Hello all! Last chapter before the Scarlet Solstice! And things heat up! They are gonna get exciting! So please read and review, and seriously, where did you guys all go? Come on, please come back! I'll have to drink tea again. But thanks to Satoshi Uchiyuki, who has always written! Thanks so much! You rock! But where did everyone else go! Seriously, it gets better, more violent, and more shockers! Please come baaaaaack!!
As the group got to the camps, everyone began to unload, unpack, and set up camp. The gaang on Warrior and Appa decided to stay together, so they picked a decent spot a little more secluded from the army and where Appa and Warrior could rest nearby.
The rest of that day, battle plans were made, scouts were sent to map out the area, and people from every nation, overall, just got settled. More and more ships and armies arrived, more weapons and armor wore made, and the leaders met all day.
Finally, late at night, the leaders adjourned and everyone was called to rest. As the guards took their place for the night watch, everyone else went to bed. Aang and Katara went to sleep, along with Zuko, Mai, Ty Lee, Hakoda, and Toph. Sokka was still up in his tent, going over numbers of troops. Ara couldn't sleep, and she was outside her tent, poking the campfire.
Sokka needed some air, so he quietly walked out and into the cool night.
Many campfires were spread out like dots in the darkness. People who were awake were laughing, talking, or working. Sokka liked all of the liveliness, but even then the tired young warrior just wanted peace.
As he turned, he saw Ara sitting next to the fire, and she immediately got up.
"Uncle Sokka! I'm so sorry!" she whispered. "Did I wake you up?"
"No, no, not at all, Ara. May I join you?"
She nodded. "Uncle—"
"Ara, we've been over this. Just call me Sokka. 'Uncle' makes me feel old."
"Okay, Sokka," she smiled. "I'm so confused. About the war, I mean, And I know that you and mom and Toph and everyone else has told the story of how it started, but, Sokka, why? How can people even go that far? How can even just one person have that much hate in their heart? Why are people willing to risk innocent lives just to get what they want? People are dying, Sokka. People are getting killed. And probably the most killing will happen in a week and a half, on the solstice. What has the war come to? Why has it gone this far?"
Sokka sighed deeply. "Ara, you are very wise, and you become wiser each time by asking questions. But many, if not all, of your questions I cannot answer, maybe no one can. But some answers lie within you, within your own choices and thoughts. And yet, many questions, I'm afraid, will never be answered for you. But I may be wrong. You may go on your own journey to find all of them out, and succeed, as long as you continue to ask them. I've learned a thing or two from your father over the years, and I've seen him grow and change, just like you are now. You are very wise."
"Wow. Thanks Sokka," Ara said. She hugged her uncle. "Am I ready?"
"My opinion, yes," he said. "but that question depends on you also. You need to get yourself ready any way you see fit."
She smiled. "Sokka, you're the best. I like it when you show off your wise side and be serious. You show that you really aren't that stupid and klutzy!"
"Thanks, Ara, I—hey!"
She laughed, stood up, hugged her uncle, and kissed him. "Goodnight, Sokka. I love you."
"I love you too, Ara. Goodnight."
Zuko awoke before dawn the next day to the ships' horns. But not just any ships. He knew that particular sound.
He quickly got up and pulled on a shirt and shoes, then ran to Ara's tent, for he knew she'd be excited. The prince walked into her tent, where she was sleeping soundly, yet she was snoring and lightly drooling. He smiled and gently shook her. "Ara," he whispered. "Ara, wake up. Uncle's here!"
"Wha…what?" she mumbled, sitting upright. Her hair was messed up and she still had a sleepy look, but quickly got out of bed, brushed her hair, tied on her headband, and walked out. The morning was told by the stars' positions, but the sun wasn't even near the horizon. Many of the campfires were dark and campsites were quiet. But the two ran towards the beach, where at least 30 Fire Nation ships had pulled into port. The first and biggest ship Zuko guessed was Uncle's, so he and Ara ran and stopped at the ship's landing dock.
Iroh walked off, but, seeing his nephew and Ara, began to run. "Zuko! Ara!" he cried. They both smiled and ran to him and they all enveloped into a hug.
"I'm glad you two are safe," Iroh said after they all let go. "but I must warn you, all of you, that I have seen Ozai's ships. The best fighters and firebenders I've seen. Thousands. I don't even know where he built up that army. We might not win."
"Uncle, don't say that!" Ara said. "We need to stay positive!"
"You're right. Come, let's have some tea and talk, and then I want to see everyone again."
The sun rose, more ships came, troops walked off and got settled, and Iroh met with the generals and Hakoda. They were in the war tent for at least three hours, and even early in the morning, all were tired afterwards.
