Avatar Book 4: Air

by Kojab8890

It started with the bizzare death of an old man. The air from his body was sucked dry. But things are not as they seem. As forces from all sides crash together to break the balance, a small band of children will try to stop it before it's too late...

21. The Avatar: Water

Author's Note: IT IS WITH MY SADDEST REGRET THAT I SAY TO YOU NOW THAT THE BEGINNING OF THIS FINALE MARKS THE NEAR COMPLETION OF MY STORY—MY INTERPRETATION OF THE FOURTH BOOK. THIS STORY BEGAN WITH THE MERE FORMING OF IDEAS AND THE DEDICATION AND WILL TO COMPLETE THEM. I HAVE SPENT MANY TIRING NIGHTS POURING BLOOD, SWEAT, AND EFFORT INTO THIS STORY AND I AM GLAD TO KNOW THAT THERE ARE THOSE WHO LOVE IT AS MUCH AS I DO. BUT ENOUGH WITH MY RANTING. THE END IS NEAR. IT IS TIME TO FINISH. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR REVIEWS AND COMMENTS. THIS IS FOR ALL OF YOU AVATARDS OUT THERE!! THE STORY NEVER ENDS!

Disclaimer: I OWN NO PART OF AVATAR, THE LAST AIRBENDER. BUT THIS STORY AND THIS PLOT IS ENTIRELY OF MY OWN CREATION. ANY SIMILARITIES TO THE OFFICIAL AVATAR PLOTLINE ARE MERE COINCIDENCES OR ARE USED FOR NECESSARY EVENTS IN THE STORY. THE SAME GOES WITH THE CHARACTERS AND SETTINGS. THIS GOES FOR THE FOLLOWING CHAPTERS THAT SUCCEED THIS ONE.

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My grandmother used to tell me stories about the old days

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A time of peace

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When the Avatar kept balance between the Water Tribes, Earth Kingdom, Fire Nation, and Air Nomads

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But that all changed when the Fire Nation attacked

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Only the Avatar mastered all four elements

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Only he could stop the ruthless Firebenders

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But when the world needed him most

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He vanished

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A hundred years have passed and the Fire Nation is nearing victory in the war

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Two years ago, my father and the men of my tribe journeyed to the Earth Kingdom to help fight against the Fire Nation, leaving me and my brother to look after our tribe

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Some people believe that the Avatar was never reborn into the Air Nomads and that the cycle is broken

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But I haven't lost hope

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I still believe that somehow

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The Avatar will return

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To save

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The world

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Book 4

Air

Chapter twenty-one:

The Avatar: Water

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South Pole, Southern Water Tribe, Central Igloo

The reports were flooding in.

Chief Hakkoda had his hands full. All the elders had been gathered inside the central igloo to discuss matters regarding the new uprising. The news had spread quickly all over the world. The Northern Water Tribe had been devastated. The Earth Kingdom capital, Ba Sing Se, had been seriously damaged. Ozai had regained control of the Fire Nation—and its massive military.

A new war was up front.

But as Hakkoda thought about things, he realized that there was something worse here. If Ozai had planned this all from the beginning, then there was another way this uprising could be perceived.

The war had never ended.

The war was still continuing.

Chief Hakkoda turned to Bato who was bearing a scroll in his hands. The elder was assigned for reporting and he had already given the dreadful news. "Are you sure?" Hakkoda persisted. "Are you sure that Omashu has fallen again? How could this have happened?"

"Airships, sir," responded Bato. "Five of them surrounded the Earth Kingdom city and destroyed it. We're not sure if King Bumi was able to escape. Some of the escapees were arrested by the Fire Nation."

Chief Hakkoda flattened his face with his hands. The situation was getting worse with each passing day. He couldn't imagine another hundred years of war. He turned to all his men. "Are you telling me that all the world's greatest cities have fallen back to the Fire Nation? All the cities have fallen—and we're the last?"

No one could look at the tribal leader.

"It's the Avatar, sir…" said one of the elders. "This new Avatar took down the Northern Water Tribe and Ba Sing Se. Now that the Fire Nation is in league with this new Avatar, they're unstoppable."

Hakkoda felt like grieving. "And now, the world is once again at the mercy of Ozai…"

Silence.

"Are there any reports concerning about Fire Nation ships approaching the South Pole?" asked Hakkoda to Bato. "Since we're the last great city left, they might be coming for us. We must be prepared when that happens."

Bato nodded. "I've already disaptached scouts to the northern regions of the South Pole to warn us in case something is coming. I've also sent a call to Huu and the other Swampbenders. The Fire Nation will have a lot to pay if they want to get through our icy fortress."

"And the Mechanist's submarines?" continued Hakkoda.

"They're all ready by the harbour," answered Bato.

Hakkoda nodded. And then, he switched his concern from political to fatherly. "What about my children? Have you heard any news from them?"

Bato sighed and shook his head. "I'm afraid not sir."

Chief Hakkoda was torn. The last reports coming from his children were from the Eastern Air Temple and the last time he checked, the Eastern Air Temple was blown to bits—destroyed by the Fire Nation. Hakkoda could only hope that somehow, his children were not among the rubble with their eyes open and their hearts dead. Hakkoda hoped that somehow, his children were still alive.

"We're here, dad."

Hakkoda looked up and saw five children standing in the opening of the igloo. He wouldn't admit to anyone that his eyes were getting teary.

Sokka, Katara, Aang, Toph, and Zuko.

Hakkoda smiled at all of them.

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o0o

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Toph was mumbling and garbling her words. She complained as she stepped on the soft snow with her large metal snow pads. She was hugging herself furiously and shaking despite the fact that she was wearing a fur coat with her hood over her head. There wasn't even any wind since the tribe's city was enclosed in a giant ice barrier, but Toph was still suffering. If Toph was going to pick her next vacation spot, she would definitely cross out frozen, snowy, icy cities.

"Toph?" Sokka called out. "Where are you going? The stables are this way."

Toph heard Sokka's voice to her left and moved towards that direction. "I can't see! Everything's just snow and ice! I'm living inside a giant hollow ice cream!"

Sokka smiled. "I know! Isn't it great?"

The two came towards the stables and found Appa and Ummi munching around on some crispy seaweed. Ummi was still snobbish around Appa, reminding him that she didn't want him around her just yet. Appa was grieving at that very loss. Also, Ummi was in a state of great depression because her long-time friend, Khai, was kidnapped and Ursa had walked away.

And as the two Sky Bisons munched on their seaweed, little children from the tribe came over to slide on Appa's tail or ride on Appa's head. One of the little girls was stuffing Appa's ear with snow. Needless to say, Appa got irritated.

Sokka walked to Appa and caught the creature staring at Ummi. "She still hasn't talked to you, huh?"

Appa moaned with agreement.

Sokka rubbed his thick fur. "Cheer up, partner. I don't think Ummi's going to walk out on you. She just needs time to settle things, you know? Girls are a lot more sensitive about emotions and stuff. When we get Khai back, you can sweep her off her feet—er—toes…"

Appa nodded with dismay.

If they could get Khai back.

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South Pole, Snow Fields

Aang's spirit was shattered. And like any shattered mirror, Aang's spirit seemed beyond repair. On their way to the South Pole, Aang had been caught crying, moaning, shivering, and howling. The boy felt like a sea shell with the insides fully scraped. He was dishevelled and torn. It should be said that many things that contributed to this lack of self-esteem.

The first soul-breaker was Aang's Avatar Spirit being taken away. That had been more of a personal blow for Aang. With the spirit gone, Aang didn't just lose most of his power. He lost a part of himself—something that made him less of a person. The taking of his Avatar Spirit also removed him of his initial purpose—the purpose to save the world.

The destruction of the air temples was also another contributor to Aang's burdens. Ever since he had found out about the Air Nomad genocide, he had temporarily locked his anger in a little box inside his mind. But the temples' destruction concentrated Aang's isolation and poisoned his reasoning. Long gone were the days of Aang's childishness and youth. What took its place was despair and loneliness. Aang took things seriously now.

But all of the things said so far were not enough to break Aang's hope completely. Aang found some solace in his ability as an Airbender and the possibility that only he could stop Azula—which was fitting and poetic.

But Khai got kidnapped.

Khai's kidnapping was the final blow that tore Aang to pieces. Azula would find means to get Khai to teach her Airbending, making her the second Airbender in this world. Aang even felt some responsibility for Khai's kidnapping. If he had watched over him more, maybe he wouldn't have been captured. Now, things were too late. Now, Azula couldn't be stopped.

Aang couldn't eat, couldn't sleep. His face was dry and his body was sore. His mind was tired and exhausted. The young monk looked ages older than he was supposed to look.

It is a sad thing to glance at a shattered soul.

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o0o

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Aang's broken spirit would have many effects in the final days to come. He would often stumble at simple obstacles. If he was going to battle Azula a final time, the winner would already be clear. Sure, there would be a few throwing of punches and kicks. But at the end, Azula would just shoot a bolt of lightning through his heart.

But that could change.

Aang wasn't lost yet. A shattered spirit can be put back together. On this day of days, Aang—whether he expected it or not—would have the life breathed back into him. Aang's healing would have to be set in three stages: the emotional, the personal, and the functional. Alone, these things would have been superficial and temporary. But together, they would shake Aang's soul and wipe the tears from his eyes.

By dawn on the day after tomorrow, Aang would wonder if some great being had somehow manipulated everything to reshape his purpose.

And Aang's recovery began with something simple yet fundamental.

Fun.

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Katara was pulling Aang by the hand. She had asked permission to leave the city boundaries for a few moments and the guards had allowed it. "Aang… Come on… You can't sulk all day!"

Aang tried to resist. "Yes. Yes I can."

Katara raised her hands high into the air, feigning defeat. "Oh, I give up! You're hopeless! We might as well go back inside and rest." As she said this, Katara cast a glance at Aang, hoping that her words would injure him and give him some guilt. Then, Aang would come running back into her arms and they would—

"Okay," said Aang drearily. "'Going back' sounds good to me."

Katara grabbed his hand quickly. "I was only kidding! We can't go back now… I have to find a way to turn your frown upside-down."

