…...
I don't own Teen Titans or Avatar the Last Airbender…
It was relatively peaceful morning for the whole group was lazing around in the front of the house as they watched Zuko show Aang a new fire bending technique. Katara and Starfire were making drinks for the group and some had the drinks they had made; watermelon juice.
Aang got into his stance as he began a new set of forms and moves, his storm grey eyes filled with determination on mastering the new set. A sweep of his arm, then a kick of his feet in a clean arc motion, another kick with his other foot in the same way, a few set of cross fire punches as well. Zuko watched his pupil carefully trying to detect any mistakes in Aang's stance or his switch from one move to the other. His face showed no sign of disappointment or approval…then again it rarely ever did when the two were training.
"More ferocious" Zuko ordered with a hard look in his eyes. "Imagine striking through your opponent's heart." He told him as his form of encouragement, but it seemed to do the opposite.
"Ughhhh!" Aang groaned, "I'm trying!" he argued looking back at his teacher a look of frustration on his face.
"Now let me here you roar like a tigerdillo!" Zuko shouted ignoring Aang's last remark.
Aang spun once and let out a small roar while a small flame erupted from his mouth, and small fire balls came out of his hand as well. "Rawwr." He said pathetically. He smiled sheepishly at his teacher, knowing it wasn't the best.
"That sounded pathetic." Zuko chided, "I said roar!"
Aang looked determined this time as he concentrated his energy he then turned around once and did the same move, more fire coming out of his mouth and hands as he actually roared. This frightened a certain winged lemur as he scurried behind Zuko and hid behind his leg, said fire bender gave a small smile and a nod of approval.
"Who wants a nice cool glass of watermelon juice?" Katara asked holding up small watermelon's, the tops were cut open and a yellow straw was in the opening so you can drink out of the watermelon.
"Oh! Oh! Me, me, me!" Aang shouted gleefully his attention pulled from his lesson and he began to run over to Katara and the offered drink.
Starfire giggled as Zuko grabbed onto the collar of Aang's robe and Aang tried to run to Katara even though Zuko had a hold on him, "Hey your lesson's not over get back here!" he shouted and lifted Aang up into the air causing the Avatar to hand there dejectedly.
"Come on Zuko just take a break." Suki chided as she lay on her side, her conversation with Raven ending for a moment. "What's the big deal?" she added.
"Fine." Zuko sighed as he let go of Aang and watched as he zipped over to Katara and happily took his favorite drink and proceeded to take in happy gulps of the sweet juice.
"If you want to lounge around like a bunch of snail-sloths all day then go ahead." Zuko said with a roll of his eyes and an annoyed tone in his voice as he turned away from them and began to walk away.
"Maybe Zuko's right." Sokka concluded and everyone stared at the boy incredulously. "What?" he asked.
"Just…nothing." Cyborg said breaking everyone's gaze and allowing Sokka to continue.
Sokka shrugged, "Anyway as I was saying, sitting around the house has made us pretty lazy." He continued then began to stand up, "But I know just the thing to change that!" he then took off his shirt and shouted, "Beach Party!" he then ran off the steps and toward the ocean diving in immediately. He came back up spitting out a mouthful of sea water and a piece of seaweed stuck to his head, but he was grinning from ear to ear.
Everyone either exchanged glances of confusion or one of glee, either way everyone made their way down to the beach. The girls had stripped down immediately, Starfire and Katara took off into the ocean, the water bender was in her white undergarments and she made an ice surfboard to glide across the water, the Tamaranean wore a red bikini and other dived in after her friend.
Raven had managed to bring an umbrella from the house and spread her red beach towel on the ground while propping up the umbrella. She had stayed in the Fire Nation clothes that were offered to her, it was a red short sleeved shirt with small beads lining the collar, she wore a skirt but had taken that off as well but she was wearing some short shorts, she had discarded her shoes too.
Suki set up next to her not wanting shade though so away from the umbrella, she took off the bracelets along her wrists, she took off the skirt and long pants she wore as well revealing a short kind of red mini skirt and lounged on her beach towel, hoping Sokka would join her. Though as it seemed he was just gathering water from the ocean in two buckets and rushing off with an excited look on her face leaving Suki a bit disappointed.
"Don't worry about him." Raven assured her and she nodded.
"And Beast Boy?" Suki couldn't help but ask.
Raven shrugged, "I may be his girlfriend but I'm not his keeper he went to do something." She replied and Suki nodded.
Cyborg had taken a seat on the rocks a bit away from the ocean, since he was part robot he couldn't get his parts wet especially with no resources to fix him in this dimension either. Robin had taken a seat next to him watching as the girls (Starfire) played in the water but also watching the others as well a grin on his usually serious face.
Robin then spotted Aang and his smile grew he nudged Cyborg, "Look at what Aang made." He murmured and Cyborg saw Aang on top of a large sand sculpture.
"Little man's gifted that's for sure." He agreed.
Aang placed the finishing touch on the sculpture before shouting, "Check out my Appa sand sculpture!" he shouted, the real Appa bellowed in response before walking away and Aang jumped down from the head of his sculpture.
He then looked at Beast Boy and gave him a questioning look, "What are you doing?"
"Sand castle dude!" the changeling said as if it was obvious, the problem was the mound of sand in front of him looked nothing like a sand castle. It had some holes in it and a circle was drawn around the heap, a stick was on the top of it too with a single leaf blowing in the wind.
Toph snorted from behind the changeling, she too was dressed for the beach in a yellow mid-riff with no straps, and she also wore dark beige pants as well but had no intention of going into the water "That's a sand castle?"
"Duh! It's just not done yet." Beast Boy defended himself, Aang chuckled a bit and Toph rolled her eyes.
"Alright not bad I guess but check this out I've been working on my sand bending...you two are gonna love this" Toph told the two boys and took her stance. With one movement the sand in front of her shifted immediately creating a small city in front of their eyes.
"Whoa…dude!" Beast Boy murmured as he sat there on the ground just staring at Toph's masterpiece.
Aang smiled immediately recognizing it as Ba Sing Se, he ran over to sand city and crouched down observing her work. "Whoa!" he breathed as something spotted his eyes and he chuckled, "Whoa you even made a little Earth King and Bosco." Aang complimented, Toph just smiled smugly.
"How's that not cheating?" Cyborg asked and Robin shrugged watching their little sand building contest.