"I need to see the old group," Iroh said, once he came out. "I need to tell them plans, and just reunite with everyone once again."
Ara led uncle back to their area, and Mai and Ty Lee were sitting around the fire, chatting. Iroh walked up, and as soon as the girls' attention went to him, they smiled uncontrollably. "Iroh," they both said. They got up and ran to him, and he embraced both girls. "I'm so proud of you two," he said, "of your decisions. And I'm glad I get a new niece, Mai," he winked, and she smiled as Zuko wrapped his arms around her. "But where are the original four I know so well?"
Zuko and Ara turned towards the remaining 3 tents. "Sokka? Toph? Can you come out here?" Zuko called.
"Mom? Dad? Someone's here to see you." Ara said.
Iroh watched as they all walked out; the young, handsome, and strong Water Tribe Warrior, the grown up and beautiful blind earthbender, the beautiful yet powerful waterbender with the crystal-blue eyes, and the young, strong, handsome, now fully-realized Avatar. They all smiled brightly as they saw (and felt) him, and Iroh laughed as they all ran to hug their old friend.
"Well, you all certainly have grown in 15 years. Sokka, you have grown to be a fine young warrior. Toph, I can sense that you're still independent, yet brave, powerful, and more beautiful every day." They bowed and stood aside, while the Firelord embraced the other two.
"Katara and Aang, you two have certainly grown and have come so far since the last time I saw you on your wedding day. I can see that you love is still strong and it grows bigger every day, and you've had an excellent daughter. You two, along with Sokka, Toph, Zuko, Mai, Ty Lee, and everyone else need to bring your strengths together to finally win this war and bring hope to the world."
The night before the war, everyone was quiet, mellow, and nervous. Lively music was played to lighten the mood, and some danced along, but the people were tense with fear. None of them knew what would happen the next day, none of them knew how many would return, and none of them knew what would happen to themselves the next day, The Day of No Night. None of them knew how the world would change. Everyone would encourage each other, but many could ice the lies behind their smiles and handshakes.
It was at a point later in the night when the original four were sitting together, alone. Zuko, Mai, and Ty Lee went to help finish with the cargo, and Ara was taking Warrior for a light ride. Iroh was in his own tent, and Hakoda met with the other leaders. And so, around the campfire, the four young adults sat in silence, wonder, and thought, as each kept their ideas, opinions, and overall, fears, to themselves. Finally Toph spoke up.
"Well, look at this. Us original four together again."
The other three looked up at each other and smiled. Toph spoke again. "I know we thought the war would be over many years ago, but it hasn't been. And right now, I didn't say this the morning of Sozin's Comet, but I should have, and I'll say it now. Guys, I am so proud of you all, and I truly and deeply, thank you. I thank you for setting me free. Thank you for all of the adventures, problems, and solutions we faced. You all saw me as—well, me. And that is the greatest gift anyone's ever given me. I can't even describe what I'm trying to say. And Twinkletoes, Sugar Queen, and Snoozles, you are the best friends and family I've ever had, and I'm proud to be a part of this group."
"Were glad and proud that you joined us, too, Toph," Katara said. "You made our family complete. You've helped and guided us in more ways than we can count on our journey, and you taught us never to give up." She then looked at all three. "I'm so proud of all of you, how you three have come so far. I'm so glad our adventures started when I found you, Aang. You brought the world hope. Sokka, you were always there to keep us going, to feed us, to make us all laugh, to protect us, and love us. Toph, you are so strong, hard-willed, persistent, and a fighter, and you make us laugh off of Sokka. But we are all family, and I love you all and am so proud of you."
Sokka looked up. "You know, I never thought that I'd leave the South Pole. When dad and everyone left, I vowed I wouldn't leave, even though being there was the last place I wanted to be after he left. But when you showed up, Aang, wow. Remember," Sokka chuckled. "Remember when we first found Aang, Katara, that I thought he was the enemy and a threat? I didn't trust him. But now, Aang, you're my brother and my best friend. And now you're a powerful Avatar, not just some skinny, dopey kid that came out of the ice. I'm proud of you, Aang, overcoming all of your obstacles. Katara, I'm proud of you because of how you mastered waterbending, you were always there for me, and you were my mother and cared for me when mom died. And Toph, you brought out the best—and worst—in me. I'm proud of you for leaving everything to join us. I'm proud of you because you're you. Toph, if I had never met you, I wouldn't have fallen in love with you." He kissed her softly, and then looked at the others. "And you guys are all my family and best friends."
With that, they all looked at Aang, who was silent. They waited for him to say something, anything, until he smiled. "Kept you waitin', huh?"
They all groaned. "Same old Aang," Katara said as she kissed his cheek.
