Chapter 21: The One I Love

Sorry to ruin the flattering perception of one reviewer that I'm psychic, but I'm not. Actually the "Katara heals Zuko's scar" idea is one I've seen before (but I'm putting my own twist on it so wait till the end), so I wasn't psychic about the finale. Actually though, looking at the previews of it, I could kinda guess that was what she was going to try, the way she had her hand on his face, it wasn't romantic, it was more sympathetic. Anyway, I think we Zutarians got ripped off; they said there would be Zutara in the finale, but noooo. That counts as much as the "I'll save you from the pirates!" I've been waiting to unload that. And considering the finale, I'm considering editing the beginning of this story to account for those events, change a few reactions maybe, I mean I started writing this back in October. So anyway, I'm thinking about it. My theory is that Zuko didn't really betray his uncle, and he's tricking Azula. I mean who would believe Azula? So I think he'll probably rescue Iroh and they'll run away and my story could take place for real. Yay! Anyway I wrote this chapter on sugar high, after me and my two Avatar addicts watched Lake Laogai. So shout out to my fellow addicts, Son-son and K Spizz! I love you guys!

"Why aren't you riding you bison?" the little girl asked.

"There are some bad people who came to the island. They're looking for me," Aang answered her.

"Oh. Fire Nation. Come with me to the city. It's safe there." The girl tugged at Aang's hand and led them down a twisting path. "My name is Kylara," she added. "Follow me."

They followed her along the stream until it led to a large pool. A large waterfall spilled over into the pool.

"Tell your bison to fly over the waterfall and meet us on the other side," Kylara told Aang. Aang looked confused.

"There's a passage behind the waterfall," Toph said.

Kylara stared at her. "Oh. Earthbender."

Appa flew up over the waterfall and the others went behind it. Aang's heart leapt as he saw the city and its melting pot of cultures and… sky bison! Aang could see Appa flying among them, in utter joy of finding new companions. Aang turned and a flash of blue caught his eye. Was that? Katara! "Katara!" he shouted and ran over.

Katara turned. "Aang!" She hugged him. Zuko had been caught in an embarrassing embrace by Iroh.

"Good to see you, Sugar Queen."

Katara pulled away. "This is Tomo. He found us. Tomo, this is the Avatar."

Tomo bowed. "Avatar Aang, you must come with me." He turned to the little girl. "Thank you, Kylara. Go practice your firebending now."

"Wait, where's Sokka… and Crin and Raan?" Katara looked around as if she hoped he was just hiding.

Toph turned to her. "They're not with you?"

Katara shook her head.

"Azula is on the island," Toph told her.

"They could be in trouble. We have to find them. Aang?" Aang had already been led away by Tomo. It was just Toph, Katara, Zuko, and Iroh.

"I'm going after them," Katara said.

"I'm coming with you," Toph said.

"We'll go get Aang," Iroh said, pulling his nephew away before he could say 'me too.'

Zuko sighed and caught Katara's arm. "Be careful," he whispered.

"Always," Katara whispered back. "I'll see you in a bit." She reluctantly pulled herself from Zuko's grasp and left through the waterfall passage with Toph at her side.

"You love her, don't you?"

"Uncle, I…"

"You don't have to say it," Iroh interrupted. "I can tell." He sighed a little. "You made a good choice."

Zuko looked away a little. "The first one in a really long time."

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Tomo led Aang up a hill to a beautiful temple. Its archway held a seal bearing the symbols of all four nations, but the most striking feature was a marble statue of two monks by the gate.

Aang ran a hand over the cold stone. "Gyatso… and… me. Why?"

"After you disappeared a hundred years ago, Monk Gyatso knew war would come. He knew that you would need help if you came back or if not, your reincarnation would. He set up this island. He selected warriors from around the world. He brought them here in secret, creating this island. Avatar Island."

"So, Gyatso created this?" He gestured to the city.

"Yes. Many people have come here. Claiming to have had visions of helping you. No one knows of this island, not even the Earth Kingdom or Water Tribes. It is a complete secret." Tomo paused for dramatic effect. "We are your army."

Aang's head hurt. So much to take in. He looked around in confusion. "So, do you have a leader?"

"A council. Mostly master warriors and benders. They should be in session now. I will take you to them."