The three walked over to Sokka who seemed to be working on the face of his sculpture, Toph spoke up, "Try and top that Sokka." The smug tone still in her voice. Even though she was working on her sand bending something's were still a bit shifty so she couldn't exactly 'see' Sokka's creation very well but one thing was for sure…it was different.
Sokka turned and presented his creation with a large gesture of his hand, "Ta-da!"
Aang and Beast Boy exchanged confused looks while Cyborg began laughing immediately, Robin gave off a confused but amused look. "I-Is that a…blubbering blob monster?" Aang asked. Sokka's creation, if it could be called that, was a huge mound of sand at least ten times bigger than Beast Boy's with seaweed on top, and it had shells for eyes and a smile, with a starfish for a nose.
Sokka stomped his foot on the ground, "No it's Suki!" he shouted indignantly. Beast Boy and Aang's jaw dropped this time around but then started laughing along with Toph and even Robin laughed at that one.
"Suki we'll all understand if you break up with him for this." Toph laughed as the others didn't stop. Raven looked over at her friend who was actually trying hard not to either A laugh or B be insulted…it looked more like A though.
"I think it's sweet." She said. Sokka slid over to her immediately and kissed her on the cheek his arms around her shoulders and she giggled at this.
Aang took a step forward to regard the sculpture, "but it doesn't even look like-." He was cut off when the sculpture seemed to explode in front of him. Everyone by the used to be 'sand Suki' shielded their eyes, Aang looked up worriedly. He then saw Zuko jump off the small cliff that overlooked the beach punching fire fists at Aang, the Avatar jumped out of the way. The fire blasts hitting Toph and Beast Boy's creations as well, Aang ducked behind his sand Appa. "What are you doing?" he asked.
"Teaching you a lesson!" Zuko replied hotly and shoot off another fire blast, Aang's eyes widened and he jumped out of the way the fire blast destroying Aang's sand Appa. Using his air bending to carry him half way across the area but away from Zuko, again Zuko launched a fire blast to which Aang avoided.
As more fire blast were shot Aang dodged more, he was heading for the cliff and managed to reach the top he was heading for the house. Zuko scowled slightly and ran over to the cliff and began to climb it as quick as he could, he was at the top in not time.
Seeing the danger Starfire grabbed Katara by her forearms and flew her to shore, "What happened?" Katara asked as Starfire set her down.
"Zuko's gone crazy!" Sokka informed her, "I made a sand sculpture of Suki and he destroyed it!" Sokka fumed as he tried to save the already destroyed sand sculpture, "Oh and he's attacking Aang." He added nonchalantly. The others gave him incredulous looks but decided to deal with him later as they either flew or ran to the house, Suki dragged Sokka there.
Aang looked over his shoulder to see Zuko hot on his trail, he jumped up onto the roof of the house. Zuko was on the roof in no time as well, Aang took an air bending stance, "get a grip before I blast you off this roof!" he threatened a hard look in his gray eyes.
"Go ahead and do it!" Zuko shouted knowing Aang would hesitate in doing so, as if to prove Zuko right that's what happened and Zuko shot off a fire blast again with tow kicks of fire. Aang slid down from the roof easily avoiding the attacks. He landed on the balcony below and threw himself into a room, he hid behind a dresser waiting anxiously for Zuko.
His eyes widened and he bit his lip when he heard a crash, Zuko crashed through the roof in his impatience to follow Aang and scanned the room keeping his guard up. Aang waited for a few seconds before turning and launching the dresser at Zuko who destroyed it with one fire punch. This gave Aang the opportunity to run out of the room but Zuko caught him doing so and followed him.
Aang continued to run down the hall, Zuko stopped and began to circle his hands around as fire came out of his finger covering the walls around him in fire as well as the floor in front of him too. He then shot his hand forward and the fire shot off at Aang, said air bender looked back to see the fire and spun an air force field around him blowing out the fire under and around him but left some burning. The yellow flame made his eyes stand out as they sparked with determination, "Enough!" he shouted a blew out a strong gust of wind through the hall.
Zuko was caught off guard and was easily picked up by the strong gust, he was thrown out of the house and through the rails of the balcony outside and into a tree. Zuko landed with a grunt on the ground, the group ran up to him as Aang jumped from the balcony to the group and next to Katara, "What's wrong with you?" said water bender shouted, "You could've hurt Aang!"
"What's wrong with me?" Zuko asked incredulously as he stood up, "What's wrong with all of you! How can you sit around having beach parties when Sozin's comet is only three days away!" Zuko shouted. It was silent as he was met with many stares from the group, "Why are you all looking at me like I'm crazy?" he questioned irritably.
"About Sozin's comet." Aang started, "I was actually gonna wait to fight the Fire Lord until after it came." He admitted a bit nervously.
"After?" Zuko exclaimed surprised.
"I'm not ready." Aang admitted, "I need more time to master fire bending."
"And frankly you're earth bending could still use some work too." Toph contributed making Aang frown a bit.
"So you all knew Aang was gonna wait?" Zuko asked.
"Honestly if Aang tries to fight the Fire Lord right now he gonna lose." Sokka replied he saw Aang frown a little more then added, "No offense."
"The whole point of fighting the Fire Lord before the comet was to stop the Fire Nation from winning the war." Katara spoke up.
"But they pretty much won the war when they took Ba Sing Se right?" Cyborg asked and Katara nodded sadly the water bender then sighed and added, "Things can't get any worse."
"You're wrong." Zuko informed them earning their attention, "It's about to get worse then you can even imagine."
Flashback: (the italicized words will be Zuko's voice over during the flash back)
"The day before the eclipse my father asked me to attend an important war meeting it was what I dreamed about and wanted for so many years my father had finally accepted me back."
As Zuko walked to the war chamber he was being prepared by his servants to look his absolute best. Zuko looked up at the curtain with the Fire Nation insignia on it, he then pulled them apart and entered the room, "Welcome Prince Zuko we waited for you." Fire Lord Ozai greeted as Zuko walked to his Father. Azula was seated to his right and Zuko bowed to him before taking his seat to his father's left, he noticed Azula exchange looks with her advisor that's when he noticed Slade sitting with the generals.
"General Shinou you're report." The Fire lord said allowing the general to speak.
