "Is this all I can do?" Garo asked as he couldn't just give up... but it was so tempting.
'Is this the end?" Zorin wondered from inside the armor as he felt himself being dragged inside Garo once more.
(Garo's inner world)
Zorin arrived as he saw he was alone but soon he heard the clanking of armor as he looked and saw to his shock Master Garo but this one had green eyes as Zorin was surprised. "Welcome Golden Knight of this Era." Master Garo said as he looked upon the new wielder.
"I was wondering when we would all get to meet." came another voice as Zorin looked as he saw a Garo that looked completely different as Zaruba looked.
"Garo Shou (Flight)?" Zaruba asked as he did not expect to see him here. "Ryuga how are you here?" Zaruba asked as he hadn't seen Ryuga since his era.
"We were all called here by this Garo in particular." Came a voice as Zorin looked and saw a Garo who looked more like a war lord.
"Shogun Garo, Raiko." Zaruba said as he did not expect this.
"But who called you all here?" Zorin asked as another voice was heard.
"You did young Garo." Came another as Zorin saw next to Raiko was a winged and feathered looking Garo.
"Garo Ashura, Gouki!" Zaruba said as Gouki nodded.
"We all came here from each of our worlds and eras because you called us here Zorin Golden Knight Garo." Came a last voice as between Master Garo and Ryuga was Garo mixed with its lost soul.
"Luminos Soul Garo... Raiga!" Zaruba said as Zaruba knew who this particular Master Garo was. "That means... your Kouga." Zaruba said as he was referring to Master Garo.
The Master Garo nods as Zorin to all the Garo's as he said, "I… call you all here?"
"That's correct and we have seen what you have been going against, and we will say, it won't be easy," One more voice that came from behind as Zorin turn around and saw another Garo as it was in the air with huge wings on its back and tail below with what looks like Garoken on its back as Zaruba said, "Garo Angel Mode, Leon Luis."
Zorin is amazed to see all these different Garo that came across from space and time and he was in the middle of all of them as Master Garo started saying, "Cutting down the Horror won't be easy, but as long you keep your light strong you can succeed."
Zorin turn around and said, "How can I face such a horror… if I couldn't even touch it with my sword."
Garo shogun step up and said, "It's not about the power of the sword, or your ability over fire, but the power that lay deep within Garo and within yourself as it has within all of us."
"When you're in the deepest darkness, a there is a light that shine within that as bright as Garo," The lost soul Garo said as remember how he achieve his form.
"When you also fight by yourself, just know you not alone ether as you have friends to help support you," Ryuga said knowing from experience.
"When you have someone you want to protect the most, you will do anything to made it so they never get hurt," Leon said as Zorin look them and said, "A power deep within Garo, and me, where did it come from?"
"It's been with you sense the day you were born, growing up reading about heroes and fairy tale, and through your life" Gouki said as he know his story inspire many.
"But there is a question you have yet you ask, the only one to ask is yourself and that question is… why are you Garo?" Kouga asked Zorin.
"Why am I Garo?" Zorin asked himself as he looked deep into his mind as he tried to remember why he became Garo. He dug deep as he quickly had his flashbacks to all the people he had met and grown close to. Katara, Sokka, Aang, and Marvelous being his closest friends, then there was Zuko, Azula, his mother Ursa, his Uncle Iroh, his grandfather Azulon, and his grandfather Wan-Shu. But chief among them all was the girl he was smitten by the one who he held close to his heart, Ty-Lee. "I became Garo... to protect those closest to me but... not just them I want to protect everyone and to do this I want to protect the world so they can walk another day in this world of light as beings of flesh, blood, and bone with their souls shining bright!" Zorin called as the Garo's of past all saw Zorin's conviction.
"You are starting to see it aren't you?" Gouki asked as he looked to Zorin.
"The true source of Garo's power." Raiga asked as he looked to the young Garo.
"Yeah... I do." Zorin said as he had sworn an oath to fight as one who protects and keep fighting with all the strength in him.
"Then you know the reason you had become Garo." Kouga said as he looked to Zorin.
"The path you walk is clear and in the name of all the Garo's who came before raise your blade and protect everyone who walks this earth as humans!" Raikou said as Zorin nodded.
"You what it is you must protect and your blade had given you that answer so many years ago." Leon said as he looked to Garo.
"Turn those deeply rooted feelings and emotions for those you wish to protect and make it into power!" Gouki called as Ryuga looked.
"The rest is up to you now Golden Knight Garo." Ryuga said as Zorin nodded.
(Real World)
Garo sunk into the water before his eyes flashed as his armor glowed its brightest that it was seen from the surface. As Garo's form was covered by the light.