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Sokka's eyes struggled open. He tried to move until he realized that his hands and feet were bound. His boomerang and other weapons were gone and he had a splitting headache. "Hey!" he shouted, his voice reverberating painfully on the metal walls of his cell. He was probably on Azula's ship. "Hey! Anyone out there?"

The door creaked as Azula entered. Sokka's eyes narrowed. "What are you going to do with me?"

Azula smiled and walked terrifyingly closer. She stopped. "You're a pretty formidable warrior. I underestimated you." She dragged a fingernail along his jaw line, making Sokka jerk away. "It's a shame you're from the Water Tribe."

Azula stalked to the far side of the cell. A small flame flicked onto her palm. Sokka tensed. "You are a hostage now. We will keep you alive. For now. But if you make any wrong moves, I cannot guarantee the safety of your friends when they come looking for you."

"You would just as soon see them dead," Sokka spat. "Even your own brother. That's right. A lying traitor is your brother."

"Shut up!"

"Make me," Sokka said calmly.

Azula regained her composure. "I'll let it go this time. But next time you say 'make me,' I will." As she left, the door shut with haunting finality. Sokka gazed down. They would find him, wouldn't they?

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Iroh puffed up the hill, following his much more fit nephew. "Could we take a break?"

Zuko spun back.

"Sorry I asked," Iroh said, taking in his nephew's look.

Just then Appa landed next to him. The two firebenders climbed on. "Take us to Aang, Appa. Yip. Yip."

Air rushed around them as the gained altitude. But in a few minutes they had landed again. Aang was exiting the temple.

"Sokka, Crin, and Raan are still missing and-"

"Azula's on the island," Aang finished. "We need to find them."

"You'll need help," Tomo said, putting a hand on Aang's shoulder. "The council will help you."

"Toph and Katara already left," Zuko interjected.

"They can handle themselves," Iroh told the two anxious boys. "Let's go get the council and we'll catch up on Appa." What would these young people do without him? Iroh thought, climbing back on Appa.

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Toph put her arm out to stop Katara. "Someone's coming." They ducked behind a tree. "Wait… I think it's Crin."

The dark-haired girl stumbled down on the path, clutching Raan in her arms. She cried out in pain and struggled to her feet.

"Crin." Katara pulled the sobbing woman to a standing position. Toph took hold of Raan. "Crin, what happened? Where's Sokka?"

Crin fell to her knees, sobbing and bringing Katara down with her.

"Crin, it's ok. Just tell me what happened." Katara brushed off some of the dirt on Crin's face.

"Azula found us," Crin began, gasping for air. "And we started running. But then. Sokka stayed behind to give us more time. I…" Crin's voice faltered and she began sobbing again.

Katara held her close. "I'm sure he's fine. He's clever. He'll find a way to stay alive until we can save him," Katara said, hoping she could believe herself.

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Appa landed in front of a solid pair of wooden doors. "This is it," Tomo said.

They dismounted and Tomo rapped confidently on the doors. Two men opened them and they entered. It was a modest meeting room. A large wooden table was laid out in the center and many comfortable chairs lined the sides. Most were occupied. There was no art covering the walls, only a large portion of widows in the back, which overlooked a canal.

"What is it, Tomo?" asked an old man with a blue arrow down his forehead.

Tomo pushed Aang forward and everyone gasped. "The Avatar, Master Allecko."

"I need your help. I can explain everything later, but right now some of my friends are in danger."

"We are at your service, Avatar," the old airbender said, sweeping into a low bow. The other people repeated his words and actions.

"We are going to need more air bison," Iroh said. There were at least fifteen of them and there were still several empty chairs.

"Iroh? Is that you?" A beautiful, dark-haired woman in red robes came forward.

"Ursa?"

"Mom?"

Gasp. Oh don't worry I post two chapters at once you complainers. Oh and I'm sorry if I ruined the finale for anyone who hasn't seen it with my author's notes… woops. Well I won't talk about it, and I really didn't mention that much…. Ok. So anyway. Next chapter is one that forms the basis of my sequel. I pretty much quote things from it over and over. Is it quoting if I've written it? Hmmmm… I'll ponder that one. But ha, I really love next chapter.