"Thank you sir." The general began and stood up, in front of the generals was a large map of the Earth Kingdom. "Ba Sing Se is still under our control however earth bender rebellions have prevented us from achieving total victory in the Earth Kingdom." He informed everyone.
"What is your recommendation?" Ozai asked not liking what he was hearing.
"Our army is spread too thin, but once the eclipse s over and the invasion defeated we should transfer more domestic forces into the Earth Kingdom." The General offered.
"Hmmm." Ozai murmured contemplating this before looking over at Zuko, "Prince Zuko you've been among the Earth Kingdom commoners do you think that adding more troops will stop these rebellions?" he inquired. Ozai couldn't help but think 'Banishment proved to be more useful that I had originally thought.'
That thought proved he didn't care about Zuko much he just wanted to win the war and made sure that when he passed the world will be in the hands of what he thought was a capable leader.
Zuko pondered this for a moment, being careful as he answered, "The people of the Earth Kingdom are proud and strong." He spoke up finally, "They can endure anything as long as they have hope."
Ozai thought about this before saying, "Yes…you're right." He then got this malice look in his eyes, "We need to destroy their hope."
"Well that's not exactly why I-."
"I think you should take their precious hope and the rest of their land and burn it all to the ground!" Azula said loudly cutting off Zuko.
Ozai smirked, he liked this plan, "Yes…yes you're right Azula." He said as he stood up the smirk on Azula's face deepened, "Sozin's comet is almost upon us." Ozai began as he walked the three steps down from his throne to the world map. "And on that day it will endow us with the strength and power of a hundred suns. No bender will stand a chance against us." He continued.
"What are you suggesting sir?" the same general asked as the others gazed at him curiously. Behind his mask Slade smirked as his plan began to fall even more into place.
"When the comet last came my grandfather Fire Lord Sozin used it to wipe out the Air Nomads. Now I will use its power to end the Earth Kingdom, permanently!" Zuko's eyes widened at this. Ozai continued to step forward now on the map of the Earth Kingdom as he spoke, "From our air ships we will rain fire over their lands, a fire that will destroy everything and out of the ashes a new world will be born, a world in which all the lands are Fire Nation and I am the supreme ruler of everything!" he announced. Applause rained down on Ozai as the generals, Slade, and even Azula began to clap only Zuko didn't he just looked down at the floor.
"I wanted to speak out against this horrifying plan, but I'm ashamed to say I didn't."
End Flashback:
"My whole life I struggled to gain my father's love and acceptance but once I had it I realized I lost myself getting there, I forgotten who I was." Zuko he explained Ozai
S plan no one really listened any more.
Looks of horror were plastered on everyone's face, Katara fell to her knees, Sokka's grip tightened on Suki as she shook her head, Starfire closed her eyes and leaned against Robin, Robin wrapped his arm around Starfire's waist a scowl forming on his face, Beast Boy and Cyborg showed looks of pure shock and horror, Raven's eyes were wide and only because this reminded her of the prophecy of her own father, Aang looked horrified and little frightened as well. "I-I can't believe this." Katara breathed.
"I always knew the Fire Lord was a bad dude, but this plan..."
"It's just pure evil." Sokka spat out cutting off Beast Boy.
"What am I gonna do?" Aang asked gaining everyone's attention. Zuko stood up from the rock he was sitting on while he was recounting his tale.
"I know you're scared and I know you're not ready to save the world, but if you don't defeat the Fire Lord before the comet comes…there won't be a world to save anymore." Zuko told him. A scared and anxious look crossed the young Avatar's face as Zuko said this and he looked down.
Then a sudden burst of anger erupted in Aang, "Why didn't you tell me about your dad's crazy plan sooner!" he shouted turning from the group.
"I didn't think I had to, I assumed you were still going to fight him before the comet. No one told me you decided to wait!" Zuko then felt a hand on his shoulder and he calmed down.
Aang clutched his head with his hands, "This is bad this is really, really bad." He murmured as he fell to his knees anxiety eating at him. "Aang." A calm voice called to him turning his attention to his girlfriend.
"You don't have to do this alone." She reminded him with a gentle smile, the others also gathered around her.
"Yea if we all fight the Fire Lord together we have a chance at bringing him down!" Toph encouraged. Aang blinked and looked at everyone's faces each one showing determination, he knew they wouldn't leave him be, he had their help and a smile began to spread across his face. Reassurance was what he needed during this time and he had great friends that are willing to put their lives on the line for him.
"Alright! Team Avatar is back!" Sokka declared.
"Team Avatar?" Robin asked but Sokka didn't hear him.
"You weren't with us in Ba Sing Se." Katara told him but listened to her brother all the same.
"Air! Water! Earth! Fire!" he stopped as he looked at Suki then the Titans, "Uhhh…others!" he tried receiving many confused or incredulous stares. "You try thinking of something." He grumbled but smiled despite himself.
Robin shook his head, "Team Avatar and the Teen Titans how's that?" he asked and everyone smiled at this Sokka shrugged.
"Fighting the Fire Lord will be the hardest thing we've ever done together." Aang told them all seriously, a no nonsense look in his eyes. Then a reassured smile came onto his face, "But I wouldn't want to do it any other way."
They all shared their small chuckles and gathered up in a group hug in a circle, Zuko stayed where he was not feeling comfortable. Raven wouldn't have joined if Beast Boy hadn't had dragged her as well so she was begrudgingly in the hug as well. The group then turned to the only person outside of the circle, "Get over here Zuko." Beast Boy chided.
"Yea being part of the group also means being part of group hugs." Katara agreed. Zuko sighed but, reluctantly, walked over to the group joining the circle. The group then heard a groan and looked over near the house to see Appa flying over to them, he landed on the ground and nudged the group as he did so and this caused everyone to fall. Momo then flew in and landed on Appa's head, "I guess they wanted to be part of the group hug too." Cyborg said and everyone laughed.
Later Aang and Zuko were in the courtyard of the large house where Zuko wanted to show Aang an important move, watching was Katara, Suki, Starfire, Robin, and Beast Boy. The girls and Beast Boy were sitting on the steps of the courtyard while Robin was leaning against a beam that held the roof above them.
"There's one technique you need to know before facing my father…how to redirect lightning." Aang smiled at this.
The others seemed surprised by this and exchanged looks with each other, Zuko got into his stance and held out both arms. He then moved one arm to show Aang how the chi in his body should flow when using this technique, "If you let the energy in your own body flow the lightning will follow it, you turn your opponent's energy against them ." He informed his pupil.