Aang eyed Katara. "And how are you going to do that?"

Katara pulled Aang over a large snow mound. The moment they were on top of it, they were amazed by the sheer spectacle laid out before them. It was something to see actually. The landscape was breathtaking and the inhabitants of the area seemed pleased with it.

But Aang wasn't amazed one bit. "This isn't funny Katara."

Katara pointed to the creatures down below. "Come on, Aang. You did this for me and it brought back my spirit. I suspect it'll bring back yours."

Aang turned away and started walking. "Forget it. I'm not going penguin sledding. There are things more important than foolery."

Katara sighed. "I was afraid you were going to say that… That's why I brought this!"

And Katara pulled Aang by the collar and stuck two pieces of dead fish into his garments. "Hey!" Aang yelped. He wriggled and squirmed, trying to pick the fish out of his clothes. But Aang soon realized that the fish wasn't his only problem.

Down below, the penguins were causing quite a stir. They waddled towards Aang, trying to get up the mound because they could smell the fishes in his clothing. But Aang was too high and their little feet didn't allow them to climb. Aang turned to Katara. "Looks like your trick didn't work. Those penguins can't get up to me and all you did was put a fish in my clothes—which I still can't get out!"

Katara had a devious smile on her face. "Oh…but I'm not finished yet…"

And Katara kicked Aang—down the snow mound.

"Hey—Ahhh!!"

Aang landed on the back of a large penguin and was quickly caught up in a speedy descent. He and the penguin began sliding down the slope in an accelerated rate. The wind gnashed on Aang's bald head and he couldn't help but scream like a little girl. "Get me down from this! Stop this! Stop!"

Katara was all too happy to answer Aang's pleas. Instead, she jumped down the slope onto the back of another penguin and started sledding towards Aang. She caught up to him and her happy laughter was too annoying for Aang—something that could make him sick.

Aang considered his situation. Two dead fishes in his clothes. An uncontrolled sledding penguin on his back. Katara laughing like a fool as they sped down a snowy slope.

His day just couldn't have gone better.

You could tell Aang was filled with sarcasm today.

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When their little ride was over, Aang was in no mood for "happy". Katara's cheerfulness was too trite and exaggerated. Aang had to find a way to get away from her. All Aang wanted to do right now was sleep away his troubles. But right now, he was stuck with the cold. The only silver lining he could see in this situation was that he had finally taken out the fish from his underwear.

"Do you want to go again?" Katara asked happily.

"No."

"Do you want to try on a more challenging snow field?"

"No."

"Do you want to have a hug?" Katara asked, growing desperate.

"No."

"Are you feeling okay?"

"No."

Katara sighed. "I don't get it. I thought this should work. It worked for me and I thought it would work for you.

"Maybe I really can't help you. I've seen sad people, but nothing like this. What happened to you, Aang? Where's the old happy kid that used to be my friend because I don't really like this 'new' Aang? Can you bring back the old one?

"I miss him so much."

Aang averted his gaze. "He's not coming back."

Katara turned to the heavens and howled. "I'm tired of this! I'm so, so tired! You really are impossible, you know that?"

But Aang wasn't listening to her. He was thinking about Katara's earlier words. "What did you mean, 'used to be my friend'? I still am your friend!"

Katara crossed her arms. "Apparently not. I was friends with the old Aang. You're just some horrible sad thing that took his place!"

"What do you want me to say?" Aang yelled as he stood up. "Do you want me to dance around and roll in the snow? Do you want me to be happy and joyful? And while I'm doing so, we can all pretend that this war is just nothing—that I wouldn't do anything about it! Is that what you want? Do you want me to forget?"

Katara was on the verge of tears. "Not 'forget', Aang! I just want you to care!"

The conversation ground to a frosty halt.

"I remember a friend of mine," said Katara as she wiped her tears. "He would smile and he would laugh even at the face of danger. He was strong despite the fact that he was losing. And when everything I knew fell to pieces, his smile would always break the day.

"I miss him so much, Aang—you wouldn't believe… Because something terrible happened to him. It changed his life forever. Now, he's always sad…so sad… He won't listen to me and he barely smiles anymore… He's consumed by vengeance and hatred—the things he told me never to die for. He became a little monster all on his own… and now, he wouldn't even go penguin sledding with me…"

Aang backed off, keeping a straight face. Even in these situations, Aang wasn't about to compromise his seriousness.

"You've lost him Katara… He's gone forever…" said Aang with conviction.

Katara cried even more and her mittens were smeared with tears. She started walking back, leaving Aang behind.

"I was afraid of that…" she gasped.

And as Katara walked away crying, Aang had infected her. A broken spirit can break other spirits. Katara's spirit was now broken. Aang's depression was infectious. And despite Katara's efforts, she felt that Aang was beyond saving. She felt that his soul was beyond repair. And so, the only thing Katara was able to do was break her own spirit.

But Katara efforts weren't all in vain.

She had failed to see something magnificent when they sledded down the snow slope. During their little slide, Aang found himself screaming as he and his penguin flew off a snowy ramp that sent them somersaulting in the air. Katara was too busy with her own laughter to notice Aang.

Because an amazing thing had happened to him.

If Katara had seen his face, she would have noticed that Aang was actually having fun.

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South Pole, Southern Water Tribe, Central Igloo

Katara angrily walked into the central igloo. But she stopped herself from getting mad when she realized that the elders of her tribe were busily making plans. Among the tribesmen was Zuko, who was helping Chief Hakkoda. Everyone seemed busy with something. Katara had deduced that bad news had arrived.

Katara sat next to her father. "What's going on? What happened?"

Her father only said two words but it was enough to startle Katara.

"Fire Nation."

Katara stared intently into her father's eyes. "What? Here?"

Chief Hakkoda shook his head. "No. But Fire Lord Zuko just received a detailed message that the Fire Nation is planning a first strike on all the nations of the world in two days. The Avatar is with them too. This is big, Katara. Since the big cities are gone, everyone is helpless. The world is open to capture."

"But not all the big cities are gone," Katara said. "There's still here. There's still the South Pole."

Zuko sighed. "That's the next problem. They're coming here."

Katara's eyes widened. "When?"

With that said, Bato lay down a large map in front of Katara. The map had all sorts of markings and circles. Bato's finger landed on a large white archipelago north of the South Pole. "Our scouts say that a massive armada has settled down in these group of islands—the old Southern Air Nomad territory. They've got airships, warships, and war balloons all festering in these islands and no doubt with all those war machines, they would pulverize the Southern Water Tribe. We're not sure exactly when they'll arrive, but we can expect that they're coming"

Katara didn't like the sound of "pulverize". "Why are they there?" asked Katara. "They won't do any good unless they attack us head-on."

"They're trying to trap us," said Zuko. "The Southern Air Nomad territory is directly north of this city. There's no way we could escape without crossing that zone. My father is planning to squeeze the life out of the South Pole."

Katara pointed south of the map. "We could head south. That way, we wouldn't have to get caught in their attacks."

"No," said her father. "Heading south would mean crossing miles and miles of frozen wasteland. The people of our city wouldn't last a few days in a blizzard if ever one appeared. We have to make everyone stay here."

That made sense, but Katara could tell that her father was keeping something from her. He didn't indicate that he would be staying behind. "You're not telling me everything. What are you going to do?"

Hakkoda sighed. There was no point in sugar-coating this conversation. "I and the other Water Tribe warriors are going to the Fire Nation to stop Ozai. We could use the submarines to safely cross under the Fire Nation Navy. If we could stop Ozai, then maybe we could stop this war from happening."

"But that would leave the Southern Water Tribe open for attack!" Katara spoke.

"No it won't," said Bato. "Our city is a fortress. Even airships will have problems breaking through our Ice Mountain. We can seal off the top of the mountain to prevent anything from coming down from there. Also, your grandfather and the other Waterbenders would be left behind to stand guard the moment the Fire Nation attacks the city."

"So who's going to power the submarines?" asked Katara.

"We won't be using the submarines until we meet up with the Swampbenders a little farther north from our city," continued Bato. "They didn't want to meet here since it's cold. Hopefully, they'll be wearing some pants this time. The Mechanist himself and his people are safe on Whale-Tail Island, performing experiments. But I have a feeling you would be a little bit more comfortable without them."

"But you can't leave us!" Katara shouted to her father. "The people can flee with you! We can leave with you! I'm sure the submarines could fit us all!"

"No," said Hakkoda. "Someone has to stay behind to protect the Spirit Oasis. The Ocean and the Moon spirits cannot be killed. If they do get killed, then we won't have a chance for victory."

"But who will protect us?"

"Your grandfather will protect you," said Hakkoda.

"This isn't right. If you really want to end this war, then you should go fight against the Avatar!" Katara said. "Azula was the one who restarted this war! If we want the peace back, then we have to give Aang a chance and take back the Avatar spirit."

All the elders looked at each other. The mention of Aang's name had brought dismay.

"I'm sorry, Katara," said her father. "But I don't think Aang can help us at this point…"

"What are you saying?" Katara stood up. "Of course Aang can help us! He's been helping us all this time! If you forgot, he saved the world! Aang is our only chance to stop this war from starting up all over again!"

"We would like to believe in him," said Bato. Using the word "like" seemed like an accusation. "We would, but we can't. Aang needs rest and a chance to recuperate. Aang doesn't have enough strength to fight this new Avatar."

"Are you saying you don't believe in him?" Katara questioned.

No one could answer. Even Zuko looked away when that question was said.

"I can't believe you people!" Katara screamed. "Aang is the Avatar and—"

"Was the Avatar, child," interrupted an elder. "He was the Avatar."

"And you're just going to leave it at that?" Katara shrieked. "I know Aang isn't much anymore and I know that everything has gone wrong, but you people sound like you've given up on him!"

But Zuko stared into Katara's eyes. "Admit it, Katara… You've given up on him too…"

Katara stepped back. "No! I haven't! I would never! I—I… I can't… I… won't…"

Katara's stuttering and denial only made everyone feel bad. Zuko knew it. Everyone knew it. Whether they would believe in it or not, Aang had lost his muster. Aang was no longer the shining knight that was thought to rescue a lost soul. Aang had lost even his chance to save himself.

