Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar.
Warning: Long chapter ahead containing massive amounts of feels. Please consult with your fandom psychiatrist after reading to discuss the effects this chapter may have on you.
Enjoy :)
Chapter 50:
The Shining of Light
In the upper ring of Ba Sing Se, twelve people occupied an upper-class hotel penthouse fit for at least four. Nine of them were waiting in the main living area, while the remaining three were in a bedroom with doors closed, asking for complete privacy.
Among them, there was only one who was greatly injured beyond the capability of even keeping herself on her feet. Taking the spot behind her, with injuries not nearly as severe, was a man in his late 20s, who had small, thin bandages across the left side of his face where the skin had been ripped apart, which would forever leave a scar. His most minor injury was in his left kneecap, which had been throbbing for some time. Luckily for him, that injury was easy to mitigate. He'd have to walk about with a bandage around it for some time, but it was expected to make a full recovery.
They were all exhausted and felt weak, but knew within them they were proud of what they had accomplished. It had seemed impossible at times, overwhelming enough to give even the bravest men a willingness to flee in fear. They had wanted to do so many times, though they did their best to conceal this fact. In the end, they knew they couldn't—that what was at stake was more important than any one individual, perhaps even more important than even the greatest of crises that had occurred in any part of history. It took unity, a combination of friends and foes that had combined their abilities and talents to defeat a common enemy.
Months ago they had all been enemies, hunting one another continuously from the southern Earth Kingdom, to Ba Sing Se, the Fire Nation, and eventually Ba Sing Se again. They could have never anticipated that they'd ever work together. Everything that had happened disturbed the peace, caused rivalries, destroyed families, led to massacres, formed a rebellion, and nearly allowed a dark anarchy to corrupt the planet. One would blame it on a single being, but in reality, everyone in some way took part.
Darkness doesn't thrive from a single source, but instead grows inside each individual until released and enjoins with the darkness of others, in itself thriving until the very moment a great dark storm cloud covers the world.
Nianzu could still hear his great-grandfather's voice at the back of his head, faint and quiet, yet completely comprehensible. It had been occurring from time to time ever since he had first heard it when facing Tomark, at that moment when he felt like he had all the power in the world. It was an incredible experience that Nianzu couldn't even explain. It just happened; he didn't know what he did, or even how. He'd lie awake in bed ever since, unable to find sleep and instead attempting to, somehow, regain some of that power for only a moment. Just a fraction of it, so like Tomark, he could use it whenever needed. But so far, his attempts had been worthless. Even now, while standing in a corner alone, he was staring at his palm trying to create even the smallest orb of energy, but with no avail.
Hakoda stood in the kitchen with Iroh, boiling a pot of tea and preparing some food. Zuko was also in the kitchen, talking indistinctly with his uncle as they brewed tea together. Sokka and Suki laid spread out on the couch, with Sokka leaning against the arm and Suki resting her back against him, his hands wrapped around her as her rested on his shoulder. Shin sat in a chair in the corner by the couch, using his finger to lift a small rock up and down as Momo jumped up to catch it each time, so far unsuccessful. The sight of the lemur's fruitless efforts humored him a bit, but Momo didn't mind. He seemed to enjoy it. Meanwhile, Lu Tin lied on the floor in front of the coffee table, snapping his fingers to produce a small flame and then extinguishing it only to do the same again. He was bored with nothing to do. Toph rested against a wall, relaxing with her hands situated behind her head, serving as a softer headrest.
Aang paced back and forth across the room, anxious and impatient. You could see it on his face—he was thinking of a million things at once.
"Calm down, Twinkle Toes; your heartbeat is driving me crazy," Toph complained.
The airbender cast an annoyed look and felt someone's hand on his shoulder. He glanced over it to see Hakoda.
"Relax, she'll be fine," the chief reassured him.
He sighed, "I know, I know…" he confessed, seemingly annoyed at himself, "I'm just… I just have to see for myself."
Hakoda understood and nodded with this fact in mind. He too was worried, but had learned that stressing about it would interfere with positive thinking; something necessary in order to keep others hopeful and intact.
Seeping through the crack under the door was an illuminating blue light that signaled Varun's healing abilities were in progress. On the other side of the door, Katara lay spread out across the bed with her top unfolded and revealing her torso as the male waterbender hovered over her with his hands covered in the glowing water placed just above the right side of her chest. Ekna stood on the other side of the bed, supervising. Despite her experience in medical care, she sometimes felt like the inferior physician compared to the healing properties the waterbenders could accumulate.