"That's like water bending!" Aang said he was happy this move was associated with bending he was very comfortable with.
"Exactly." Zuko agreed, Aang then began to copy his motions, "My uncle invented this technique himself by studying water benders."
"So…have you ever redirected lightning before?" Aang couldn't help but ask.
"Once…against my father." Zuko admitted remembering the moment quite well.
"What did it feel like?" Aang asked getting a bit excited.
Zuko ceased his motion and look up at Aang, "Exhilarating." He told him remembering the moment very well. The crackle of electricity playing around his father's fingers and the loud crash of that deadly energy being released, heading right towards him. He remembered the feeling of holding that immense energy inside of him, adrenaline and fear creeped up on him as this was happening. He felt so powerful with that energy stored in him ready to be released but he also felt vulnerable. "But terrifying."
Aang's face fell a somewhat confused face taking over, "You feel so powerful holding that much energy in your body, but you know if you make the wrong move…it's over."
The small group watching exchanged nervous glances and turned back to the two in front of them when they heard Aang's voice, "Well not over, over I mean…there's still Katara and a little spirit water action, am I right?" he asked looking over at Katara a bit hopefully.
"Uh Actually I used it all up after Azula shot you." She admitted a bit sadly.
"Oh." Aang replied deflating at this news now knowing the immediate danger he is in.
Zuko looked at him seriously, "You'll have to take the Fire Lord's life before he takes yours." He told him sternly. Aang's bit his lip as he turned away from Zuko many thoughts running through his mind.
"Yea…I'll just do that." Aang murmured looking away, the light in his usually chipper eyes escaping as he thought of the dreaded battle that was in the near future. He barley registered the fact Zuko was walking away to go rest up, he stood there like a statue immersed in his thoughts.
"Aang?" the voice brought him out of his thoughts but he didn't crack a smile, "Are you alright?" he then noticed the familiar soft yet reassuring touch of Katara. Her ocean blue eyes bore into his silver ones, concern shinning through anything so in spite of the situation he plastered a smile on his face.
"Yea I'm fine…really." He added when he saw the disbelieving look Katara gave him.
"I'm just gonna…go…practice…" with that he too walked away getting back into his thoughts. He really didn't know what to think and more importantly what to do when he had to face Ozai. The thought of killing someone…it sickened him, that wasn't what the monks taught him it wasn't in his nature. He didn't know if he could go through with this…
Later on in the day Sokka and Robin had called for a group meeting up by the rocky terrain that on Ember Island. This had proved to be a great place for it was secluded and no one really goes up there.
"Gather around team." Robin called out as the group had finally come up, they all gathered in a circle and had knelt down in front of the two planners of the group.
Sokka had just placed a watermelon that had a crazy smile carved into it, on what seemed like a stick body with rags on it acting as clothes. The group looked at it curiously but listened to what the two had to say, "In order to take out the Fire Lord-."
"Or in this case the Melon Lord." Sokka cut in gesturing to the makeshift dummy behind him.
"Right…our timing has to be spot on." Robin continued after rolling his eyes at Sokka.
Sokka ignored the Boy Wonder, Sokka had grabbed a stick and made a circle in the dirt in front of him and the others. He made three lines a bit away from the circle on either side and the center as he explained his plan, "Suki, Robin, Cyborg, and I will draw their fire from the ground. From the air we need Starfire, Raven to help with that and give us cover in case of anything. Then we'll have Katara and Zuko charge in with some liquidy hot offense and while the Melon Lord is distracted, Aang swoops in and bam!" Sokka crossed out the circle as he shouted this, "He delivers the final blow. Aang gazed down at the plan some worry etched on his face as he did so.
"Hey I don't see Toph in this plan dude." Beast Boy spoke up scratching his head as he tried to figure out what is it he was supposed to do again.
"Yea what do I do?" Toph asked looking up at the two.
"For now you can be the 'Melon Lord's' forces." Robin replied and watched as Toph's face lit up at this.
"So I get to chuck flaming rocks at you guys?" Toph asked a bit too eagerly…
"Uh yea whatever makes the training seem more realistic." Robin said with a nod now wondering if this was ok. He knew how the earth bender could get and maybe Sokka's suggestion wasn't the best idea.
"Sweetness." Was Toph's reply, she looked pleased.
The group all got into positions, the people on the ground took cover behind some rocks. Aang hid on a cliff that overlooked the Melon Lord, Starfire, Raven, and Beast Boy took cover on high rocks ready to take flight.
Everyone kept their eyes ahead but would take quick glances at Sokka and Robin waiting for the signal. Toph bended some huge boulders up and two large pots of fire roared on either side of her, Cyborg had slathered the rocks with a combustible substance so Toph could set the rock on fire and hurl it at them.
Toph laughed 'evilly' apparently getting into character, the group exchanged some glances at this but stayed focused. Sokka and Robin finally gave the signal and the group began to move, Aang watched them all worriedly. He took a deep breath trying to tell himself he had to do this…to restore peace and balance to the world.
Starfire, Raven, and Beast Boy (who was now a pterodactyl) took flight immediately, but hung back to watch the others to see if they may need help. Sokka and Suki were on one side and ran forward, Cyborg and Robin on the other side trying to close in as well.
Suki and Sokka were stopped by several rock soldiers that launched up and charged at them, no doubt Toph's doing. Sokka sliced one in half and it crashed to the ground, Suki kicked one down and flipped over another kicking down another as she did so.
Robin and Cyborg were met with the same obstacle, when one popped up in front of Robin he jumped up and flipped and his steel toed boots connected with the rock causing it to break. He then charged forward and landed a round house kick to another one while throwing an electric disc at one, causing it to explode. Cyborg kept his assault by punching the soldiers or by tearing them up from the ground and throwing them at the other 'soldiers'.
Toph could sense her rock soldiers weren't doing anything so she chucked a flaming rock at Suki and Sokka's direction. It landed right in front of them, the crash landing sent Sokka flailing and he tripped, the helmet he had on fell off and was crushed under the massive flaming boulder. Suki was able to avoid it by flipping up and vaulting over it.
Sokka looked up then stood up quickly obviously annoyed, "Watch it Toph!" he shouted loud enough for the earth bender to hear.