Aang had lost the ability to give people hope.

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And lightning struck Aang on the back. The bolt of electricity surged through his body, coursing through his brain. The surge of electricity blanketed Aang's own cries of bloody murder. He had never felt death up close.

The last Airbender.

Encased inside a rock, Aang could feel the tightness of his breath and the heat all around him. Ozai was cooking him alive with the use of Sozin's comet. Sweat trickled down his forehead. He was so close to death now—so close to being finished. Aang was in no position to fight back. And what made it worse was that Aang was prepared to die. And overhead, Sozin's comet streaked by, as if mocking him.

The last Airbender.

Throughout the world, the temples were burning. People were crying and screaming of their own death. The smell of corpses was hideous. Fire Nation soldiers storming the air temples with their spears and fire blasts. Aang could see Sister Lio fighting back to protect the other children. The soldiers were ruthless and their methods were torture. Everyone was screaming. Monk Gyatso fought back a dozen Firebenders but fell despite his efforts.

The last Airbender.

All the Airbenders dying. Their cries were unheard of. An entire nation slaughtered off the face of the earth. And all because one man decided to hunt them down for world conquest. He had to remove the Avatar out of the equation. But the irony was that the person he had sought to kill had survived through it all.

The last Airbender.

Aang watched as the Western, the Northern, and the Eastern Air Temples were reduced to ashes and rubble. Aang watched as his Avatar Spirit was taken away. He watched alone. Aang watched alone because he was alone. No one could ever feel his kind of pain. No one could ever believe the intensity of his loneliness.

The last Airbender.

And then, Aang saw himself facing Azula for the last time. Azula is Airbending him. And then, she finally strikes him down with a lightning blast. It kills him instantly. The shock from life to death is eternal. First, there is pain, and then, there is nothing. Aang had seen the end of his story.

The last Airbender is dead.

Aang is so alone.

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South Pole, Southern Water Tribe

Aang woke up, his mind still swimming in his thoughts. He touched his chest as if he had already been struck by the lightning bolt. His eyes dart through the darkness of his igloo. He was sleeping alone in this snow tomb. The fact that the word "tomb" came into his mind already showed how frantic he became. Aang felt a new sense of horror.

I can't die… I can't… If I die, the Air Nomads will be gone forever…

Aang rushed to put on his clothes. He had a plan—a plan to preserve the Air Nomads. He would have to do it soon before the world fell out of place completely. He had the responsibility now. The more he placed his life in danger, the more the Air Nomads would disappear. He was pressured to stay alive.

I have to keep the Air Nomads alive… I have to keep them alive for as long as I can…

When Aang had his plan in his head, he took out a peace of paper, wrote some words on it, took his staff, and left his igloo.

The piece of paper waited patiently for a reader.

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o0o

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Sokka could only nod as Katara and Zuko finished their explanation of Hakkoda's plan. "Sounds like a good enough plan for me," he said without much hesitance. "Sure the city would be bombarded by missiles and fireballs, but we've handled that before and I bet you, Pakku, and the other Waterbenders could handle that easy."

"You're just saying that to make us feel better, aren't you?" asked Toph.

Sokka gave her a thumbs-up sign. "Yup."

"You're right, Sokka," Katara acknowledged. "We can fight back, but it's not our staying behind that worries me. It's that no one's lifting a finger to stop Azula and give back Aang's Avatar Spirit. Who knows? Dad could stop Ozai and the world would still be in peril because of Azula."

Zuko shook his head. "No one's lifting a finger because everyone's too afraid to fight her. Why do you think my father and the rest of the Fire Nation spent years and years hunting down the Avatar? The Avatar is the most powerful thing in the world. Look what Azula did. She destroyed the walls of Ba Sing Se, flattened down the Northern Water Tribe, and forced a lot of people to switch sides.

"If you think about it, Azula has done more damage in a few months than the Fire Nation could deal in a hundred years."

"So what do we do?" asked Toph. "We're the only ones who seem to care. If it were up to me, we'd go up to her right now and punch the red out of her eyes."

Katara looked at the snowy ground. "It won't be that easy. Without Aang, no one could steal back the Avatar Spirit. And from what I've heard, Azula has an entire fleet of Fire Nation machines at her disposal. The only possible way we could get to her and survive is if we had an army to match that kind of fire power."

Sokka was rubbing his chin when an idea struck him. "An army, huh?" If a light bulb had popped up over his head, it would have suited the moment. "I think…if you're looking for an army…then I know where to get one…"

"How?" Zuko questioned. "With Omashu and Ba Sing Se gone, there will be no Earth Kingdom forces to help us fight. Your father and his men are going to the Fire Nation to stop my father. Your friend, the Mechanist, is on Whale-Tail Island. There's no army left."

Sokka smiled contentedly. "Ah, but there is…" And with some over-exaggerated theatrics, Sokka pointed to the sky and announced: "It is the greatest army in the world! The army—OF THE OLD PEOPLE!!"

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o0o

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"No," said Pakku sharply.

"Why not?" said Sokka, suddenly deflated by the answer. "Doesn't the Order of the White Lotus fight for peace, freedom, and all that good-stuff?"

Master Pakku sipped on a warm bowl of noodles. The Waterbending master didn't seem too pleased with this predicament. "The Order of the White Lotus doesn't fight. The order protects people and helps restore balance. We are not an army for hire, Sokka."

"Then you can help us!" Toph cheered. "Because there're a whole lot of things that need restoring right now."

"Please, Pakku," begged Katara. "You and the other members helped liberate Ba Sing Se. Why can't you and the order help us now?"

"The liberation of Ba Sing Se was only possible because a Grand Lotus had sent a call for the gathering," said Pakku in a matter-of-factly manner. "Only such decisions can be made by the highest ranks. If it wasn't for General Iroh, then the Earth Kingdom capital might be Fire Nation territory by now."

"Then I can tell my uncle," said Zuko. "I can tell him to send out a message to all of the White Lotus members. Then, we can fight Azula."

Pakku shook his head. "Unfortunately, I myself have been trying to contact your uncle. I've recently sent dozens of letters about this new Avatar business to him. But your uncle hasn't replied. In fact, I have no idea where your uncle is."

Zuko lowered his head. He knew about his uncle's disappearance too. Mai had told him as much in a letter.

"What am I doing even talking to you people?" Pakku snorted. "Matters this delicate can never be spoken to non-members! The Order of the White Lotus is strict about membership."

"It's true," Zuko huffed, remembering his ordeal with his uncle and the members who lived by the desert.

"Pakku, please…" Katara begged, placing her hands together. "I'm asking you as a granddaughter… You and the other members are our only hope now…"

Toph growled. "Can't you just make us one of your members?"

Master Pakku shook his head. "Membership is not that easy. There is training involved and the teaching of philosophy. I'm sure you kids would love two weeks of apprenticeship and ideals."

"Two weeks!" Toph exclaimed. "The Fire Nation is going to blow us to smithereens by then!"

Sokka budged Katara's shoulder and she turned around. Sokka pointed to the igloo's opening, motioning her to step outside. Katara had a feeling he had something important to say. So, while Toph, Zuko, and Pakku argued inside, Katara and Sokka stepped out.

.

o0o

.

"What is it?" Katara asked.

"I think I have a way to convince Pakku," Sokka said with a smile.

"How?"

Sokka placed his hand in his pocket. "Do you remember that time when I was trained with Master Piandao? I bet he was training me to be a member… He taught me all sorts of ideals… Maybe he wanted me to be part of the White Lotus."

Katara shrugged. "Maybe… But I don't think Pakku's going to be convinced with a simple story…"

"I know," Sokka smiled. "But maybe he'll be convinced with this…"

And Sokka revealed the little White Lotus tile in his pocket.

.

o0o

.

"PAKKU!"

Sokka re-entered the igloo with much annunciation and drama. His chin was up and his eyes were intense. He looked at the old master and seemed prepared to squash him. The old man looked at the boy with much annoyance.

"What is it this time…?"

Sokka raised a violating finger at Pakku—the fingertip was edges away from Pakku's nose. "PAKKU!"

"WHAT?"

"You WILL help us! You—and the Order of the White Lotus!" Sokka announced. It sounded like an order, actually.

"If you were paying attention, you would have remembered what I said…" said Pakku overbearingly. "These situations can only be talked with members of the order…"

"AH!" Sokka shouted as he pulled the White Lotus tile from pocket. "Only with members, huh…? Then I bet THIS would clear things up!" And Sokka placed the Lotus tile by Pakku's face.

Pakku stared at the Pai Sho tile in the boy's hand.

The old master studied the tile for a few seconds.

Pakku analyzed every inch of the wooden piece.

Finally, he looked up at Sokka and said—

"It's just a Lotus tile, Sokka…"

.

o0o

.

After that failed and fruitless attempt to get the Order of the White Lotus on their side, Zuko, Katara, Sokka, and Toph decided to throw some ideas as they walked around the city. As they walked, they could see that the people of the city no longer frolicked around. They were waiting for the inevitable. They were waiting for the horror of war to descend upon their icy shore. And as always, the wait was unbearable.

Momo flew in and landed on Sokka's shoulder.

"Hey Momo… How's it been?" asked Sokka cheerfully.

Momo spat on Sokka's face.

Meanwhile, Toph was still unsettled about staying behind. "Can't we just leave?" she said to Katara. "You said it yourself. The Southern Water Tribe can handle an attack from the Fire Nation and the Waterbenders here could fight back. While they're doing that, we can sneak out and get to Azula! Think about it! We're a small group and we could probably slip through the Fire Nation army. Come on! We have to leave this place!" Toph tapped the ground with her large metal snow pads. "We really have to leave this place. The cold is giving my toes frostbites…"

"We can't leave that easily…" Katara sighed. "The Fire Nation could go to the Ocean and the Moon spirits and kill them. As long as the spirits are here, then they're in danger. Someone has to stay behind and protect the Spirit Oasis."

"I am sooo angry right now!" Toph stomped. "Every time I have a plan, there're always a million of problems that stop it! My feet are frosty! I can't see! It's so, so cold! And you people think I care about some stupid Spirit Oasis? I WANT TO GET OUT OF HERE!" shrilled Toph.