Varun would move his hands to different locations to be sure he did everything to the best of his ability. After a little while longer, the water ceased glowing and he returned it to the vase on the bedside.
Much to his disappointment, despite his efforts, there was still a visible scar. It looked like she had been burned on the entire right side of her stomach, the skin looking shriveled and punctured.
"I've done all I can. I have healed the majority of the injury, but it may still ache for a while, so try not to be too active. Unfortunately, I couldn't get rid of the scar altogether," Varun informed her.
She nodded in understanding and broke eye contact for a moment. "Did you…" she shrugged, "...feel anything else?"
Varun raised a brow, "Like what? I mean, there were still a few fragments of twisted energy in the area, but for the most part I purified them as well. Actually, it felt like you had a bit of extra energy in there as well. But it might just be the same energy you were injured with," he stated. "Are you feeling pain anywhere else? I could double-check if you want me to."
"No," she quickly responded, but looked away again immediately afterward. "Thank you, Varun. Would you mind if I talk to Ekna alone for a minute?"
He nodded, "Take all the time you need." He proceeded to leave the room, looking back at her just before leaving the room, "Should I let Aang in?"
She shook her head, "Not just yet…"
The waterbender shrugged and obliged to her request, leaving the room and closing the door behind him.
Aang immediately approached Varun, "Is she okay?" he asked worriedly.
"She's fine, for the most part."
That made Aang a bit nervous. Varun noticed and recanted his statement. "What I meant was that I was able to heal the region and she'll only be left with a scar."
The airbender breathed with relief. His heart had jumped at the assumption that Katara's injuries were worse than they suspected. After being dismissed of his worries, he hoped he could finally go in and see her.
The waterbender shook his head in the negative, "She said she wanted to talk to Ekna alone for a bit."
Aang's face was struck with dismay. He had to talk to her. It was obvious she was still thinking about her new dark bloodbending power. She hadn't said a word about it in the airship when they were flying back to Ba Sing Se. In fact, she hadn't said anything at all. She'd mostly just sleep or lie in bed with Aang beside her, but she wouldn't look at him either. Every chance he got to look her in the eye, she turned away or looked down at herself, as if studying her body or something. Maybe she was ashamed of herself, and looked at her own body and saw it as one of a sick monster? Aang needed to know what was going through her head. Maybe then he could help her past it. He hoped…
"Katara, I can't do much more for you than what Varun already has," stated Ekna after Varun had left. "I mean, did you get hurt somewhere else? Somewhere…y'know, you didn't feel comfortable revealing around him?" Ekna asked with discomfort.
She had heard from Aang that Yuan had tried molesting her while he was helpless. So far, she was the only one who knew that it had happened. But Aang had to tell someone, and with Ekna being the only female physician he knew, he figured she was the best choice. It wasn't something Aang was proud of watching. Ekna could see it in his eyes. He looked ashamed and disappointed in himself, and angry… Though whether or not that anger was towards himself or Yuan Ekna couldn't tell.
Katara shrugged a bit, curling her body a bit, "No, not really. It's…something else." She blushed lightly.
Ekna sat down on the bed next to the waterbender, laying a comforting hand on her arm. "You can tell me. Don't worry, it'll be completely confidential."
Katara continued to tense up a bit, curling up in a small ball. "Do—do you think…that my injuries might…" she curled up more and her voice softened, "…prevent me from having children?"
Ekna's eyes widened in surprise, but slowly vanished into a curious expression. "Katara… are you pregnant?"
Katara was now completely rolled into a ball, her face almost completely covered and legs held close to her chest and secured by her arms wrapped around them. A month ago… That night after Aang and her father settled their feud. That night…was so amazing!
She spoke softly, "I… I don't know. Maybe?"
"Maybe?" Ekna questioned. She brought her hand to the girl's shoulder, squeezing softly to relax her. "Katara, please… You can tell me." She stayed silent, curling up a bit more. "Look, I know we've only known each other for a few months, and to you I'm just a nurse. But there are things you can trust me with—as a friend."
Katara smiled softly in her little ball and brought her head up. "I… I think so. I haven't had my…" she refused to say the world out of discomfort, "…in a while."
"How long is a while?" Ekna asked.
"Nearly a month," responded Katara as she loosened up a bit.
Ekna made a contemplative hum. "Well, I suppose there is something to confirm it if you're curious."
The waterbender came out of her ball and looked Ekna in the eye, "I need to know first, if I still can. I don't want to know if I'm pregnant if I don't know that my body's just going to kill it anyway!" she snapped, but kept her voice down so that nobody else heard her.