(Gaang)
"Hey guys look!" Aang called as he saw what was going on there.
"What is that?" Sokka asked as he saw the light come from the water where Garo had fallen.
(Battle Area)
The water soon began to spin before it rose up in a spiral like way as inside the drill like spiral was a golden glow coming from it as soon it burst out revealing Garo but different. Garo's form had changed into a more aquatic form as Garo was standing on top of the water he had risen up as his eyes glowed as did his crest. The form had fin like blades on the arms that seem to look capable of detaching and being used as boomerangs, the feet seem to have a secondary form to turn into a tail as on his back was a sort of shark tail as Garo glared at Evera.
Garo then water bended the area around him showing of the powers of this new form as soon this Garo spread its arms out as the water rose behind it forming its symbol.
GARO TYPHOON
"Impossible!" Evera called out as she quickly realized who she was dealing with. "GARO DIE!" Evera called out as she charged at Garo who now switched from Fire Bending to full on Water as he drew the power from the Water Bending Garo's of past.
Garo leap into the air to dodge and strike Evera across her face as she yell out in pain, as Garo dive back into the water, with his legs combine together to form the shark tail, he zoom across the water with ease and leap into the air doing some hit and run attack as well using his tail to bend the waters around and smack the horror hard, as the Gaang saw this as Katara said, "He can water bend now?"
"How is that possible? I thought his Master form was the only thing that can use other elements," Aang said as Sokka said, "I am lost here."
Marvelous watch as the fight goes on as he knew to what he is taught in the few months before he became Makai knight Zanga, as he said, "Maybe Garo is like the avatar in his own way than we know of."
Garo leap into the air as his shark tail became legs again as a spiral pillar of water came up as Garo stood on top of it with ease.
The horror look to Garo as it said, "Damn you Garo, I will see to it you will be destroy for good!"
"That where you will fail at, even if I died another will pick up my sword and another Garo will step forth, but even so I cannot afford to die here ether, So Evera the Leviathan Dark, I shall cut down your Inga here!" Garo said loudly to the horror as she roar out and came at him fast.
"ZORIN!" Everyone yells out to him as the fins on Garo's arms detach themselves from them as they flew in the air for a moment before combining into Garo new weapon as he held a boomerang.
The horror came closer and closer as it roar out and open its mouth about to devour Garo whole, he throw the weapon at the horror as it spins in the air, it increase in size with water form around it as well making it like a saw blade, as when the weapon meet the horror head on, its saw through the horror with ease cutting its head down the middle before traveling down its neck to its body as it cut down the middle spine area as well, before shooting back up around in the air back in Garo's hands.
As the horror didn't even get a chance to cry out before splitting apart and turn into a dark mist and then vanish.
(With the Gaang)
Everyone is surprise by this as they never seen anyone using a weapon like that, with Sokka being the only one smiling to that as he said, "He used a boomerang!"
"Momo Slap him!" Everyone called out as Momo leap up at him and hit up upside the head as he said, "Ow! What did I do this time?"
(With Garo)
The weapon in Garo hands shrink down to normal size and reattach themselves to Garo arms as with this, Garo using his newly water bending ability to bend the water to shoot him up in the air, as the flying Bison as everyone move out of the way quickly as the Armor of Garo soon vanish, leaving Zorin in his place with some tears in his duster and some bruise spots as well.
"Help him up!" Katara called as she and Sokka put Zorin next to Marvelous.
"How you feeling buddy?" Sokka asked as he looked.
"Oddly enough... not in pain, in fact I'm just sore right now." Zorin said as Zaruba chuckled.
"Of course the Garo's acknowledged your strength Zorin so granted you this power but don't rely on it, this Typhoon form was no doubt a chance use as it derived from your feelings and the Water Spirits." Zaruba said as Zorin nodded.
"Noted." Zorin said as Aang looked to the Horror as it fell and vanished.
"Though I can't help but feel like... I've seen that Horror before and just looking at it, I don't know why but it makes my heart hurt real bad." Aang said as Zaruba sighed.
"It would make sense you taught that Horror Water Bending when it was still a human." Zaruba said as that surprised everyone. "I'll give you the dumb down version the second Avatar, Avatar Su had to learn bending on her own but she was very proficient with it. But she realized she needed an edge for her next lives and in turn she taught four disciples how the bend and there duty and role were to pass down these teachings to as many students as they could. It worked for a short time." Zaruba said as he then sighed. "Of course these students quickly began to fall to darkness, Evera the Water Bending student was calm and collective but the ocean she had a sort of pride and arrogance for it believing it was the source of everything life and death. This in turn made her very sustainable to a Horror but though she preferred logic over instincts she lost her way and in turn became what we see of her now. The pain you see feel in your heart Aang is probably her own guilt and sorrow for betraying you like that and giving you her former teacher her last apology." Zaruba said as Katara was surprised.