Then, after that outburst, Toph crossed her arms.

"What in the world is a Spirit Oasis anyway?"

.

.

.

South Pole, Southern Water Tribe, Spirit Oasis

"Someone pinch me…" breathed Toph. "Someone tell me right now that I died and went to heaven… There's grass here… And more importantly, there's earth…" Toph couldn't believe what she was "seeing". She couldn't believe at all that she could "see" in this place.

"In this frosty land, in this overgrown ice cube, in this cold and horrible place, you people actually managed to grow grass in the middle of all this snow…" Toph was hysterical. She kissed the ground and in doing so, got mud all over her face. And you would think that she would care. No. Mud on her face was a favourite pastime.

"Thank you Ocean and Moon spirits! I love you so much!"

And Toph bawled out like a baby. She was not embarrassed to do so.

"It's nice, isn't it? But it won't be much if the Fire Nation comes here and destroys it," Katara said.

"Let them try," Toph dared.

Then, Sokka entered the hut and looked at Katara. "I'm sorry for breaking this tearful moment with you girls, but my dad is calling us, Katara. He wants to say his final goodbye before he leaves. The men are ready to go. They've already said their goodbyes. We're the only ones that haven't."

Katara nodded. "Sure. I'm coming…" And as the two left the hut, Katara turned to her brother with a proud smile on her face. "I'm surprised at you, Sokka. Dad's leaving again but you're not going… You're already old enough to go fight with dad and yet, you're staying here. Did you even think about going?"

Sokka nodded. "All the time."

"Then why won't you go with them?"

Sokka looked up. "Because being a man means staying where you're needed the most. And for me, that's here protecting you and everyone else."

Katara nudged Sokka's arm with her elbow. "You have grown."

"And besides," Sokka chided with a silly smile. "How are you guys going to survive without me anyway?"

Katara growled. "I judged too soon."

.

.

.

South Pole, Southern Water Tribe, Ice docks

There is a terrible burden that goes to the person who has to say goodbye. The burden is tearful and it wrenches the mind. Hakkoda was accustomed to such burdens. How many times had he said goodbye to his family for the greater good of mankind? Twice? Thrice? And how many times had he actually regretted them? A million times. And here was the chieftain now, ready to commit himself once again to the burden of farewell.

In the man's strong arms were his children, hugging him for the billionth time. Hakkoda may think himself strong, but it is always those that are left behind that are stronger than those who leave them.

"Hakkoda," came Bato's voice. "The watchmen have spotted a fleet of warships headed this way. They will arrive within the hour. If we don't leave now, we may not be able to bypass them."

Hakkoda nodded and pushed his children away. "Both of you take care. Keep everyone together and protect our home. Pakku knows every inch of the city and he can help you with anything. Goodbye…"

Katara and Sokka nodded. "Goodbye…"

.

o0o

.

As Hakkoda and Bato stepped onto the deck of their ship, Hakkoda couldn't help but fancy a question to his friend.

"Bato," said Hakkoda. "You've stuck through with me in the thickest and thinnest moments of my life—and even the rather crazy moments… I just want to ask if I did a good thing when I left home before to help the Earth Kingdom forces in the war. Did I?"

Bato nodded. "I believe so. You once told me that you knew you could do nothing by waiting the war out. You believed that by doing the greater good, you could help in the struggle to victory. We did win after all."

Hakkoda looked past the ice walls to the horizon.

"No we didn't…"

Bato sighed. Somehow, he knew, Hakkoda was right.

"What about now?" asked Hakkoda. "Did I do the right thing now? Or should I have stayed behind."

For a moment there, Bato didn't answer. The man had his gaze transfixed to the sky. Hakkoda asked again. "Bato? Can you hear me?" Bato wasn't listening. Hakkoda looked at the man's face and realized that the man wasn't just looking at the sky, he was horrified of it. A cold dread had seeped into his friend's expressions. Something had spooked this man.

When Hakkoda looked at the sky, he instantly understood.

Snow was falling.

Black snow.

.

o0o

.

When it comes to weather and emotions, people often link them together. When one is happy, they often match it to a perfect bright and sunny day. Sadness usually spells a storm. Storms are usually linked to grief and isolation—the quiet falling of rain is one good example. But rain isn't the saddest form of weather associated with feelings. The saddest form is snow.

Snow spells isolation far greater than any storm. Though the darkening of the clouds can be a sign of doom, nothing says sadness like falling snow. While rain is noisy and disconcerting, snow is silent and bleak. It is a very cold thought to think of a man dying as it snowed rather than a man dying as it rained. The isolation that accompanies it is horrible.

And what then of black snow?

Black snow is an abomination.

As the people of the water tribe looked up to the sky and saw the fluffs of black snow descending from the heavens, a stunned silence came over them. First, rationality is erased. No one can comprehend what is about to happen. Fear and terror mixes into the fold. Then, chaos will follow. Cries and screams will echo through the rebuilt city. People will be running everywhere. And then, death.

As Hakkoda looked back at his home, he began having second thoughts.

From his spot, he and the rest of the fleet could easily make it out of the area before the first of the Fire Navy ships arrived. Or, they could turn back now and protect their city. That decision rested completely on him.

"We keep moving," said Hakkoda to his men.

He would think about the consequences later.

"Keep moving."

.

.

.

South Pole, Southern Water Tribe

Trumpets and drums were blaring throughout the water tribe. The alarms were being raised. Everyone was turning to the sky, watching the black snow fall and pile up on their land. Sokka was pulling on her sister's hand. "We have to go! If we're going to defend our city, then everyone who can fight will be by the north wall!"

Katara pulled her hand away from her brother's. "You go ahead and warn Zuko and Toph in the oasis. I'll get Aang."

All around them, people were going into panic. Mothers and children were being piled up in the southern corner of the city, away from the side the Fire Navy ships would attack. Warriors that had been left behind and Northern Water Tribe Waterbenders were rushing to the north wall, ready to protect the city. This was it. The moment of truth.

The last free city on earth was about to be attacked.

Sokka nodded to her sister. "Alright… Go get Aang and we'll meet at the Spirit Oasis."

Katara couldn't almost hear Sokka's voice in the loud echoing of alarms. But she got the gist of it and the two parted ways.

.

o0o

.

When Sokka entered the Spirit Oasis, Toph was the first one to greet him.

"What's going on?" she asked. "What's with all the drums and horns?"

"Our city's about to be attacked," said Sokka bluntly. He then turned to Zuko. "I hope you're ready because before you were on the side that attacked us. Now, you're on the receiving end—and trust me—it isn't pretty."

Zuko nodded. "I'm ready. We're all ready. But where's your sister?"

"She's gone to get Aang," Sokka answered. "She'll be here in a few—"

Then, Katara stepped into the hut. Her face was pale and her eyes were large. She was panting heavily, trying to speak, but her words would not come out. Kneeling on the grassy ground helped her regained her bearings, but she was still out of breath. But whatever Katara needed to say was unnecessary. Sokka could already tell that something was wrong because of two clues: Katara was rarely out of breath and Aang wasn't with her.

Toph could also tell what had happened.

"Aang's gone, hasn't he? He ran away again." she said without much surprise.

Katara nodded.

Sokka sighed. "I hope he finds a large spirit creature with some teeth this time because we'll really need it if we're going to protect this city from the Fire Nation. A giant whale-shark would be nice."

"It's worse," said Katara.

"How worse?" asked Zuko.

"Remember how Aang usually leaves us without us knowing? Remember how he always leaves on his glider without saying goodbye?" asked Katara.

"Yeah?" said the other three in unison.

"Well, it's worse this time…" Katara said with tearful eyes. "He left a note."

.

.

.

I know this is selfish on my part

But at least I get to say goodbye this time

Who knows? We could meet each other after a hundred years

.

.

.

Zuko reread the note again. This time, he read it aloud so Toph could hear. But reading it aloud also brought pain to Katara as she was slowly sinking away. She was a mix of anger and grief. Sokka could only pat her on the shoulder. Saying goodbye is a hard thing. But the hardest always comes to those who are left behind.

"What does he mean, 'after a hundred years'?" asked Zuko.

"I don't know…" said Katara. She was too emotional to think about it right now.

Sokka sighed. He had to be strong for his sister. "We can take Appa and search the South Pole. If Aang's on his glider, than he couldn't have gotten far. I suspect he's gone maybe three miles down south. Going north would mean going after the Fire Nation and I don't think Aang wants to do that right about now. Who's with me?"

"I'm going," said Katara, wiping the tears from his eyes.

"Me too," said Zuko.

"I'm not," came Toph's voice.

Katara glared angrily at Toph. "What do you mean you're not going? We're all going!"

Looking at Toph, anyone could tell that she was sincerely irritated and angry. "No offence to Aang, but he's really a wimpy jerk. Every time we count on him, he always runs away. He's a coward and he should know that! You guys can go look for him all you want, but I'm staying here—where I can see!"

"How dare you!" Katara shrieked as she lunged for Toph. But Sokka grabbed his sister in the nick of time and pulled her away from her grasp. Katara was not yet finished though. "You call Aang a jerk, but in reality, you're the jerk! Aang's been failing a lot recently and you're blaming him for running away? You wouldn't know what it would be like in his place!"

Toph stood up and confronted. "You're right! I don't! But even I wouldn't run away if I had been beaten down a million times! I'd fight to the death! You can look for him if you want, but I'm staying here!"

Katara tried pulling away from her brother. "Why you—!"

"Katara! Toph! Stop!" Sokka yelled. "Toph can stay here if that's what she wants. She can't see out in the snow and she won't be able to help us look for Aang. Besides, someone has to stay behind and guard the oasis. While she stays here, we go and look for Aang. Is that clear for the both of you?"

"Fine," Katara breathed angrily.

"Whatever," said Toph.

Sokka turned to Zuko. The young Firebender didn't seem to care about the argument at all, but rather on the note Aang had left behind. "What about you, Zuko? Having any second doubts?"

Zuko shook his head. "No. I'm just trying to understand what this message means. Why would he choose to write, 'a hundred years'?"