Ekna nodded in understanding. "Well, first I need you to tell me exactly where are all the areas on your torso that you may have been hit at?"
Katara lied back down and began to think back on the fight. She pointed out only a few areas where she was hurt the most. Ekna examined them thoroughly, but in the end she was mainly concerned with the wound she suffered on the side of her chest. She studied it for a small while, as well as other areas within that region. It took a bit longer than Ekna had anticipated, but eventually it came to an end. Fortunately she had found nothing out of the ordinary... and some good news.
"You're fine," she informed the waterbender. "As far as I can tell you're still perfectly capable of giving birth to your child."
Katara's face lit up with surprise, "Wait... my child?" she reiterated. "Y-you mean—"
The other woman nodded, "Yes, Katara. You are in fact pregnant."
Tears swelled up in Katara's eyes and her face shined with happiness as she lunged at Ekna, wrapping her arms around her in happiness and hugging tightly. No words could define how happy she was. Unquestionably, it was the happiest moment of her life. What made her even happier was the man who had gotten her pregnant. It was only months ago that she feared she'd never get to have children with the man she loved. She remembered crying this fear into her father's sleeve when he showed up on her doorstep that night. And now she thought back on the night when it happened. Neither of them had planned it. It began as a longing for each other's touch, but ended up becoming something entirely more powerful, connecting their spirits for eternity.
Her heart was aching from her happiness, and she didn't think she'd ever calm herself down. She wanted to tell Aang as soon as possible, but she didn't feel like just bursting through the door and announcing it. She wanted to wait for the right moment. She didn't know when that might be, but if all else failed she'd just have to tell him before they went to bed that night.
Eventually she calmed down, wiping her joyous tears from her eyes as she let go of Ekna. The woman brushed her thumb across the bottom of Katara's eye, helping her dispose of the tears. For some reason, for only a split second, she felt like Katara's mother. The way Katara had hugged her and cried onto her shoulder made her feel like she was the mother in Katara's life for an instant. Ekna had to immediately throw this sensation away though. It didn't feel right to imagine herself as Katara's mother when her true mother had deceased when she was a girl. Hakoda had told her all about it while recovering. It was a sad story, but ultimately was about a mother's sacrifice for the protection of her little girl.
"You want I should let Aang in?" Ekna asked after Katara finished ridding herself of tears. However, her face was still lit with joy; something that wouldn't go unnoticeable.
Katara simply nodded, nearly void of all words. "I'll just leave you two alone. I'm sure you both have a lot to talk about," stated Ekna just before she left the room. Not even two seconds later, Aang practically rushed in, immediately coming to her side as his girlfriend re-clipped her top, securing it onto her body. He took her hand in his as he sat on the edge of the bed just as Ekna had been before.
"Are you okay?" he asked, despite already being assured she was.
"I'm fine, Aang," she assured him, struggling to refrain from bursting out the news in his face at this very moment. Maybe she should? Would it really be fair that Aang have to wait for news he wasn't even expecting? At the moment, he was only worried about her. Perhaps she could hold off on the news for just a bit longer…
Aang kissed his girlfriend's hand, "I'm sorry," he said softly.
Katara furrowed her brows at him, "For what?"
"For not being there—not being able to do anything while Yuan…" he couldn't bring the words to leave his throat. Just the thought of it made him shiver in disgust.
Much to Katara's displeasure, her inner happiness was immediately swept away by his words. Katara mentally cursed at him for ripping her away from her joyous attitude, but she wasn't able to stay mad at him for long. It took a lot more than that for her to hold a grudge against him.
"I know he's in jail," Aang continued, "but I can't stop thinking about what he did to you, and what he would've done if I…if I hadn't done anything."
She tried to comfort him, stroking his cheek lightly with her thumb, "But you did do something…" Her eyes drifted, "If anybody should be apologizing, it should be me." Katara found herself thinking back on the fight, something she had mostly managed to elude until now. Again she mentally cursed at her boyfriend, but digressed instantly. This did have to come out. As much as Katara wanted to just let it go, she knew it would do much more harm to her if she kept it inside.
"My anger got the better of me…again," she continued woefully, removing her hand from his cheek and turning her body away from him, much to his own displeasure. He was even cursing himself now. Before Aang had walked in she had seemed surprisingly happy—glowing even—and now she was experiencing the same self-shame she went through every time she bloodbent someone. He wanted to take it back, start over at the moment he came in. He'd instead tell her something else. He didn't know what, anything that wouldn't make her feel so guilty.