"I never thought that the war would last this long," Aang started. "when I began my new life with you guys. I was just a simple little kid, and when I fell out of the ice, my whole world, everything I knew, everyone I loved, changed forever. And now, when I look back, I don't want to see it any differently. Like you said a long time ago Katara, it was meant to be. And I'm glad you all stuck with me to the end. I love you guys. Thank you for each saving me in your own way. And whatever happens to us tomorrow, I'm glad we were all together in the end. Whatever happens to me tomorrow, I'm glad you guys were my family. I'm glad you all loved me to the end."
"Aang, don't say that!" Sokka said. "You won't—you know—tomorrow! You can't! You'll live on!"
"Twinkletoes, how could any of us live without you?"
"Yea," Katara said, scooting closer to Aang. "We'll protect you. I will. With my life."
"Katara," Aang said, taking her hand in his and intertwining his fingers in hers, looked into her eyes. "you'll be too preoccupied with your own mess. Don't worry about me. Whatever happens tomorrow is meant to be for a reason. All of you must fight and protect yourselves. If you see anyone in trouble, help them. But stick to fighting and defending the world we know without the war. Do not protect me. Promise me that. Promise."
Katara stared into his grey eyes. He was telling her to let him go, and she understood. With fear in her eyes, she nodded slowly, and he nodded back. He got up and looked at the three. "Goodnight. I'm so proud of you three. I'll see you in a different world tomorrow." He bowed and walked to his tent.
They all turned to face one another. "Look at us," Sokka whispered. "We've all come so far."
"It's not over yet," Katara said as she sighed, her view still towards where Aang disappeared behind the tent. "but whatever happens to any of us tomorrow, we'll always be a family."
Ara soared through the warm night, her hair loose and wind-swept, her stomach in knots. She had never been in an actual battle. What would happen to her family? What would happen to her? Would she perish? What was dying like? Was she afraid?
"No," she said, talking to herself. "I am not afraid to die. I will leave this world with honor if death finds me tomorrow. I will die for any of my family and friends."
Warrior chirped sadly beneath her. She patted him and rested her head on his neck. "Are you afraid, buddy?"
The giant bird craned his neck up as if to say, afraid? Me? Never.
She smiled. "Let's go to bed, buddy. We'll need some rest."
Zuko, Mai, and Ty Lee were helping the latest ships dock and unload, and a young boy ran up to them. "Zuko, sir?"
The young man turned at his name. "Yes?"
"Firelord Iroh requests your presence. I was sent to lead you to him. Only you."
"Sure." He turned to the two women. "You guys, I guess I'll see you in the morning." He kissed Mai softly and smiled at Ty Lee. "Goodnight."
He was led to a dark red tent, where two guards stood outside. As he walked up, they bowed, stood aside, and opened the tent flaps as he walked in, sat down in front of his uncle, and waited for him to speak.
Iroh poured some tea for his nephew and handed it to him. "I guess you're wondering why I called you, huh?"
"I have an idea," Zuko answered. He tapped his fingers nervously on his leg.
"Zuko, you know the choice is up to you only. I will still love you and be proud of you no matter what you choose."
He smiled. "Uncle, I have made my choice."
"And?"
"I accept the throne."
Iroh smiled widely. "My young nephew. I am glad. But what changed your mind?"
"Well, Mai said she'd go anywhere I went. I know she loves me. But mainly, it was what Ara, and you, said about me. I can and will be a great, caring, just leader. I will listen to my people, and I will rebuild our country and finish with good what my ancestors started with bad. I can rule, and through Ara, I have learned compassion, care, to listen, and to love. I will lead the new Fire Nation out of the war and suffering and into peace and prosperity, and I know I'll always have my friends and family, even if they're far away or close by, whenever I need them."
Iroh got up and hugged Zuko. "You have learned much from Ara. She is wise, strong, and brave. And through her and joining Aang's, Katara's, Sokka's, and Toph's family, you have learned real love and how to enjoy the simple things in life. You have learned to let go of hate and rage, and you have learned love, fun, and the power to relax and not worry. And that is all I've ever wanted for you. And I am also proud that you mastered the true art of firebending. I always believed you would."
Zuko stood proud and strong. But his smile faded. "But what about tomorrow?"
"What about tomorrow? We will fight to regain peace and justice and safety back to the world, and we will not rest until your father and sister are defeated. Now, you should get some rest. I'll see you on the battlefield, Prince Zuko."
Zuko laughed and hugged his uncle. "Goodnight, Uncle, and thank you. Thank you for everything."
He walked out of the tent to find Mai standing there, waiting for him. "What are you doing here?"