Sokka rubbed his temples as he thought of some connection. "It's just ironic," said Sokka. "The last time he ever left a note before he ran away was when he left the Southern Air Temple. But the problem was, Aang got caught in a storm and he had to freeze himself in an iceberg. Katara was able to free him after a hundred years and—"

A hundred years.

Sokka turned to Zuko. "You don't think…?"

Zuko also realized what Sokka had concluded. "Leaving a note. A hundred years. Do you think he's going to do it again?"

"He might," said Sokka. "Aang might very well freeze himself for another hundred years."

.

.

.

South Pole, Frozen tundra south of the water tribe

A blizzard had swept in from the west and was moving right across the large frozen plains of the South Pole. Many believed for some time that it snowed in the poles, but this was a lie. New snow hardly ever falls on the poles. Blizzards only stir up the fallen snow, creating a look as if snow was falling again. In reality, only some inches of snow were added after hundreds or thousands of years.

And caught in that blizzard was a boy on his glider.

The decision to hide for another hundred years or more was Aang's barefaced idea. It was his plan to preserve the last Airbender—to preserve himself. He should have thought of it before. By keeping himself frozen in another iceberg or ice cavern, Aang could outlast the generations. There would be no need to place himself in unnecessary risk.

Aang could live for thousands of years.

His plan was simple:

Aang would freeze himself again. When someone would find him trapped in the ice, Aang would be free to see the different changes all over the world. Aang could make new friends and eat all the food he wanted. Then, Aang would refreeze himself until someone again would find him after some years. The cycle would keep repeating and Aang would still be fine. It was a foolproof plan and it was his way to fool time and death.

An Airbender that could outlast the centuries.

But there were problems tugging his heart.

It had taken considerable amounts of effort to pull himself to the sky and just leave all his friends. He felt selfish for leaving them behind to fend for themselves like that. And of course, Azula would be Avatar and she could change everything. But Aang knew he couldn't place himself in all that danger. Not anymore.

Aang's role was to survive.

But even surviving turned out to be a problem.

The storm! The storm! I can't get out of this blizzard!

While other weather anomalies attacked the body through pain, blizzards attacked the body through the senses, creating confusion and slow death. Blizzards would cause complete white-outs. Imagine everything turning completely white. It was the opposite of not being able to see. A white-out allowed you to see—but it only allowed you to see white. Aang would have a hard time finding his nose in this blizzard. Blizzards also reduce people's core body temperature. If Aang would not be able to find warmth soon, he would fall out of the sky when his organs froze to death.

And there was another more immediate problem.

Aang was too busy focusing on where he was going that he could not see ice forming over his glider wings. Once the ice got thick enough, Airbending would be impossible and the glider's weight would force them to the ground below.

I can't see where I'm going!

Like all regrets, Aang was having them at the worst moments. This plan wasn't working as he thought it should. He did not anticipate a blizzard at all. Maybe he could still go back—if he knew where "back" was…

And Aang started to spiral into a dive.

The ice on Aang's glider wings had thickened enough to stop airflow. Aang could not tell where he was going, but he knew he was spiralling and falling. The swishing of his gut told him about it. His heart told him he was losing breath. His mind told him he was about to die.

And here was the irony: Aang had come here to escape death.

Now, he was going to have it handed down to him.

Aang was determined to live, though. He caught glimpses of his glider wing once in a while and saw the frost that had covered it Once Aang realized the problem and he set to work fixing it. With his breath, Aang blew on the ice. The wind that came out of his mouth was strong enough to break the frost away. In seconds, Aang had complete control of his glider once again.

But Aang didn't know that despite his regained control of his glider, he had gone so far down that he was barely three feet above the ground.

Aang was also seven feet away from a large ice dome.

No. Five and a half feet.

Wait. Three feet.

Ouch. Zero feet.

.

o0o

.

When Aang regained consciousness, he felt his head throbbing in pain. A terrible head ache immediately caught up to him and his body was terribly cold. Aang was covered in snow, but he was capable of sitting up. Beside him was his glider and it was still intact. There were some tears in the fabric, but nothing a little patching up won't fix.

And where had Aang crashed?

As Aang looked all around him, he noticed that he was in a large ice dome, but the dome itself was translucent, allowing him to see the blizzard outside. Behind Aang was a hole—a hole he made. That must have been why his head hurt. He had ploughed right through the dome's thick ice.

Then, after Aang's head had cleared, he realized that he had finally arrived.

Looking around, Aang realized that this was the perfect place for him to preserve himself for the next few years. It was large and spacious and the cold could preserve him easily. The only problem was the hole he had made. The hole could let fresh air come in and Aang wouldn't be able to preserve himself in the ice. But this could be easily fixed by sealing it up with snow.

Now the next question was: should he do it?

Aang thought of Katara and how he would terribly miss her and everyone else. He still had a chance. He could keep the hole open and wait for the blizzard to clear up. Then, he could go back to the Southern Water Tribe. He could still go back.

But Aang thought of all the air temples—destroyed.

He thought of the rest of the Air Nomads—murdered.

He thought of himself—the last.

Aang used his staff to clog the hole with snow and ice. The outside noises instantly disappeared and silence reclaimed the insides of the dome. He would preserve himself by placing his body under a form of deep sleep. He had done this the last time through meditation. He would now do it again.

Aang took one last look at the sealed hole.

And then, he placed himself into the meditation—chanting.

He was sealed in.

.

.

.

South Pole, Southern Water Tribe,

By this time, the Fire navy ships had already arrived on the shores of the water tribe city. Their fireballs and harpoons rained down on the huge ice mountain, instantly disfiguring the huge water tribe insignia that rested on the mountainside. That was happening on the outside. On the inside, the warriors and Waterbenders were purely on the defensive. The Waterbenders would make repairs to the ice mountain if ever the fireballs broke through. The warriors would attack whenever soldiers would come into the city.

Pakku was leading them all.

The man watched as one of the fireballs broke through one of the ice mountain's weak spots. The fireball landed right on top of two igloos. Looking again at the new hole, everyone could see beautiful sunshine breaking through.

Pakku pointed to the hole. "Seal it up before another fireball breaks through!"

Pakku and three other Waterbenders moved by the hole and Waterbended the hole's rim to seal itself like a wound healing through a scab. This sealed the hole quickly, but it also weakened the rest of the mountain as the seal took more ice water from the mountain's fixtures.

More fireballs.

More holes.

Pakku already had his hands full when a warrior walked up to him, telling him more bad news. "What is it this time?" came his retort.

"Airships, sir," said the warrior. "We've spotted four of them on their way here."

"Then call some other Waterbenders and seal up the skylight! Can't you handle these things on your own?"

The warrior ran away to do as instructed, but Pakku knew that whatever they did would be futile. The Waterbenders could continue sealing up holes, but the Fire Nation would break them. There would be no survivors when the day was done. Everyone had underestimated the Fire Nation's will to destroy them. They were determined to finish them off.

Pakku predicted that within the hour, the Southern Water Tribe would be nothing but a large black scorch mark.

.

o0o

.

Toph could hear the distant sounds of explosions and crashes from within the hut of the Spirit Oasis. She knew it too. She knew that the Waterbenders and warriors would not be enough to stop the Fire Nation from conquering the South Pole. They would kill if they had to and they would also take prisoners. But when the day was done and when the Fire Nation would stop firing, Toph knew that they would be coming for her.

They would kill off the water tribe easily, Toph knew. The Spirit Oasis will be their greatest victory. Once they killed the Ocean and Moon spirits, they would kill off an entire culture. A second genocide. The Air Nomads were taken and now the Water Tribe civilization was about to go next.

Toph gulped hard.

She was anxious—anxious because she was the last line of defence.

When the day was done, they would be coming here, to the Spirit Oasis. But Toph would not let them near the oasis. She would defend this spot to her dying breath. She knew this was the only piece of land in the entire South Pole worth saving.

And as she said earlier, 'let them try'.

.

.

.

South Pole, Frozen tundra south of the water tribe

Sokka, Zuko, and Katara were atop Appa, searching through the endless blizzard for any sign of Aang. The blizzard lessened well enough for them to see their surroundings. But where were they to look? It was not like Aang could leave a trace of himself in the air. And the snowy ground was featureless. It would take a miracle to find anything through the blinding snow. The white-out consumed even light.

But not all the light.

Zuko looked to the sky and saw their miracle. It was something to see and it was only found here. "The celestial lights," he breathed.

High above them, flowing forms of lights danced through the sky. It looked like a colored river had spilled on the heavens. It was an amazing sight and the three could only look at it with awe. Even in the darkest moments, beauty can break anything.

But this celestial light served more than one purpose. Aside from light up the sky, the celestial lights also seemed to form a path—a line for them to follow. Sokka saw it as a sign and decided to move Appa in that direction.

.

o0o

.

Aang just realized that placing himself into a form of deep sleep was so boring.

Aang had been patient for the first fifteen minutes. He did everything by the book. He closed his eyes, relaxed his mind, rid his thoughts of impure things, but he wasn't falling into any deep sleep. Aang was still there, still awake and bored. Now, his patience was running thin. He could no longer sit still and he was becoming too active. It just wasn't working.

How come I'm not doing this right…?

Aang sighed at last and removed himself from his meditative mood. He opened his eyes and breathed. Why wasn't it working…? Maybe Aang wasn't as settled as he thought he should be. Maybe he was just doomed to die like the rest of the Airbenders. Maybe he was just doomed to die.

Aang buried his face in his palms.

In his mind's eye, Aang recalled his dream again—how Azula would kill him with one shot of lightning. Aang couldn't have that. He had to live.

"Aang…"

Startled, Aang looked up and found that he was no longer alone in this spacious ice cavern. Outsides, the celestial lights were glowing like the sun. Inside, the dome was filled to the brim—with Avatar spirits. Aang recognized those that came before him and he knew who had called out his name.

"Roku…"

.

o0o

.

Aang didn't feel so happy to be around Roku anymore. He felt guilty now because he had run away. Roku must have known from the beginning. They all must have known. But they didn't seem angry—only serious.