How did she do that though? How was Katara able to bloodbend with her mind? It was like all she had to do was imagine them in pain, even for just a fraction of a second. Katara had even been able to channel it against Aang, unknowingly, because he had wanted to stop her…but her anger didn't care. It didn't want anything—or anyone—getting in the way.
"I did it to you, too…" she said quietly.
"Katara…" Aang attempted to reach out to her, but before he could she had spun around the face him, tears dropping from her face.
"I did it with my mind, Aang!" she snapped at him. "I thought just being to bloodbend with my hands was wicked and cruel enough…but with my mind? Just having to imagine it and want it? It was like…controlling a boned puppet," she explained, refraining from eye contact again. She brought her legs up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them, "I wish I could just get rid of it…like you did with Ozai."
Aang was caught with shock. He just hoped she wasn't suggesting what he thought she was.
"I-I can't," he said, voice seemingly quivering. "It would take away your entire ability to bend."
She pulled her legs tighter against her chest, "I'd rather it all be gone than have to live with it forever."
"You know you don't mean that," her boyfriend replied quickly and rather forcefully.
She brought her head up to meet his gaze, her face of stone, "What if I do?" she demanded. "What if I want you to take it all away?"
His eyes narrowed slightly, "I won't," Aang stated firmly. He shook his head and closed his eyes, "I know how much you hate bloodbending," he looked her dead in the eye, "but no matter how much you beg, I will never bring myself to take your bending away."
"How do you know I won't be able to stop myself next time I use it? What if I kill somebody with it?!" Katara's voice didn't shake whatsoever, hinting that she was completely serious and wasn't feeling any doubt towards what her abilities could inflict.
Aang grabbed her hard by shoulders, causing her to be startled and look him in his stern gray eyes, "Listen to me, Katara. I love and care for you with all my being. I know how it feels to be bloodbent, and I know that it's something you can't always control…" he loosened his grip on her, bringing down his arms to instead take her hand in his again. He knew that for a moment he had gotten angry with her for insisting on such a possibility. He didn't want to think that she was capable of murder, but at the same time, he knew that she could very well be if the circumstances provoked her to do so. He was able to calm himself down, and now gazed into her eyes with care, "…but if I took away your bending…it would be like you're just running away, like I did when I realized I was the Avatar. Or when I lose control over the Avatar State—you know how dangerous I can be, how easy it would be for me to wipe out anyone I was angry at."
"I need you, Katara," Aang finished softly. "And I know you need me, too."
It was true. She did need him, more than he could ever know…more than she'd probably ever know. She needed him even more right now, knowing that together they would soon be parents. But he still didn't know. Katara pondered, was this the right moment to tell him? What moment could be better?
"I do, Aang. I was able to stop because I realized I was hurting you. It killed me seeing you like that."
He kissed her softly. "We need each other, Katara. Separated, I don't think either one of us could survive…at least I know I wouldn't."
She agreed, but he wasn't the only one who was sure they wouldn't.
"Come here," Aang told her, guiding her off the bed. She followed him, but was curious as to what he was doing now. Katara stood on her feet as he guided her to the other side of the room where the desk and mirror were. She saw her necklace laid out on the desk, where she'd taken it off earlier when she had taken a bath before her healing session. By the time they were there, he was standing behind her, settling her into the chair. He leaned into her ear.
"Close your eyes. I want to give you something," he whispered; his breath tickling her skin. She giggled lightly at the touch, but now her curiosity ran wild. What was he up to now?
She closed her eyes, body relaxing as his warm hands caressed her shoulders before moving up to her neck, massaging lightly. He knew she was tensed up right now, the thoughts of bloodbending still rummaging through her mind. Though, unbeknownst to her, he had an ulterior motive.
"Not much of a surprise, sweetie, though it is welcome." She said, her eyes still closed. She heard his laugh, warm and deep, before his lips pressed lightly to her neck, and a warm band was lightly pressed to her throat, a slight chill just below it. His hands smoothed the band around her neck, the scent of slightly oiled leather reaching her nose as he fastened something around her. His lips touched her ear, a few words flowing out as his breath tickled her.
"Okay, open your eyes."
She opened them, and what she saw caused them to widen in surprise.
"Aang, it's beautiful!" she exclaimed, breathless in shock. It was a brown leather band, plain and simple, but the scent was that of home, the same one that still lingered on her mother's choker. Just beneath the band was a jewel, a glorious sapphire and emerald, blending seamlessly together into a yin-yang circle. The left side of the jewel was yellow, the airbending symbol of the Air Nomads flowing up and around, and the blue on the right held the waves of the water tribe, continued on the left, making the image of the wind flowing over water in a very real way. As she looked at it she could almost see the wind lazily blowing over the gentle waves.