"I'm not Toph I am Melon Lord! Mwhahahahaha!" Toph shouted this exercise getting to her head.
"Perhaps it was not wise to allow Toph to be the villain yes?" Starfire asked as she looked over at Raven and Beast Boy.
Beast Boy nodded his head and Raven crossed her arms in front of her chest, "What makes you say that?" she asked. Her amethyst eyes flickered up and her eyes began to glow white, "Azarath Metrion Zinthos!" she shouted realign back both hands, which were engulfed in dark energy, and shot it out. The boulder that was headed for them was destroyed by the powerful blast of dark energy supplied by the empath.
"We should get back to the training." Starfire guessed her eyes lighting up taking on their neon green glow as her hands held star bolts.
"Yep." Was Raven's reply and the three shot off.
Starfire noticed a flaming boulder heading for Katara and Zuko, she flew down fast. She raised her lit hands up and crashed them down into the boulder practically disintegrating the large boulder. She received thankful glances but then a boulder whizzed past her and Starfire sent down a star beam large enough to break it but not fully, large fragments crashed down and Katara and Zuko had to dodge them.
Zuko and Katara were then surrounded by some rock soldiers and were back to back, they exchanged smirks. Zuko then blasted out a large fire blast and Katara sliced most of the ones in front of her with her water, two pouches were secured to her back. The two were done rather quickly with each other's help and ran forward.
"Now Aang!" Sokka shouted throughout this onslaught. The group was going to well regroup at a point not too far from Toph and the melon Lord but they were a safe distance away.
Aang took a running start and jumped off the ledge he was waiting on, he had his staff held high above him ready to strike the dummy. A fierce look was on his face as his target was getting closer and closer, but as it did so Aang's previous 'confidence' began to diminish. Even though the dummy was, obviously, fake he couldn't bring himself to do it, he stopped short and his staff was about to strike the dummy on the head but Aang stopped himself…he then lowered his staff.
"What are you waiting for? Take him out!" Zuko shouted from his place.
Aang looked almost miserable as he slowly shook his head, "I can't." he replied.
Sokka looked annoyed and a bit angry as he stood up and stomped up to his best friend. He stopped in front of him a stern look on his face, he fought off a scowl, "What's wrong with you, if this was the real deal you'd be shot full of lightning right now!"
Aang didn't and couldn't meet Sokka's eyes, "I'm sorry it…it just didn't feel right." He then looked up at his best friend, "I didn't feel like myself." He admitted.
Sokka closed his eyes a bit disappointedly and reached behind him for his sword, which was in its sheath. He then swung the sword behind him slicing the head of the Melon Lord in half. Aang closed his eyes and shuddered at the squelching sound before opening them a look of slight horror and disbelief staining his face. "There that's how it's done." Sokka told him.
Momo, who had been waiting where Aang had been, flew over and began to eat some of the fruit that was still in the carcass of the watermelon. Aang looked down at it a look of slight disgust, horror, and other emotions swirling in his stormy gray eyes…he felt even more unsure then before…
Later that night the group had all gathered by the steps of the courtyard to eat dinner that was prepared by Katara. The group was chatting while Aang was off to the side, rather unusual for the usually chipper and happy boy but no one tried to help they thought he might need to be left alone, in his thoughts.
Katara had gone to look for some pots and pans but came back holding a scroll and a large smile was on her face. "I have a surprise for everyone!" she announced some of her eagerness seeping into her voice. This was enough to even gain some of Aang's attention as he glanced over his shoulder.
"I knew it! You and Aang did do a secret thing in the air temple!" Toph shouted almost proud. This received many either disturbed or confused stares, Katara looked slightly appalled but her was a slight blush on her cheeks, "Uh…no."
The group relaxed and began to eat again, "I was looking for cooking pots in the attic and I found this!" Katara gushed and she unrolled the scroll showing the picture to everyone, "Look at baby Zuko! Isn't he cute." Katara cooed teasingly. The picture had a cute little baby on it, it looked to be laughing and his chubby fists were in the air, the beach was the background for the painted picture.
Many laughs, giggles, and croons were heard from this and Zuko closed his eyes his head slightly downward. "Oh lighten up I'm just teasing." Katara assured him with a slight roll of his eyes.
He opened his light gold like eyes, "That's not me." He informed the group, "That's my father." A silence reigned over the group. Katara looked a bit sheepish as she rolled up the picture again, wishing she hadn't had shown everyone.
"But he looks so cute and sweet." Suki reasoned.
"As well as innocent." Starfire added.
"Well that sweet little kid grew up to be a monster…and the worst father in the history of fathers." Zuko replied a bit sourly.
"But he's still a human being." Aang spoke up now, he was going to convey his feelings he had to. He had to let the others know that he was unsure of not only what to do but his unwillingness to…kill Fire Lord Ozai.
"You're gonna defend him?" Cyborg asked with a raised eyebrow.
"No I agree with you Fire Lord Ozai is a horrible person and the world would probably be better off without him." Aang conceded, "But there's gotta be another way."
"Like what?" Zuko asked, incredulity seeping into his tone but Aang ignored this.
"I don't know." He admitted. Then looked up almost hopeful, "Maybe we can make some big pots of glue and then I could use glue bending to stick his arms and legs together so he can't bend anymore!"
"Yea then you can show him his baby pictures and all those happy memories will make him good again!" Zuko replied sarcasm dripping with every word he said. Snickers and giggles were heard behind Zuko and Katara bit her lip looking worried, she felt she should say something but stopped herself.
"Do you really think that would work?" Aang asked almost desperate to try anything.
"No!" Zuko shouted, Aang hung his head and sighed.
He then began to pace in front of the group his nervousness beginning to bubble up, "This goes against everything I learned from the monks, I can't just go around wiping out people I don't like." He sighed stopping in front of them hunched over a sad look on his face.
"Sure you can!" Sokka assured him.
"Uh Sokka." Robin murmured now clearly seeing the distress on Aang's face.
"You're the Avatar!" he continued.
"Sokka." Katara hissed.
"If it's in the name of keeping balance I'm pretty sure the universe will forgive you." Sokka finished with a knowing smile.
Aang was starting to get angry at the beginning of Sokka's…statement? He was practically shaking at this point and whipped around, "This isn't a joke Sokka none of you understand the position I'm in!" he shouted, his stress hitting an all time high. The others were taken aback by this, they had never seen Aang blow up like that.