"She was the first to learn Water Bending and did so with the Avatar's help." Katara said as she couldn't help but pity her now. "Are all of us capable of becoming a Horror?" Katara asked as Zorin looked.
"Yeah we all are the Horrors will use any reason to make a human give in, even the purest of reasons can be tainted by a Horror." Zorin said as Katara only felt pity for Evera. "She loved her master who was like a mother to her when she had nothing and this was what became of her." Zorin said as he pitied the girl.
(Scene Break the Cave)
The group had bid farewell to the old lady and her husband and got a free fish and some money for their troubles as once it stopped raining Aang was working on something. "Hey Aang what's up?" Zorin asked as his body was bandaged up and his Madou Robes repaired.
"Oh um just working on something." Aang said as Zorin looked and saw it was a grave marker belonging to, Evera.
"I get it, here let me help." Zorin said as he helped make the grave for her.
Once the two were done they did a small prayer as the Grave Marker was in a Water Tribe fashion as Aang paid his respect to his past lives former student. "Rest in peace Evera, even if the world hates you I still forgive you for losing your way." Aang said as Zorin smiled before re-entering the cave. But as he did so Aang turned to the cave to follow before he felt the air move and when he turned around he was shocked and saw a young woman with pure white hair and very old and ancient Water Tribe Clothing as Aang was shocked.
This woman was Evera but even though her face was stern but with a calm aura Aang could feel the regret of her sin and own pride. "Thank you... master." She said with a bow as she looked to Aang. "You may have forgiven me but my soul is already damned I have no hope of ever being reborn, but if there is even the smallest glimmer of hope for my rebirth I will spend my whole next life repenting for what I did before the Horror." She said before she vanished as Aang couldn't help but pity her and feel sorry for her.
"Evera, I hope you can find your peace in the next life and having the will to repent is a good start." Aang said as Evera was now gone but no doubt she appreciated the thought.
(Scene Break Fire Nation)
Azula was on the ground breathing as she was covered in bruises and injuries as her new 'Teacher,' stood over here reading another one of his books which Azula quickly learned were completely blank. "What's wrong Azula still can't get a blow on me?" He taunted as Azula growled as she got up as she saw his duel colored eyes. "To bad you're so weak and pathetic I mean the fact Zuko has discovered two traitors traveling with the Avatar and is chasing them, maybe your daddy trusts him more to find them then you." The man taunted as Azula forced her body to get up.
"That's right hate me, hate me more that rage will be excellent fuel to the flames in you." The man taunted as he was intent on corrupting Ursa's legacy no matter what. "Come on Azula get up or maybe you aren't even worthy to stand." The man continued to taunt her as she forced her body to stand.
Ozai saw this and even he was questioning this man's teaching methods. He worked Azula to the ground and forced her to find her limits and break them as he knew this man was very much taunting Azula to get her even angrier and have her direct her rage. But this man was clearly not right in the head, the fact he reads an old blank book and talks to a mirror shows he is very much insane. But Ozai had to admit sense Azula began her tutelage under him she had advanced even further then he first thought.
As Azula got up her eyes though one was bruised and the other was good she saw that the man's chi was... pitch black like he had no remorse in him. She saw this man had no soul or maybe he might have sold his soul for power. Azula had to be strong though she was the Princess and once she finished this man's training and learned all she could from him, she'll strike him down herself. "Hmm maybe carving words into your skin may get my point across." The man said as he drew a large dagger as he glared at Azula.
Azula saw how he moved though she wasn't glaring at her per say as she saw he looked to Ozai with a form of unspoken neutrality and respect but the way he glared at her, it wasn't because of Ozai it was because call her crazy her mother. If that was true perhaps her mother had done something to this man to cross him and is exacting vengeance against her through Azula herself. Once Azula was back on her feet she drew the Madou Brush and the Setsukan weapon no doubt ready for the next round of combat.
"What else do you have up your sleeve?" Azula demanded as she wasn't going to let this peasant who conned his way up here get away with mocking her.
"Well then apprentice lets continue." He said as he drew his own staff like weapon as it then produced a curved blade.
(TBC)
ESKK: Hey everyone wow this turned out longer than I expected over 14,900 words in all. Anyway since we got this here chapter published leave a review before you leave and like always ja ne.