Chapter XXV: The Beauty of Things

Katara

Aang leaps out of the crate like an eagle from a cage – hungry for freedom, but hungrier still for justice. This was the leader of the Fire Nation. The country which has shattered his childhood, which has hunted him for only identity, but more so has hurt and oppressed his people – the people of the world. He does nothing for revenge, but to save what is left of his ward. He has been entrusted with the very balance of life, death, love, hate, Yin, Yang, and the four elements; he intends to use that trust the way he was meant to.

But at the same time, the Fire Lord Ozai is ready to fight for – not what he loves, for he loves nothing – but for what he has and wants. In the bursts of fire, water, wind, and earth that ensue, Toph and I have very little to contribute. Aang twist, kicks, punches; dips, slides, sinks; spins, ducks, flips; slams, charges, stamps. The mixture of the elements and the four fighting styles is obvious in him as he dodges, blocks, and returns the Fire Lord's attacks.

The ruler, however, has a distinct advantage. He is older – physically – stronger, more experienced in the world of war. He has seen things I could never imagine. He has done things a pirate would blush at. And he has two dozen or so grown men on his side.

Even with these righteously earned powers at hand, Aang begins to tire, fall back. As I whip an arm of water at Ozai, I am shocked at how powerful the Firebender is. The distraction costs me precious time. Without warning, I am surrounded by guards. Toph is in a similar situation, I observe, panicked that this effort was futile.

The series of events which follow are so like the events in the crystal cave it's eerie. I conjure an octopus of liquid as protection, silently thanking the spirits I had mastered that trick. Immediately the guards back away – frightened, perhaps? Ha. Toph forms a tent of stone, as does Aang.

I have a feeling, however, that Aang's motive is different from ours; and I'm proven right when he emerges, eyes and tattoos glowing. My tears flow freely over my minimal wounds as I see my best friend in the Avatar state, possibly for the last time. The previous time I saw this, I had loved him. Now, I love the man who tried to strike him down. It is an oddly beautiful sight and thought. He does not rise up on a column of light, as before, but, in one smooth, long motion, sweeps his arm to the side, instantly knocking everyone – including me – to the ground with an unbelievably strong gust of wind. He moves stiffly, in a trance-like state, towards the Fire Lord, who is scrambling to his feet.

There is an explosion of color, and everything goes black.

Zuko

There is a presence with me, so familiar, but I am tired…so tired.

Cold…as if I've reached the freezing point. Something feels changed inside me. The empty space in my heart has disappeared – not filled, but simply disappeared. I am not satisfied – merely justified.

And I know…they have succeeded.