We're being interrupted by plot in this chapter (urg, I know) and I'm feeling benevolent so I'll post another one later tonight before bed. Loving your reactions, people. Golden as usual!
The Death of the Blue Spirit
Something isn't quite right.
Zuko's stomach is unsettled, as though he's eaten something stale or rotten. He thinks perhaps fresh air and daylight will help, just to get out of the dank hole that the Dai Li lurk within. But his unease is just as severe when he helps his uncle out into the open.
The old man's hand on his shoulder weighs heavily. 'You did the right thing, nephew.'
Zuko grips the blue and white demon mask between his hands.
'Leave it behind,' the old man advises gently.
Zuko allows the mask to slip through his fingers. It hits the lake with barely a splash; bubbles struggle to the surface as the grinning face fades into the dark depths.
Reunited
Aang cries tears of joy, tears of relief, tears of… well, what could you call it, the depth of love the boy feels for the last relic of his people?
It brings tears to Katara's eyes, the thin figure embraced by the happily grunting bison.
'I missed you, buddy,' the airbender whispers into Appa's ivory coat. 'How did you get away?'
'The Blue Spirit!' Sokka exclaims, rubbing his face against Appa's furry shoulder. 'That must have been why he was sneaking around in the Dai Li's lair!'
A cold shiver runs the length of Katara's spine. 'You don't know that,' she hears herself saying.
'Why else would Mr Dark and Mysterious have been there?' Toph crows from Appa's other shoulder, a grin like sunrise lighting her face.
Why else was he there? she wonders while her friends celebrate.
A Metamorphosis, My Nephew
In his mind, in his uncle's new teashop, a blue dragon argues with a red dragon and the Fire Nation crumbles to dust. It burns away to ash. The flames scorch him.
It's hot.
'You should know that this is not a natural sickness.'
What's happening?
'Your critical decision. What you did beneath that lake. It was in such conflict with your image of yourself that you are now at war within your own mind and body.'
What does that mean?
'You are going through a metamorphosis, my nephew. It will not be a pleasant experience, but when you come out of it, you will be the beautiful prince you were always meant to be.'