As Aang was thinking, he thought about this whole gathering of Avatar spirits. How was it happening? He was sure there was no celestial event today. How come these spirits were here?

"Roku… How is this possible…?"

"The worlds are aligning, Aang…" said Roku dreadfully. "Without a bridge to connect the two worlds together, the planet will have to resort to new means for the worlds to connect… This is an imbalance, Aang… In the next few days, pieces of land will start to disappear into the Spirit World… Without the Avatar to fix this, the world will destroy itself…"

This was shattering news.

Aang swallowed hard. "Roku… I…"

"Aang," said Avatar Kuruk. "What do you know of the Avatar…?"

Aang didn't expect to be asked such question. "I'm not sure…"

"The Avatar is the spirit of the planet condensed into one person," said Avatar Kyoshi. "When the person dies, the Avatar spirit moves on to the next element in the cycle and is reborn. The cycle has existed for thousands of years and the Avatar has been the sole judge of what was right and what was wrong… Only the Avatar could bring balance to the world… Only the Avatar had the right to do so…"

Aang didn't know what to say. "What are you trying to tell—?"

Avatar Yangchen spoke next. "And what happens when the Avatar is corrupted…? What happens when the one who brings balance forces the world into imbalance…?"

Aang was pressed for an answer. "I don't know—"

"The world is falling apart, Aang," said Roku. "The world is falling apart and the Avatar is the one held responsible... Nothing of this scale has ever happened in the history of mankind…"

"But this has been expected," spoke Avatar Kuruk. "No matter how all-knowing and all-powerful the Avatar is, the Avatar is only a man. And like all men, the Avatar can be tempted, deceived, mistaken, and tainted. All men have made mistakes and therefore, all Avatars have made mistakes. And there will come a time when the Avatar will finally lose its purpose and darken the world."

And as one voice, all the Avatar spirits said, "UNFORTUNATELY, THAT TIME IS NOW…"

Avatar Roku looked into Aang's eyes. "Now, the Avatar has reversed its purpose. Instead of bringing peace, the Avatar brings war. Instead of the protector, the Avatar is the destroyer. The universe cannot have such imbalance."

"And the universe must have balance," said Avatar Kyoshi.

"This imbalance has gone on far enough," said Roku loudly. "We have no choice now… The Avatar Cycle must come to an end…"

Aang suddenly had tunnel vision. "An end?" Aang couldn't believe it. The Avatar had existed for so long and now, he was being told that it was all going to end.

Aang had never imagined the Avatar disappearing forever.

"It is the only solution," said Avatar Yangchen. "Even if the Avatar wasn't corrupted now, the Avatar would be corrupted later on… It is best we rid ourselves of the problem now."

"But the Avatar isn't a problem!" Aang retaliated. "The Avatar is the solution!" Aang then turned to Roku. "Why are you even telling me this?"

"We were wondering if you had a different answer…" said Roku.

"You're asking me?" Aang was so angry now he didn't care if he blew off some steam right in front of all these Avatar spirits. "Why would you be asking me? I'm not the Avatar anymore! I'm just an Airbender—the last! All I care right now is living into the next century! I just want to live!"

"You did live," said Roku. And then, the Avatar pointed to the dome's ceiling.

Aang looked up and saw the celestial lights. But unlike the random flowing pattern Aang had seen before, the lights were different now. Now, the lights were forming shapes and people. The lights were forming a scene in time. All the colors and lines mixed and matched until finally, Aang saw what he was supposed to see.

The celestial lights had formed the iceberg with Aang and Appa still inside.

Aang had tears in his eyes. He turned back to all the Avatar spirits with anger still in his heart. "WHY ME? WHY DID THE AVATAR SPIRIT CHOOSE ME? I NEVER WANTED TO BE THE AVATAR! I WOULD HAVE RATHER DIED WITH THE OTHER AIR NOMADS THAN SUFFER LIKE THIS!"

"And why did the Avatar Spirit choose the rest of us?" said Roku to the other Avatar spirits. "Did we want to be the Avatar? Did we expect it? No. Then why us? Why pick those who did not choose to be?"

And like an answer from the heavens, the celestial lights began forming out scenes. There was Kuruk riding a tidal wave, Kyoshi fracturing a huge land mass, Yangchen creating gale-force winds, Roku bending the lava in a volcano, and countless other Avatars doing great feats of strength.

Aang looked to the sky.

"Why me?"

And Aang saw his fellow monks in the Southern Air Temple. He saw himself destroying the huge drill at Ba Sing Se. He saw himself sacrificing the things he loved to gain control of the Avatar State. He saw himself standing before Ozai—the last person to have a chance against the Fire Lord.

And Aang saw him and his friends.

Aang saw himself fail at Earthbending.

Aang saw himself getting licked by Appa.

Aang saw himself in the middle of a group hug.

He was the Fire Nation's greatest threat.

He was the world's last chance for peace.

He gave people hope.

He was the last Airbender.

He was the Avatar.

Roku chuckled and turned to Aang. "And you wonder why the Avatar spirit chose you…"

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South Pole, Southern Water Tribe, Spirit Oasis

What happened to all the sound?

For some time now, Toph had been hearing nothing but breaking ice, falling fireballs, desperate cries, and the sound of people screaming. She could hear them all from inside the hut of the Spirit Oasis. The blind Earthbender was terribly frightened. Since she lost her sight, Toph's sense of hearing become over-developed. Every scream felt like her own. Every fireball that crashed sounded like it had landed right next to her.

The cries of the water tribe people were horrible.

And then, Toph could hear mechanical noises in the air. Toph had deduced that Fire Nation airships had arrived. A horrible feeling went into her stomach.

First, there was one BOOM.

And then, there was a whole series of BOOMS.

When all the "booms" stopped, there was complete silence.

No more cries.

No more screams from mothers and children.

No more orders coming from Pakku and the other warriors.

The silence was more horrible.

Toph felt that everyone was dead.

Where did all the sounds go?

And then, there were sounds again. Footsteps. And they were coming this way. Toph hoped that they were from the water tribe, but she doubted it. They were probably from the Fire Nation. They would be coming here—to the oasis. They would kill the Ocean and Moon spirits. They would finish her off.

Let them try!

Toph lifted an entire ring of wall from the ground to stand as the last barricade against the soldiers that would try and destroy the Spirit Oasis. Toph would hold the barricade and even try to fight back in case the moment needed it. And the moment those soldiers stepped on solid ground, Toph would be attacking.

"In here!" came a voice. It was a Fire Nation soldier' voice. Toph could tell.

Toph knelt low so she was hidden behind her earth wall. She could feel three Fire Nation soldiers walking into the tent. No one had stopped them. All the guards were probably gone or worse. One of the soldiers took a step closer towards her ring of earth.

Wrong move.

Toph drove her fingers into the ground and launched the soldier high into the air. She could sense the other soldiers' surprise. Before she could punch the lights out of them, one of the soldiers managed to alarm the others.

"Hey! There's an Earthbender in here—!"

And the soldier was flying.

Toph could not feel the soldiers outside the hut due to the snow, but she could hear them. Dozens of them. And one of those soldiers shouted, "Forget procedure! We need this pest out of the way immediately! Bring in the komodo rhinos!"

Toph wasn't looking so brave now.

I need to protect the spirits!

Quickly, Toph got her large metal snow pads and fashioned them into a small metal ball. She then went to the pond of the oasis and braved the water. She couldn't see in the water and it was just her luck that Koi fishes swam by her hand. Maybe the Koi fishes knew she was trying to help them. Anyway, Toph filled the metal ball with water and placed in the Koi fishes. When she was done, she sealed in the metal ball.

Toph then Earthbended so the metal ball was underground—safe from the soldiers. The spirits were safe.

CRASH!

A small fireball blasted right through Toph's earth wall. She fixed it immediately, holding the wall straight. Fire blasts were everywhere too. She could feel the heat from the other side of her earth wall. She was straining to keep herself strong. Soldiers, Komodo rhinos, fireballs, and fire blasts were usually things that would get her down.

CRASH!

Another portion of her earth wall fell and Toph rushed to fix it up. She raised another portion of the ground, but not quickly enough. Three Firebender soldiers had gathered together to deliver one powerful attack and they did. Their fire blasted right through Toph's wall and past it.

The fire swept onto Toph's face like a breeze.

Only, this breeze was cooking her skin.

Toph shrieked and fell.

The fire knocked her down. In minutes, the shock would ultimately end her. In minutes, Toph would be dead.

"Where're the Koi fishes?" came a soldier's voice. Toph was conscious enough to hear him. "Zhao said they would be here, but they're not! This raid was a total waste of our energy!" Toph could feel the man walking by her. A sudden shift in the man's weight told Toph that the man was leaning down to take a good look at her.

Another soldier had come by. "Do we take her as prisoner, sir?"

"Look at her. She's dying. What point would there be if we lug a corpse on our ship. No. Leave her here. Let the cold air take her."

Toph was happy to know that they were going away. She was happy to know that she had saved the Ocean and Moon Spirits. She was happy to know that she had saved them at the least. But she was not happy to know that she was about to die.

Then slowly.

Very slowly.

Her heart stopped beating.

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South Pole, Frozen tundra south of the water tribe

"I hope Toph's okay," said Sokka. "I can't believe that she didn't want to come…"

"She chose to stay behind, remember?" Katara reasoned.

"We better find Aang quick," said Zuko. "The wind's picking up fast."

It was hard to say that they made any progress in finding Aang. Sokka wouldn't admit to everyone else, but he felt that they were lost. Sure there were the celestial lights to lead their way, but going back would be hard. The celestial lights left no trail. And the blizzard was getting worse and worse. If the wind got too strong, Appa would not be able to fly.

Beside Sokka, Momo chattered. Its teeth kept clicking together.

And then, a giant wind shear swept them all to the side.

"WHOA!" screamed the three. They were clinging to Appa's saddle with their life depending on it. Appa was moaning as it spiraled out of the sky. Now, everyone was on a fatal nosedive. With Appa disoriented and its three passengers hanging on, no one could stop its fall. No one except Momo.