"Aang we do understand it's just-."
"Just what Katara what?" he shouted now rounding on Katara.
"We're trying to help!" she shot back her own temper beginning to flare up at his behavior.
"Then why don't you figure out a way to beat the Fire Lord without taking his life I'd love to hear it!" he shouted. He then stomped away a glare fixated on the floor as he did so, he had no more to say he had to calm down.
"Aang don't walk away from this!" Katara shouted and was about to go follow him when he felt a hand on her shoulder.
"Let him go." She turned to see it was Robin who had held her back, "He needs time to sort it out by himself." Katara stayed back but watched Aang's retreating form, worry now in her ocean blue eyes.
Meanwhile:
Aang was muttering to himself as he gathered some things, a small tray, four candles, three pieces of bread, a small cup of water, and a small bowl of what seemed to be leechee berries. He lit them easily and sat in his lotus position taking a deep breath to calm himself down after his outburst in the courtyard.
He sat there in silence for some time and he felt the anger begin to melt away and slowly some of his stress did to. He took another deep breath diminishing any lingering anger and his mind drifted back to what he was going to do when the moment of truth arrived.
He then heard a slight disturbance in the wind and smiled slightly knowing who it was. He opened his eyes as a small furry creature flew into his lap, he pat the flying lemur's head, "Hey Momo I don't suppose you know what I should do?" he asked.
Momo chirped in response, "I didn't think so." Aang said almost sadly. He looked down for a second before shaking his head and getting back to his meditation, he hoped an answer would come to him if he continued.
Soon exhaustion began to creep up on him and before Aang could react he fell asleep, gently falling back and laying on the wooden floor. The candles had burnt out as a small breeze blew by and the moon was high in the sky, Yue's light brightening up the clear night.
"Aang?" a voice called out. "Aang?" the person looking for the young air bender stepped out onto the porch. He sighed in almost relief, "Good I was wondering where you went off…to." The person trailed off as he noticed Aang fast asleep.
Beast Boy smiled at this, "He really does have a lot on his mind." He murmured and sighed, "I guess I'll leave him be to get some rest, we are heading off in the morning."
Beast Boy couldn't sleep he was worried about Aang especially after that outburst of his at dinner. Starfire had taken care of Katara and the others had been talking about ways to convince Aang it was necessary to do what he had to do. Beast Boy didn't feel like he could contribute with this, he wasn't much of an idea guy…either way Robin, Cyborg, and Raven would dismiss any ideas he had knowing it was outrageous.
Then Beast Boy noticed Aang's eyes open slightly, "Oh sorry dude did I wake you? Hehe my bad." Beast Boy said sheepishly rubbing the back of his head. Aang didn't respond as he sat up and looked out onto the beach and his gaze locked onto…an island?
"Aang?" Beast Boy asked as said Avatar stood up and was heading for the edge of the balcony. Momo, who had been sleeping by Aang had woken up as well he chirped and then flew after him.
"Aang? Wait up!" Beast Boy asked as Aang jumped off the balcony and onto the ground, "Dude! Where ya going?" Beats Boy asked as he jumped from the balcony and ran after Aang who had gotten some distance between them.
Aang was now walking down the beach, Momo fluttering around him chirping the whole time. Aang then got into the water and began to swim to it, "Aang!" Beast Boy called out now running onto the beach trying to catch up to his friend.
The green changeling jumped up and transformed into a hawk, he then crowed and flew after Aang. As soon as he was close to the island he transformed back to himself…without the changeling meaning to, "Wha? Whoa!" Beast Boy shouted as he fell into the trees, onto branches, then onto the ground which happened to be where Aang was. The young Avatar had stopped moving and had fallen back asleep, Beast Boy was too tired to move and felt himself giving into sleep.
"Ok that should be everything." Sokka announced from his place in the saddle. He and Robin were placing things onto Appa, packing up and getting ready for the final battle.
"No it's not." Toph spoke up, "Where's Aang and Beast Boy?" she asked.
Sokka and Robin exchanged looks and looked down at the group, the group looked around to find Toph was right the two were nowhere to be found.
The group ran into the house, "Aang? Beast Boy?" Zuko shouted.
"Come on lazy bums it's time to get up!" Toph added, shouting as well since she couldn't exactly 'see' so well. With wood flooring vibrations weren't as big like they would be on earth (or metal).
The nine then split up into three groups as they all searched the house, they looked in every room they could find. When some had regrouped they all either shrugged, or sighed a bit discouraged.
Sokka wandered onto the balcony, while scratching the top of his head, he then spotted Aang's staff against the small fence of the balcony. Katara and Starfire had followed him here and found him holding the forgotten staff, "Hey Aang forgot his staff, that's so strange." He murmured handing it to Katara.
Worry gnawed at her as she ran a hand down the glider, she sighed, "They're not in the house, let's check the beach." Zuko told them as he stood in the doorway of the balcony.
"Raven think you could track them?" Robin asked looking at the empath.
She nodded, "I can try." She admitted, "Let me go to the beach with all of you though, maybe I can get a good read there."
The nine then made their way to the beach, as they got closer to the grey sand they saw two sets of footprints, "Look! Their footprints!" Sokka shouted pointing at them.
The group walked ahead and found that Beast Boy's ends a little before Aang's while the air benders kept going until the ocean got in the way, "The trail ends here." Cyborg murmured.
"So…they went for a midnight swim and never came back?" Suki tried.
"Maybe they have been captured?" Starfire suggested but then regretted it as Katara winced and Raven stiffened up a bit.
"I don't think so there's no sign of a struggle." Robin observed crouching down to the sand to observe the footprints a bit closely. Toph knelt down beside him, "I bet Aang ran away again and Beast Boy tried to stop him." She spoke up.
"Uh-uh Aang left behind his glider and Appa plus they would probably be back by now." Sokka argued.
Toph sighed a bit frustrated, "Then what do you think happened to them oh sleuthy one?" Toph asked with a roll of her eyes.
"It's pretty obvious." Sokka admitted with a shrug, "Aang mysteriously disappears before an important battle…he's definitely on a Sprit World journey." Sokka told them.
"But it he was wouldn't his body still be here?" Zuko pointed out.
"Plus that doesn't explain where Beast Boy is." Cyborg added.
"Oh yea…forgot about that." Sokka murmured.