"Marry me, Katara..." he whispered in her ear as she stared at the betrothal necklace in the mirror, absolutely speechless. She brought her fingers up to it, examining the carvings with her fingertips. She couldn't even begin to imagine how long it must have taken him to carve such a beautiful blend of their cultures. How did he ever find the time? When did he ever even begin making it? She couldn't answer any of these questions herself, but really didn't care for the answers.
She quickly sat up and spun around, wrapping her arms around his neck and capturing his lips with her own. His hands wrapped around her waist and pulled her closer to him as they kissed passionately. She moaned in his mouth, believing herself to have just fallen in love with him all over again. This had been the second time in only an hour that she had been driven towards unequaled happiness and joy. This was definitely the right moment to tell him, she thought. Together they had accomplished seemingly impossible things. They saved the world, achieved peace between the four nations, helped found a city where citizens of all cultures could live in peace, aided in the defeat of a powerful race of dark spirits bent on controlling their world…and were now engaged with a child on the way—all of which they had done together.
She broke the kiss to catch their breath, and stared into each other's eyes with love and passion, the both of them glowing.
"Yes, Aang… Of course I'll marry you," she announced honestly without even the slightest hint of doubt.
His smile widened, revealing his white teeth as he picked her up and spun her around happily, proceeding to kiss her again. He was ecstatic by her answer. For long they had known this day would come, and there was never any doubt she'd refuse…but just hearing her say those words was enough to make him jump up and touch the stars.
She rested her head in the crook of his neck as they stood there, embracing the other and simply swaying their bodies slowly to the sides. They didn't know what all the others had heard on the other side of the door—whether they'd heard her cry joyously over the news she was pregnant, or when she and Aang were discussing her newfound bloodbending ability, or even their cheerful laughing as they agreed to become engaged to the other.
As she rested her head on his shoulder, she repeatedly asked herself, Should I tell him now? They spent what felt like the next half-hour in each other's arms…when Katara finally made possibly the hardest decision of her life.
"Aang…" she said his name softly and dreamily.
"Yes, Katara?" his response was also soft, yet was full more of glee with his eyes closed, just trying to enjoy this moment as long as time would allow.
"…I'm pregnant."
Stormy gray eyes snapped open in shock, jaw dropping in awe at the thought that he would be a father. He could barely stand, knees locking up in an instinctual attempt to keep himself up, the different emotions warring inside him. Happiness, for he would be a father, and fear that he would not be a good one.
Katara herself could tell he was attempting to process this. She knew he needed a moment to take it in, so kept quiet until he spoke first.
His hands gripped her shoulders, but not too much, and pulled her out of the hug to look into her eyes, "Wha— W-wait… you-you mean?" his voice quivered and he stuttered each word uncontrollably.
"Yes, Aang; you're going to be a father," she reiterated happily, her tone nothing less than cheerful.
"But, what…when did…how did we—?" he could barely put a sentence together, it almost made Katara laugh.
She cupped his cheek, "Remember that night, after you and my father cleared things up? I came in before you went to bed and—"
"We made love…" Aang finished in an awed and quavering voice, slowly putting the pieces together. It took a while for the puzzle to be completed in his head, and he looked into her eyes. For once, she couldn't read his expression. He looked happy, yet shocked, but also seeming unsure of his own feelings on the matter. She cocked her head, confused, as he practically just stared into space with his eyes directing towards her.
"Aang?" she called his name, but with no response. She was partially worried. Ever since the vision she had in Yu Dao of her and Aang's future, she'd known that one day she and Aang would be married and have children, and start a family together. Of course, she had told him of the vision, and it was not long after that Aang promised to propose once he himself was sixteen to merge with her culture, but when she saw themselves with their child in arms, they looked older than she knew they currently were, possibly in their twenties. What if Aang didn't believe he was ready to be a father this soon?
'I know he'll be happy to be a father…but with what he's gone through…I wonder what's going through his mind? I know that I'm ready for this; after Mom died I took so much responsibility in keeping my family together, so I have had some practice for this, but Aang's never had that. The monks weren't raised by their families, instead given to others to take care of. He must be worried about whether or not he would be a good father.'
And Aang's thoughts were along those lines, his own experiences making him fear for his child.
'I'm going to be a father? How am I going to take care of my child?' Thoughts of the enemies he had made flashed before his eyes, images of Ozai, Azula, and Yuan. Fear rose up in him at the thought of all the enemies he had and those he would make who would eagerly take the chance to hurt him through his family.