"What does it look like?" she asked, walking up to put her hand on his cheek. "I overheard it all, Crown Prince," she smiled.
"And you will still marry and stay with me? Why?"
"Because I love you, Zuko. Nothing can break that. I will stand by you."
"I love you too. And thank you."
"I'm not the one you should be thanking."
"What?" he stepped back, confused.
"Ara," Mai whispered. "She has done so much in your life. I saw how you changed after you were exiled. You were fierce, cold, and brutal, and you let no one in. You changed for the better when you joined Aang, but your greatest change in your entire life was when you held that baby girl for the first time nearly 16 years ago. She brought out the best in you. You are now kind, caring, and compassionate. Go thank her. Now. I love you." She kissed him. "I'll see you in the morning."
Zuko walked towards the gang's campsite, where the three were still sitting. As he came up, they all greeted him, but he pushed it aside. "Has anyone seen Ara?"
"She went to bed a half hour ago," Katara said. "Why?"
"I need to tell her something." He walked quickly to her tent, where her candles were out, but he quietly went inside. He waited for his eyes to adjust. Then he saw her.
Her sleeping form breathed rhythmically and her body under the blanket moved quietly with her breath. Her eyes were closed and relaxed, and yet, she seemed tense. He knelt gently next to her bed and softly caressed her cheek with his fingers. He moved a soft lock of brown hair away from her face, tucked it behind her ear, and continued to stroke her soft skin. And barely in a whisper to not wake her, he began to talk.
"You know, I never got to really, truly, thank you. You saved my life in so many ways, so many times. I only did it once, for you, just before you were born, but you seem to always protect me, though I always thought you were the one who needed protection. Boy, was I wrong. You taught me so many new lessons on life; things, fun things, I had never done because I was never allowed or never got to do. But you believed in me, Ara, the real me. I knew you saw me behind my scar as soon as you opened your beautiful grey eyes; geez you look so much like you father. But whatever happens tomorrow, Ara, to you or me, remember—I love you." He leaned towards her gently and kissed her on her forehead; on her arrow. Tears came to his eyes. "Thank you—so much." He then saw that she didn't look tense any longer. He smiled, sighed, and got up, looked at her one more time, and left the tent.
The three were still sitting there when he returned. He sat down and bent the fire a bit, playing with it, when he spoke. "Guys, thank you—for accepting me all of those years ago. I'm really glad I'm part of your family. And I'm glad I'm fighting with you guys tomorrow, side by side. I'm really proud of you all."
"We're so proud of you, Zuko," Katara said. "You've come so far and you've shown us all that even our enemies can become family, and we all belong. I'm really glad you joined us."
"Me too," Toph added.
"Me three," Sokka put in.
Zuko smiled and got up. The other three rose as well. "Goodnight," they all said in unison as they each went to their own tent and each fell into a restless sleep.
But as Katara fell asleep beside him, Aang couldn't. He decided to get up and take a walk for some fresh air to clear his mind.
He walked for a bit until he came to a cliff at the edge of the harbor. Some ships were still arriving, and that was a good thing, but Aang didn't notice. He sat down, folded his hands, and closed his eyes, waiting for the Avatar State to turn on and Avatar Roku to find him. His mind settled and he opened his eyes.
Roku sat in front of him. "Wanted to see me one more time, Aang?"
Aang bowed his head. "Roku, I know I've grown, but I'm still scared. I don't want so many people dying tomorrow because of the war, because of me. I feel so guilty. Why? And why was I chosen to be the Avatar? I'm so lost, Roku, and I still have lost my hope. I feel like we've lost already! Roku, help me!" Aang yelled as he put his hands to his head.
"Aang, first of all, to be scared is to be human. We all have emotions, and fear is only one of them. You shouldn't feel guilty. These people have fought in the war long since you were young and were still in the iceberg. You couldn't control that. It is not your fault. And why you were chosen to be the Avatar, even I cannot answer that. But everything happens for a reason. The Avatar has to bring hope and peace to the world along with maintaining order here, in the Spirit World. But the Avatar also has friends and family that are always there to protect him or her. And somehow, Aang, you were chosen for this task. And you cannot give up. We will keep our promise. We all will be there tomorrow. We will be with you. The world still needs you."
The Avatar breathed in and out steadily. And he was staring at the ocean from the cliffside once again. He breathed in the salty air, got up, and walked back to his tent, where he fell asleep deeply and soundly.
So has Aang lost his hope before the final battle even begins? What's to come of him? What will happen to everyone else? Will Ara ever see Lee again? Who will live? Who will die? It's all coming up! So please read and review about this one, and tomorrow, The SCARLET SOLSTICE, PART 1!!
Thanks for all of your guys' help, and talk to you all later!
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