Momo flew by Appa's large head and sought shelter in its ear. The lemur hid in the beast's furry ear and began chattering again. The loud squeaks coming from the creature had irritated Appa enough to force himself conscious. The moment Appa's eyes opened once again, the bison pulled out of the dive and back up into the air. The sudden change in direction nearly ripped Sokka and Zuko's hold on the saddle.

Katara, on the other hand, had let go.

Sokka and Zuko saw it. "KATARA!" they screamed.

Katara still had her hand held out. She too was screaming for help, but her cries were futile. Appa was in no hurry to turn back to the ground and the ground itself was too close for Katara to be rescued.

Katara was falling to her death.

.

o0o

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Aang was shaking his head terribly. "No! No! No! I can't go through with this!" he cried. "I placed myself in this ice dome for a reason! I have to protect the last Airbender! Someone else can save the world! Someone else!"

"And why are you here, Aang?" asked Roku.

"Weren't you listening? I have to protect the last Airbender! If what you're saying is true and that the Avatar Cycle must end, then that means I have to stop Azula—kill her while she's in the Avatar State. But I won't! I won't fight her and I won't kill her! You can send someone else but not me!"

"Because you're trying to save the Airbenders," said Avatar Yangchen.

"Yes!"

"Then you've already succeeded," said Avatar Kyoshi.

Aang didn't understand. "What?"

"The Air Nomads were destroyed a hundred years ago," said Avatar Roku. "And yet here you are, standing before us, standing in the middle of all this destruction and confusion. Fire Lord Sozin thought he had succeeded in destroying the Airbenders, but he had failed. Why? Because you are still alive."

"You are not the last Airbender, Aang," said Avatar Kuruk.

"After a hundred years since the disappearance of the Air Nomads," said Yangchen, "You are the first. After a hundred years, you are the first Airbender."

"And there will be more after you," said Avatar Kyoshi. "The spirit of the Air Nomads isn't as gone as you think. They live in the world, in the people, in everyone's hearts, and in you."

"But if I die," Aang continued. "If I die, the Airbenders will be dead."

"That is true," said Roku.

"So you understand why I have to stay here!" said Aang angrily. "Now you understand why I have to hide for another hundred years! Because if I die, then the Airbenders are gone forever! And with the Airbenders gone, the Avatar will be gone! And with the Avatar gone, balance will be lost forever!"

"All true," said Kyoshi, Kuruk, and Yangchen in unison.

"Then why do you still want me to fight?" Aang retorted.

"Because if you hide for another hundred years," said Roku, "then in that timeline, Azula will die. And when Azula dies, the Avatar Spirit needs to be reborn into the next element in the cycle. And since you are the only Airbender, then the Avatar Spirit cannot be reborn. The Avatar Spirit moves to an unborn child. Since you have already been born, the Avatar Spirit cannot go to you. The Avatar will cease to exist."

Aang stomped his feet. "But I thought you wanted the cycle to end!"

All the Avatar spirits smiled.

"WE'VE CHANGED OUR MINDS…"

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o0o

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Aang collapsed again and was crying. "But why…? I don't want to die like this, Roku… I don't want to risk losing the things I love… I don't want to risk my life…"

"We're not asking you to die, Aang," said Avatar Yangchen. "We're asking you to fight…"

Aang sobbed violently. "But what if I die?"

"Do you think that question should stop you?" said Avatar Kuruk.

"That question has never stopped you before…" said Avatar Kyoshi.

And above, the celestial lights displayed Aang fighting against Zuko in the South Pole. Another scene displayed Aang facing the face-stealer, Koh, in the Spirit World. Yet another scene showed Aang taking a direct hit from Azula as she shot him down with lightning.

Aang gritted his teeth. "But those were different times! Things change! The stakes are higher now!"

"Really?" asked Roku. "I'm certain you were the only Airbender when the Northern Water Tribe was in a siege, when Ba Sing Se fell for the first time under the Fire Nation, when the eclipse had darkened the land of Fire Nation capital. The stakes haven't changed at all."

"But I didn't realize it then!" Aang shouted. He didn't even realize that his tears were entering his mouth. "I didn't realize how alone I was! I didn't realize how horrible the situation became! Three of the four Air temples are gone!"

Avatar Yangchen stepped forward. "They're only Air temples, Aang…"

Aang wasn't going to be thwarted. "But Azula—she's the Avatar! How can you expect me to defeat the Avatar with Airbending?"

A bright light sparked from the entire Avatar spirits in that ice dome. Roku and all the other Avatar spirits looked at Aang angrily. Roku stepped forward with fury in his eyes. "I'M TIRED OF ALL YOUR COMPLAINTS, AANG! YOU'RE STRONGER THAN YOU CAN POSSIBLE IMAGINE—MORE POWERFUL THAN WHAT YOU KNOW! YOU CAN DEFEAT AZULA!"

Aang backed up, suddenly afraid at Roku. Slowly, the light from all their eyes disappeared. The other Avatar spirits disappeared too. Now, only Roku was left. And Roku saw that Aang looked truly frightened of him. Roku felt like he must have been a monster. And Aang looked his own age—like a frightened little child.

He reached out to Aang.

"Aang… I'm sorry…"

Aang was still pushing himself away, afraid to go near Roku.

"I didn't mean that, Aang…"

And Roku took Aang's hand. Roku's spirit hand had substance and he was able to grasp the boy's hand. Slowly, Roku pulled Aang into a warm and fatherly hug. Long gone was Roku's temper. What replaced it was kindness and love.

"No one is forcing you to fight, Aang… I have no power over that… It's all up to you… And I'm sorry I yelled at you… It wasn't right of me to do so…"

And Roku added, "But if there's anything left I want to say, it is this. You must never be afraid of death… Never let it consume you… I am not saying that death isn't something to fear—I mean, who isn't afraid to die? But to face death squarely—to laugh at the face of death—now that is something amazing… Because death has a mission too. Death's mission is to break you—break you so that the only result will be death itself… But when you laugh at the face of death—when you challenge it—then you have defeated death's mission…

"Because if death cannot break you, then death cannot take you…"

Aang wiped his tears. "Thank you, Roku…"

"And another thing," said Roku with a smile. "You may think yourself alone, but in reality, you never were…"

And as Roku disappeared and faded out of existence, Aang looked up and saw the celestial lights. The lights were forming out scenes again. He saw himself telling Sokka to climb a cliff. He saw himself holding Toph's hand at the end of the Summer Solstice. He saw himself petting Appa on top of a large warship. He saw himself holding Momo on his arm. He saw Zuko teaching him Firebending.

He saw Katara waking him up from his time in the iceberg.

He saw Katara healing him after being shot by lightning.

He saw Katara kiss him.

He saw Katara falling down from the sky.

And Katara was still falling.

Wait.

Aang was sure he had never seen that one before.

And Aang got his glider and broke through the ice dome's ceiling.

.

o0o

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"AAAAHHH!! HEEEELLPPPP!!"

Katara's hand was reaching out. Sokka and Zuko were trying to catch up to her, but Katara was falling too fast. Her death would not come easy. Air pressure increases the farther down a person went. Air pressure alone would cause large forms of lacerations and bleedings. But it would be the impact that would kill her. Despite snow being soft, Katara's velocity would make the snow as hard as a slab of rock, crushing bones, and tearing delicate tissues. The brain would squeeze itself through the skull and the heart would tear off from its connecting membrane.

In short, Katara wouldn't be alive to heal herself.

"Don't worry!" Sokka shouted. "We've almost got you!"

What a lie.

Already, the air pressure was causing Katara's eardrums to "pop". Her vision was blurring and she could no longer focus. For some condolence, at least Katara knew she would not feel the pain. Maybe there would be some shock and then nothing. Who know? It had been a long time since she had seen her mother.

Maybe she would see her soon.

Ten feet. Katara sighed. She stopped reaching out.

Six feet. Mother… I'm almost home…

Three feet.

Two feet.

Six feet.

Ten feet.

Fifteen feet.

Katara opened her eyes and realized a large bird had suddenly snatched her from midair. The dark bird was having trouble flying though. In seconds, they were falling again. The bird had lost control of its wings. But the fact that the bird had already slowed them down meant that a crash was survivable.

Now, Katara and the bird were on an angle that was parallel with the ground.

And when she and the bird hit one of the first few layers of snow, their momentum had been greatly reduced. There was some rolling and some skidding, but eventually, they came to a halt.

The crash had forced Katara to close her eyes, but now that everything had stopped, she was allowed to open them again.

Above her, the celestial lights allowed her to see. She could see that Appa had landed and Sokka and Zuko were running towards her. Also, the giant bird that had rescued her was not a bird at all. It was a boy with bright eyes. And that boy was looking directly at her with a smile.

She recognized this boy somewhere.

"Katara…?" said the boy.

"Yes…?" she responded, a little weak though.

And after a short pause, the boy said, "Would you go penguin sledding with me?"

Katara recognized him at last. She smiled at him with tears flowing from her eyes.

"Yes. Yes I will."

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South Pole, Southern Water Tribe

After an hour of finding their way back, Sokka, Zuko, Katara, and Aang finally made it back to the Southern Water Tribe—or what was left of it. The northern side of the ice mountain had collapsed over the city and the southern side of the mountain looked like Swiss cheese. The air was filled with the rotten smell of dead bodies. Already, Sokka had spotted some dead water tribe soldiers.

"They didn't die because of the collapse," said Sokka. "These men were killed because they were burned down before the mountain collapsed." Sokka then turned to Zuko. "What do you think forced the collapse?"

"Airships," said Zuko. "And from the looks of it, I'd say there were a lot of them."

Aang sighed. Just when he was already feeling good, reality always showed its ugly face. "They're all dead, aren't they?" asked Aang. "They're all dead because of me…"

Zuko turned to Aang. He winked and smiled at him. "Not all of them are dead, Aang."

"What do you mean…?" asked Aang, surprised.

Katara came by him and smiled to cheer him up. "We'll explain along the way, but right now, we have to head for the southern side of the city."

Aang followed his friends and started running. And as they ran, Katara was explaining. "We knew that the city didn't stand a chance against the raid from the beginning. So we had to make sure that somehow, we could keep the city safe. The plan was to defend until the last minute possible. After that, everyone was to retreat to safety."