'What if I'm killed by my enemies? I won't be able to raise him, not able to see my baby grow, and he will not know the love of a father." Katara moved closer to Aang, wrapping him in her arms in an attempt to comfort him. His arms unconsciously returned her hug, taking strength in her presence. His grey eyes calmed from the storm of emotions, becoming the warm and caring gray Katara loved.
'I'll just have to protect us as best I can.' His resolve hardened, squeezing Katara close.
"I'm going to be a father…" he whispered out, voice choked with happiness. Katara looked up at her soon-to-be husband, noticing the love pouring out him, a tear of joy slowly making its way down his face. An ecstatic smile crossed her face, and she pulled him down into a passionate kiss, full of love and devotion that was surpassed by happiness. Their eyes met as they broke the kiss, smiling at the other.
"Well, I guess we better tell them the good news," Katara suggested, her face and smile still glowing.
Aang nodded in agreement. "Sokka's gonna flip out when he hears that you're pregnant…" the airbender stated, obviously fearing the reaction his future brother-in-law would display, and the possible hostile nature he might unleash.
"Don't worry; I'll deal with Sokka," the waterbender offered. "You just have to break the news to my father."
"Oh…great… Yeah, it's not like he's going to be angry or nothing that I got his daughter pregnant before I even proposed to her…" Aang stated sarcastically.
She giggled, "You'll be fine; he won't hurt you…much…" she teased, not realizing Aang was being serious within his sarcasm.
She pecked him on the lips, "It'll be fine, Aang. Sokka won't hurt me and I doubt my father will hurt you either."
"You do remember this is the same man who didn't want us going on a trip alone, don't you?"
The girl shrugged, "I think he's loosened up since then… Especially when you…y'know…" she broke eye contact for a moment, "…weren't around…" she managed to finish, practically spitting out the words as fast as she could.
Her fiancé placed a finger under his chin, raising her head up to meet his eyes, "Let's just hope for the best," he reassured her and kissed her lips. After breaking the kiss, he took a deep breath and relaxed himself.
As Katara began to further open up her collar, Aang stared at her questionably.
"Uh, Katara…what are you doing?"
She hummed in confusion before glancing down at her collar. "Oh, just making sure everyone sees my necklace," she said, smiling.
"Oh, okay, 'cause it looked like you were doing something else." He chuckled.
Katara giggled. "Sorry, Avatar…but you're not that lucky," she teased, turning her back to him. She glanced over her shoulder, "Maybe tonight though." She winked at him, her cheeks aglow with crimson.
His cheeks were flushed as well, and she took his hand in his as they proceeded for the door. As Aang reached for the door handle, Katara glanced back at the desk where Aang had presented his betrothal necklace to her, studying her mother's necklace as it lay on the flat wooden surface. She smiled at it, seeing the faded image of her mother within the light-blue jewel. She was smiling proudly with her hands linked at her waist, before eventually fading away. Katara had closed her eyes for a moment, letting the image sink into her mind so that she could grasp it firmly, and never let it go. The only thing she had left of her mother was now in the past, as she now had to give into the present and focus on her future with the man she loved. The necklace would never become forgotten, nor had it been replaced. It would now act as a reminder of the love and devotion her mother had for her, and would later do the same for her and Aang's first-born daughter.
They left the room, hand-in-hand, as the faces of their friends and family met their eyes, everyone halting whatever they were doing. No one quite knew what to say. Asking Katara if she was "okay" after her healing session would be pointless considering the smiles on the couple's face. Katara and Aang just stood there with their smiles, also questioning what to say. Should they just ask if they noticed anything different or be completely blunt and just state they were engaged, or just wait for someone to notice the necklace themselves and otherwise just act normal? Soon enough though, after their lips had begun to ache from smiling so long, someone finally said something, and it was who that person was that surprised them.
"Hey, Katara, what happened to your necklace?" Mai had asked curiously, noticing the strange yellow portion but unable to distinctly make out the design.
Everyone was now focused on the necklace to determine what Mai had meant, and Sokka was first to comment.
"Is that…what I think it is?" he inquired, further examining its yellow-blue color scheme and carvings. His jaw dropped when the realization hit him.
The couple nodded and smiled at one another happily, turning back to the group. "We're getting married," Katara announced happily, her blue eyes sparkling while unknowingly raising the pitch in her voice, unable to control the sheer excitement that was just itching to burst out at this second.
The room was utterly speechless, shock clear in nearly every face as jaws hit the floor.