"Then they got to be somewhere on Ember Island, let's split up and look for them." Katara spoke up determination shinning in her eyes.
"I'm going with Zuko!" Toph spoke up immediately, she had zipped to his side and wrapped both her arms around one of his this caused Zuko to blush embarrassedly. "What?" Toph asked as she received questioning looks, "Everyone else went on a life changing field trip with Zuko, now it's my turn!" she announced hugging onto his arm tighter.
Zuko gave a pleading look around the group, but everyone else wore smirks or sly smiles. One person granted him mercy, "I'll go with them…I guess." Cyborg offered and Zuko offered a relieved half smile.
"Ok Suki and Starfire will come with me then." Katara spoke up and the two girls nodded.
"I'll stay here and see if I can track them." Raven said as she began to float in her lotus position.
"Robin and I will go on Appa and see if we can spot them anywhere in the air." Sokka added and Robin nodded agreeing with this plan.
The group then ran off in different directions hoping the two boys were ok, Sokka and Robin got to Appa quickly. Sokka sat on the head to steer Appa while Robin was in the saddle surveying the area below him for any sign of either the changeling or the young Avatar.
Katara, Starfire, and Suki walked into the town of Ember Island (after putting on their disguises) looking high and low for any sign of the two boys. The young water bender bit her lip as they had found nothing she then felt a hand on her shoulder and looked back to see Starfire, "We will find him Katara do not worry." She assured her. Starfire knew Katara was very worried about Aang, she knew how protective the Water tribe girl could get especially when it came to Aang.
Katara nodded and Suki shot her a reassuring smile, they continued along when chants reached their ears. They exchanged confused looks and decided to get closer, that's when they could hear what the crowd was chanting about, "Aang! Aang! Aang! Aang!"
The girls exchanged some looks of worry and disbelief and ran towards the crowd wondering if it really was Aang. Starfire and Suki pushed through the crowd and Katara walked forward trying to get a good look. Finally they were up front and the person in the middle turned to them, "Avatar State! Yip-yip!" the actress Aang shouted as the actor Toph lifted her into the air, cheers were followed by this from the crowd. Katara, Suki, and Starfire were both annoyed and angered by this.
Toph, Zuko and Cyborg had decided to look along the beach just in case they find any sign of them. Toph had continued to talk the whole time leaving Zuko annoyed and Cyborg snickering at the fire bender's luck.
"Then when I was nine I ran away again." Toph continued.
"Uh-huh." Zuko said his patience was running very thin and the fire bender didn't have much patience to begin with.
"I know I shouldn't complain, my parents gave me everything I ever asked for, but they never gave me the one thing I really wanted their love, you know what I mean." She finished sadly. Cyborg actually felt bad for the blind earth bender as he was the only one who actually bothered to listen to her story while trying to find the boys.
Zuko however had barley listened to a thing she said and sighed, "Look I know you had a rough childhood, but we should really focus on finding Aang and Beast Boy." Zuko told her and continued on.
Toph frowned, "This is the worst field trip ever." She declared and blew a strand of hair out of her face.
"Don't mind him he's just really focused on finding Aang and BB, we should be to then maybe you can take that field trip with Zuko." Cyborg told her reassuringly. Toph looked up at Cyborg and gave a half smile before nodding, "Alright."
Later on everyone met up again at the courtyard, the girls (minus Suki) had changed back into their normal clothes as they waited for Sokka and Robin. Raven had met up with them a few minutes ago with a slightly frustrated look on her face she had informed everyone that she couldn't track them.
They had waited in silence hoping that Sokka and Robin had somehow found the two of them. When Appa touched down on the ground though they knew that wasn't the case as Robin jumped down and Sokka looked over at them worriedly, "Judging by the looks on your faces I'm guessing you guys didn't find them either." He asked.
Sokka then jumped down from Appa landing next to Robin, "No." was Zuko's reply, "It's like they just…disappeared."
Toph then sat up, "Hey wait a minute has anyone noticed that Mom's missing too?" Toph asked. It then occurred to everyone that she was right, their beloved flying lemur has been absent throughout this whole ordeal.
Sokka's face changed to a panicked one as he turned around to face Appa, "Oh no!" he shouted and fell to his knees, "I knew it was only a matter of time!" he then ran over to Appa and opened the large bison's mouth, "Appa ate Momo!" he then stuck his head inside of Appa's mouth shouting, "Momo! I'm coming for ya buddy!"
"Sokka, Appa didn't eat Momo he's probably with Aang and Beast Boy." Katara sighed annoyed by her brother's antics.
Sokka looked back at Katara, "That's just what Appa wants you to think!" he declared and he went into Appa's mouth again right before Appa closed his mouth, practically trapping him in there.
"Get out of the bison's mouth Sokka we have a real problem here!" Zuko called out to Sokka as he watched said boy's legs flail around outside of Appa's mouth. "Aang…and Beats Boy are nowhere to be found and the comet is only two days away."
"What should we do Zuko?" Robin asked as they turned to him. As he asked Appa let Sokka slide out of his mouth coated in the bison's saliva.
Zuko stood up, "I don't know." He admitted but he noticed that everyone's eyes were still on him; even Sokka was looking up at him from the ground. "Why are you all looking at me?" he asked.
"Well you are kind of an expert at tracking Aang." Katara pointed out.
"Yea if anyone has experience hunting the Avatar it's you." Toph added.
"And Beast Boy?" Zuko challenged.
"There's no doubt BB went with Aang too so wherever he is Beast Boy is most likely with him." Cyborg replied, Zuko looked down thoughtfully and an idea was instantly in his mind.
"Alright everyone get on Appa now." He said, "I have an idea."
No one had to be told twice as they all made their way to the flying bison; Starfire and Raven were going to fly again to put less weight on Appa. They took to the skies with Zuko at the reigns guiding them towards…the Earth Kingdom?
"Zuko I don't want to tell you how to do your job but why are we heading towards the Earth Kingdom?" Sokka asked. "There's no way Aang and Beast Boy are there."
"Just trust me." Zuko replied glancing back at the group.
Meanwhile in the Fire Nation Fire Lord Ozai and Princess Azula were being taken to the royal plaza so they may board their air ship. They had to start their leave if they wish to destroy the Earth Kingdom on the day of the comet.