"Where did they go?" asked Aang.

Before anyone could answer, Katara stopped them all and she began Waterbending. Katara formed a large circle on the ground and slowly, the ice slid downwards. The circle, Aang realized, was actually a lid. And with the lid open, Aang could peer inside. Immediately, Aang smiled at what he saw.

Belowground were the rest of the water tribe people. And more than that, there were livestock too. The children seemed to be too happy playing with Ummi.

Pakku stepped out of the ground first. He went to Katara and Sokka and hugged them both. "I thought I'd lost you both… When I didn't see you with the rest of the refugees, I thought you had been killed with the others…"

Sokka smiled. "We had important things to attend to."

"I'm glad," said Pakku with a smile. "But I was surprised to see you in more ways than one. When I saw the opening being Waterbended, I thought it was impossible. I heard that no one had been guarding the oasis. I thought for sure the spirits would have been killed."

Sokka burst into laughter. "Then that means our blind friend must have guarded the oasis well."

"Toph," said Aang with a smile.

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South Pole, Southern Water Tribe, Spirit Oasis

"Toph…" everyone gasped.

Everyone saw her body floating on the pond of the spirit oasis. Her hair was no longer in a bun, but was now freely floating like black tentacles in the currents of the water. Her face was up and her pupil-less eyes stared at the ceiling. Her face and clothes were badly scorched. But despite all of the macabre that seemed to follow her, Toph never looked so peaceful and serene in all her life. She was almost likened to an angel.

Sokka immediately waded in the water. He got to her and brought her to dry ground. He placed two fingers on her neck, feeling for a pulse. Tears started to flow out of his eyes. There was no pulse.

"She's gone," said Sokka.

Aang shook his head. He wasn't about to leave it at that. "Katara! There's still a chance! The water from the Spirit Oasis!"

Katara's eyes widened. "I'm on it!"

Immediately, Katara bended a large pool of water from the spirit oasis right onto Toph's body. The water incased her whole body like a cocoon and slowly began to glow. Katara was sweating as she got deep into Toph's vital signs—if there were any. Toph didn't seem to show any sign of movements. Her eyes didn't flicker. She didn't blink. And there was definitely still no pulse.

"How's it going?" asked Sokka with slight anticipation. He could hope for Toph to reawaken. But he knew that they had reached her too late.

Katara shook her head, making her tears fall everywhere. "It's no use. The water from the oasis isn't working… I can't jumpstart her heart… I can't force it to beat again…"

Aang clenched his fist. There had to be a way…

Jumpstart her heart…

Force it to beat again…

A shock.

In that moment, Aang recalled the moment Azula shot through his heart with lightning. It was a painful memory and one he would take to his grave. He recalled every inch of it and he realized that Toph must have experienced the same thing. The lightning had surged into his body. His heart was overrun with electricity and stopped beating. That was how he died before.

The shock of it was horrible.

Toph must have felt the same thing… The shock of death must have been unbearable… Her heart was shocked to death…

And then, Aang had an idea.

"Zuko!" he said suddenly. "I need you to shoot lightning into Toph's heart!"

"ARE YOU CRAZY?" Sokka shrieked. "WHAT GOOD WOULD THAT DO?"

"Think of it!" Aang shouted. "Remember when Azula shot me with lightning? It killed me for a moment. That's because the electricity must have shorted out my heart. But what if we run electricity into an already stopped heart? It should jumpstart it! The heart should beat again!"

"That's a horrible theory!" shouted Sokka.

"I'm willing to do anything to get her back," said Aang. "We need to try."

"You're crazy! I won't let that happen!"

Aang turned to Zuko. "Are you willing to try, Zuko?"

Zuko looked at Toph's limp body. She was a dead girl and the moment to bring her back had probably disappeared hours ago. "I don't know, Aang… It might already be too late… And we could just kill her more…"

"We have to try," Katara chided. "This is a friend. And I would do anything to help a friend… And I bet if Toph were here, she'd say, 'go for it'. Wouldn't she, Sokka?"

Katara turned to her brother. She stared into his eyes.

"She wouldn't say that," said Sokka.

Katara sighed.

"She would say, 'give me your best shot'," Sokka said with a smile. He turned to Zuko. "Alright. I'll give it a chance. Give her your best shot, Zuko."

Zuko sighed. He was going to do it.

Aang nodded at Zuko and turned to Katara. "Katara. I need you to keep holding the water of the Spirit Oasis over her. It's going to lessen the electricity a bit. Zuko will have to try not to release too much electricity. You can do that by redirecting some of your own energy. We don't want to fry her. Just jumpstart the heart. Are we ready?"

Everyone nodded.

Katara was ready—holding the water over her body like a cocoon. Zuko breathed. He then began rotating his hands, gathering his energy together. Slowly, he could feel his chi paths and his own power. Positive and Negative chi were swirling all inside him.

Quickly, Zuko separated his energies.

Then, he dipped his two fingers into Katara's pool of water and pressed upon the spot that was above Toph's heart. His other two fingers were extended the other way. The energy should surge out any moment.

Clear!

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o0o

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A small bolt of electricity shot down Zuko's finger and into Toph's heart. The jolt forced her abdomen to jerk upward. The sudden jerk was so spontaneous that Sokka had to jump back at the sight of it. There was no breath coming from Toph though. Aside from the jerk, Toph was still dead.

No, thought Katara. Her hands were still over the water and the water was still glowing. Something had happened. There was a small pulse. Toph's heart had flickered to life for a second.

Katara turned to Zuko, as if angry. "Toph's heart beat for a second! Do it again!"

And Zuko shot another weak bolt of lightning. Toph's abdomen jerked up again. Katara felt a short pulse. Again! Another pulse. Another bolt of lightning. And again. And again. And again. And again.

Ba-Dum!

Ba-Dum!

Ba-Dum!

Toph's heart was beating again. Zuko stopped adding in more bolts of lightning when Katara told him to stop. Katara used the Spirit Oasis water to replace the lightning. Her heart rhythm was still weak, but she could still keep it strong with her healing. Zuko's lightning had shocked the life back into her. Katara's healing would keep it there.

Then, there was a gasp for breath.

Toph was breathing.

Even better, Toph was conscious.

"Stupid fish spirits…" she grumbled. And despite her weak body, Toph pound her fist to the ground and Earthbended a metal ball to the surface. Katara took it and felt that something was alive inside. With a single water whip, she sliced the metal open and was surprised to see the Ocean and Moon spirits alive inside.

Katara placed them back in the pond.

And everyone hugged Toph, their tears mingling with their laughter.

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South Pole, Southern Water Tribe

"Toph's going to be fine after some rest," said Katara. "She just fell back into unconsciousness, but she's going to be okay."

"That's good to hear," said Aang."

"We still have a problem though," said Pakku. The old master walked into their conversation like an unwanted stranger. "With the city destroyed, the people won't be able to have food or water. Everyone would go thirsty or starve. We could try to rebuild the city, but the Fire Nation is patrolling our shoreline. If they see us still alive, they'll attack us again."

"What do you suggest?" asked Katara.

"We need to get out of here. But there's not a single boat left," sighed Pakku. "Even if you do have two Sky Bison, they won't be enough to carry everyone out of here. And we better come up with a solution fast. I don't think we'll be able to make it through the night if a blizzard comes in."

"Where are we going to get a boat?" asked Katara.

Aang smiled. "I know!"

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South Pole, The Shipwreck

The entire water tribe gathered around the large black shape of the raised Fire Navy boat. Its old features still looked frightening and monstrous. The Waterbenders were already lowering it from the ice that had trapped it. This ship that had once haunted the southern tribe for as long as they could remember was now their last chance for escape.

"This is a pretty brilliant idea, Aang," said Sokka. "The Fire Navy ships patrolling the shore might let us pass since this is one of their own."

Aang scratched his neck. "Let's just hope there're no more booby traps inside…"

"Where do we go now?" asked Zuko.

"We get everyone first to safety," Aang answered. "But I know what I have to do…"

"And you won't do it alone," said Katara.

"I say we head to Whale-tail Island," Pakku interrupted.

"Why there?" asked Sokka.

Pakku kept his gaze at Sokka and pulled out an old scroll from his pocket. "I've just received a letter about a gathering there. I was personally asked to join. It's a message from the Order of the White Lotus."

"The order is helping us now?" asked Sokka. "But I thought gatherings could only be called upon by a Grand Lotus? And Iroh's missing, right?"

"There is more than one Grand Lotus," said Pakku. "Anyway, if you want our help, I say we head to that island right now."

"Hold on," Sokka halted. "I thought you would only discuss these things with members of the order?"

Pakku smiled at Sokka.

"That's right. I am."

Sokka's eyes widened. "You mean, I'm—! Woohoo!"

The group started to board the Fire Navy ship. Zuko was at the helm, steering it. The Waterbenders would provide additional propulsion to get the ship out of the ice packs. Appa and Ummi were kept in the cargo hold to prevent any Fire Nation ship from spotting them. Other water tribe people also went below deck.

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o0o

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Katara felt a sudden tightening in her throat as she stood at the ship's bow. From her point of view, she could see Toph lying sleeping silently on deck. Sokka was scrubbing the deck floor with a mop. High above, Zuko was steering the ship. And Aang was fooling around with Momo, making the little lemur fly around in a small ball air.

It was just like old times again.

Just like old times, the group would have fun. They would get into all sorts of trouble and the Fire Nation would be chasing them. And just like old times, the Fire Nation was back to controlling the world. But it would be harder now that Azula was the Avatar.

Katara didn't mind though.

One look at Aang and she knew there was still hope.

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Water

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Earth

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Fire

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Air

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Long ago, the four nations lived together in harmony

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Then

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Everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked

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Only the Avatar

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Master of all four elements could stop them

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But when the world needed him most

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He vanished

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A hundred years passed and my brother and I discovered the new Avatar

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An Airbender named Aang

.

And although his Airbending skills are great

.

He has a lot to learn before he's ready to save anyone

.

But I believe

.

Aang

.

Can save the world

.

.

.

.

.