Toph was one of those few who didn't have much a reaction. She cocked an eyebrow, "C'mon, don't tell me you are all shocked by this?" she questioned as if it were an everyday occurrence, hearing the two were engaged. "We should have seen this coming since the beginning…" Toph chuckled, "Especially you, Sokka. Weren't you always around when they were spreading their 'oogies'?"
Sokka grimaced in disgust, "Don't remind me…" Sokka looked to his sister and her new fiancé, his expression fading and forming into a considerate, congratulated smile. "I'm happy for you two, believe it or not."
The couple smiled and Aang spoke up, "Looks like we're gonna be brothers soon."
Aang was startled when a hand fell upon his shoulder. "And you my son," Hakoda stated, smiling. "But Toph's right. We all saw it coming."
"You'd have to be blind not to," said Zuko. "No offense, Toph."
The blind girl shrugged, "None taken."
Everyone then stepped up to congratulate the couple on their engagement; however, Nianzu stayed in the corner, admiring the couple from afar. He felt he didn't deserve the right to congratulate them... He felt it was his fault they were nearly deprived of their happiness. He remembered how angry Katara had been with him just a month ago, outraged at how she had to hold him as he died in her arms. It made his heart start to ache.
The airbender looked away from the couple, heading out into the balcony in a seemingly angered fashion. Aang noticed him head outside and told Katara he was going to go speak with Nianzu before sharing a kiss with her. She told him to hurry back and he departed, proceeding for the sliding doors leading to the balcony.
Nianzu leaned against the parapet that prevented anyone from simply walking off the edge and falling to their death. . He was staring at the orange sunset, watching as it gradually set while he fidgeted with his fingers, twisting and turning them almost unknowingly.
"Hey..." Aang spoke up, slightly startling the opposite airbender.
Nianzu looked over his shoulder but looked back towards the sun almost instantly.
Aang joined him at the edge, leaning against it now as well. "You alright?"
"Peachy..."
Aang cocked an eyebrow. "You don't seem it."
He shrugged, refraining from eye contact. "I don't wanna get in your way is all."
"What are you talking about?"
Nianzu groaned and managed to look at his uncle, "I...just don't wanna get in the way of you and your new family."
"Our family..." the younger boy reiterated for Nianzu, who scoffed.
"Our family?" he questioned, scoffing again. "Aang, don't try to make me feel better. You and I both know well that Katara and the rest of you secretly hate me, you can't even look at me without seeing a monster in your eyes..." he stated, shrugging a bit, "Except maybe Sokka. I don't know..."
"Nianzu, they've all accepted you. If it weren't for you, who knows what the world would be like at this very moment?"
Nianzu turned and glared at Aang as if he was crazy, "And if it weren't for me, none of this would have happened in the first place."
A sigh came from Aang. "Look, a wise monk once told me: We can't concern ourselves on what was. We must act on what is."
"What does that even mean?" asked the older man, annoyed by his own confusion.
"It means that we can't change what happened in the past, be it even five minutes ago. But we just gotta make the best out of whatever came out of it."
Nianzu rolled his eyes in disbelief, "Yeah, well that's not as easy as it sounds."
The younger boy shrugged and grinned a bit, "Trust me, it is." He nudged Nianzu's shoulder, causing him to turn back and look Aang in the eye. "When I got out of the iceberg that trapped me for a hundred years and found out the Fire Nation killed my people, you would not believe how upset I was, and how guilty I had felt for running away. I've had my own share of guilt, Nianzu. But you know what? If I hadn't ran away, I would have never met Katara. And meeting her is the best thing that's ever happened to me..."
Nianzu made a contemplative hum and returned his gaze to the sunset. The two remained silent for several minutes. Nianzu himself seemed to be thinking over something. He wasn't starting at the sunset like before. His eyes were directed towards it, but his eyes were empty, staring into the open plain that was every person's field of thought, where numerous ideas and thoughts roamed free like a peaceful herd of wildlife.
After what seemed like forever, Nianzu finally spoke again. "I don't know what to do with myself anymore..."
Aang cocked an eyebrow, humming in question.
"These past three years I've always had a goal. First it was to somehow get into contact with spirits, and then the whole thing with Tomark started, and since then my ultimate goal was to destroy him...and now that that's done I-I..." he stuttered, almost seeming surprised by what came out of his mouth next, "...I just don't know what to do with myself anymore." He glanced at Aang, "To be honest, I expected to be dead by this point..."
"Well that's no way to think..." stated Aang.
Nianzu groaned again, but smiled lightly, "You know, it surprises me we're related, y'know that?"