Ozai sat on his palanquin upright and properly, a small sly smile on his face as if he had already won the war. Azula on the other hand had a frown on her face as she waited impatiently, with a small growl she pushed aside the satin curtains to see that her father's palanquin was way up ahead, they were trailing behind. "Come on slowpokes faster!" she hissed, her servants exchanged scared looks before trying to catch up to Ozai.
Ozai had made it on to the high platform and his servant opened the veil to his palanquin, Ozai stepped out in new robes. His sly smile still on his face though still barely visible, he walked forward ready to board the air ship.
The Fire Lord then heard footsteps and some ragged breathing, he looked over his shoulder to see his daughter Azula kneeling behind him, "Sorry I'm late father good palanquin bearers are so hard to come by these days." She said with an annoyed look shot to her bearers. "So is everything ready for our departure?" she asked.
"There has been a change of plans Azula." Ozai informed his daughter.
To the side where most royal Fire Nation guards stood was Slade, he watched this all unfold with a smirk behind his masked face. "Indeed there has." He agreed. It was so easy to manipulate Azula and Ozai, he would rule this world soon enough he was sure of that.
Slade had been the one to suggest to Ozai that Azula stay behind, "It is not proper to leave your home land without a ruler and since you are going to be…detained from your duties perhaps Azula may-." He had said
"Yes I see your point; very well Azula's coronation shall be given on the day of Sozin comet." Ozai had agreed feeling it best as well.
"What?" Azula asked some surprise etched onto her face.
"I've decided to lead the fleet of air ships to Ba Sing Se alone; you will remain here in the Fire Nation." Ozai informed her without facing Azula.
"But I thought we were going to do this together." She said a bit disappointed and if you could look closely a bit hurt.
"My decision is final."
Azula stood up, "You…you can't treat me like this." She declared, "You can't treat me like Zuko!" she shouted, her face was scrunched up in anger and slight annoyance as well.
Ozai frowned a little at this, "Azula silence yourself."
Azula clenched her fists as she continued, 'But it was my idea to burn everything to the ground! I deserve to be by your side!"
Ozai turned his head sharply and said fiercely, "Azula!" said Princess closes her eyes and she tried to will her temper to go down, she lowered her head in obedience. "Listen to me I need you here to watch over the home land it's a very important job that I can only entrust to you."
Azula opened her eyes and looked up at her father a bit surprised and some disbelief in her eyes, "Really?" she asked.
Ozai turned to fully face his daughter, "And for your loyalty I've decided to declare you the new Fire Lord."
"Fire Lord Azula." The Princess breathed some happiness shining I her cold gold eyes, "It does seem appropriate…but what about you?" she asked.
"Fire Lord Ozai is no more, just as the world will be reborn in fire I shall be reborn as the supreme ruler of the World." As Ozai said this, the sages on the platform placed golden phoenix shoulder pad armor on him as well as a large crown like helmet. "From this moment on I shall be known as…the Phoenix King!" with that he raised his arms. New Phoenix flags were placed up next to the Fire Nation banners, some guards added fire to this effect as fire spewed out of the side of the platform. The guards and soldiers who were watching bowed down to Phoenix King Ozai as he stood regally and gazed down at them.
Meanwhile:
Back in the Earth Kingdom, Zuko had landed Appa in what seemed to be the middle of the forest but in the near distance you could see a tavern. He motioned for the group to follow him as he walked over to the building, Appa slowly trailed behind them.
They went inside to see mostly men in the tavern, "And the reason you've brought us to a seedy Earth Kingdom tavern is what now?" Katara asked losing patience as she observed the place wearily.
"June." Zuko replied pointing to a woman who was seated in the middle of the tavern drinking.
As she was about to take a sip she lifted her legs and locked onto a guy's neck in a good hold. She licked her lips and gazed down at him with a teasing but questioning look. "Oh yea that weird bounty hunter with the weird mole."
"Mole?" Starfire asked.
"What mole her skin is flawless." Suki pointed out a little confused as well as the Titans.
June stands up as another man charged at her, she dodged as the man broke the table during his charge. He tried to grab her but she easily dodged again and gave him a teasing sly smile, she then began to dodge every punch and charge he gave. It looked so easy it was almost as if she was dancing, "No she had this giant mole creature she rides around on." Sokka explained as the group watched the scene unfold.
"Her shirshu, it's the only animal that could track either Beast Boy or Aang's scent anywhere in the world, it the one shot we have of finding them." He informed the group.
June dodged another punch and tossed her cup in the air, the guy tried to punch her in the head but she ducked and threw him over her shoulder easily. He landed on a table that was quickly deserted by onlookers, June then caught her cup effortlessly and drank its contents.
"I don't know who this June lady is…but I like her!" Toph declared with a big smile.
"Aang, Aang come on dude wake up." Beast Boy said as he tried to shake his friend awake. Momo was licking the young air bender's face as well trying to help Beats Boy wake him up.
"Ughhhh." Aang groaned as he finally stirred and sat up.
"Oh hey Beast Boy." He murmured rubbing, "I just had the strangest dream." He told him with a small smile.
"Uh well-." Beast Boy began avoiding Aang's eyes.
Aang rose an eyebrow but then looked around and saw why the changeling was acting the way he was. He looked around alarmed not recognizing any of his surroundings, he then saw no land anywhere, he figured they were on an island. "Wait."
His eyes widened and he finally looked over at Beast Boy who was watching him a bit worriedly, "Where are we?"
Me: …so yea…after seven months this is all I can write? God I feel so stupid.
Sokka: You are I mean where have you been!
Robin: Stuck in the Teen Titans part of this site, that and she started a new crossover with us and the Justice League
Katara: But she didn't even finish this story yet! How can she handle all of this?
Me: Look I'm sorry ok! I have my reasons first off I had writer's block, secondly my laptop's software crashed taking all my files with it! That got me depressed for a good one to two months, thirdly I tried to focus on other stories to! Alright I'm sorry I didn't mean to put off this story!
Everyone: …
Me: Sorry again I'm just a little stressed out since school started up again, I'm a sophomore now so…it's difficult especially with the PSAT's coming up soon. I don't know how long it will be until I update but I will start the next chapter today so hopefully it won't take too long to update. I also want to thank the readers who have been patient to wait for this story, I'm very thankful to have you. I hope you enjoyed this delayed chapter and I'll try not to take too long to update, good-bye for now.