Aang scoffed, "Yeah, well it surprises me you actually unlocked all your chakras, seeing as how you always stare at your guilt and self-shame..."
"That reminds me," Nianzu began. "What are chakras anyways?"
"Spiraling pools of energy in our bodies," answered Aang, feeling a sense of self-worth within him for being capable of explaining chakras to another soul when he once was also clueless towards chakras.
"Yeah, I figured something like that..." he sighed. "So, why is my guilt and shame a bad thing when it comes to these things?"
"Well for one, shame blocks your fire chakra, which is located in your stomach. It deals with willpower, which is something you clearly have, but all that shame you have prevents it from being thoroughly unleashed. You're afraid you'll make more mistakes, so you just try to do what you can; only acting on what you feel is best in your heart, but still in a cautious and unsure nature."
"And the guilt?"
Aang shrugged, "I'm pretty sure you can figure that one out yourself. I can tell just by the look on your face that you're harboring a lot of guilt inside you, that you undoubtedly see in yourself all the time. It blocks your water chakra, which is heavily reliant on pleasure."
Nianzu sneered at himself, "I think we've already established I don't have any of that in my life..."
"Pleasure doesn't just come from one's romantic involvement. Pleasure comes from all kinds of sources, even happiness and just simple friendship," stated Aang reassuringly. "You have friends, Nianzu. Even you can't doubt that."
"But happiness, Aang…" he snapped his head at his great-great uncle, staring at the younger boy with cold, scornful eyes. But they didn't seem to be directed at Aang, but instead at himself, "…happiness is something I don't think I've ever truly had. If I ever had it, even at the youngest stages of my life, Tomark took it from me, and replaced it with anger right afterward. He had control over my whole life. I truly loved my parents; they never harmed me or mistreated me, nor had they neglected me for my abilities. But Tomark couldn't allow that. In order for his plan to succeed, I had to form a cause that involved spirits, and I would have to devote everything in my being. I had to believe everything else in my life was worthless, that it all depended on completing a single mission that would give me something to feel like I deserved to actually exist in this world."
Aang stayed attentive as his nephew continued, but found it all very disturbing and sick, for someone to take away another's happiness in exchange for anger, hatred, and complete and utter question for his own existence.
"My anger for Hakoda was never as great as I had portrayed. In all honesty, I remembered that at first, I was indeed angry for him leaving us. But after some thought, I understood why. He had a tribe of warriors to protect, warriors with families at home. Why should he risk their lives, just for the sake of aiding some teenagers who were jumping from one village to the next? It's not like we weren't able to protect ourselves. Even if Hakoda's ships hadn't come, those firebenders still would have attacked, and at the time, Varun and I might not have been skilled enough to beat them at all, and even with my airbending, we'd be completely outnumbered and outmatched. At the very least, Hakoda and his warriors made it easier for us to escape."
"How did you find out? I mean about Tomark, controlling your life?" asked Aang, a bit shaken by the idea that a spirit could have the ability to manipulate and shape an individual's mind and memories in according to their desires.
"That's one thing Tomark was good at—revealing each and every plan he had just before it would be executed. He told me about how he'd been in control of my life since the beginning, that he'd done something similar to Fire Lord Sozin, manipulating his good-natured spirit with the lust for imperialism and power. Tomark told be all about it right before…" Nianzu's voice halted immediately, stuck in its own tracks as he thought back on that day. A small droplet of water formed in his left eye and dripped off his eyelid, coursing down his light, tan skin and over the still-fresh, skin-shredded scratches that Tomark left as a permanent reminder of all his mistakes. As the tear was absorbed by a bandage over his highest scar, remnants of the salty liquid sunk into the wound and made it sting slightly, causing the memory of his village's assault flashed before his eyes. "…right before he attacked Kisha, my home…" He took a sharp breath as his eyes shut closed; the pain of the words that would roll off his tongue next made his entire body shake. "It's my fault my parents are dead…"
Aang's expression depicted melancholy. He heard about the attack in the news, and that there had been many casualties. But he never even knew that Nianzu's parents were dead, much less that they were of those casualties. He felt like he knew where Nianzu was coming from, blaming himself for something he couldn't prevent. He knew the same pain from when he had learned his people were killed after he ran away, and blamed himself for it. His and Nianzu's past seemed to have many similarities... But Aang could never say his and Nianzu's lives have been equally difficult. Nianzu's was on a whole different level. It made Aang finally gather why he was always so quiet and isolated. He was afraid.
"Nianzu…" Aang began with sympathy, but Nianzu already knew what Aang was about to say.
"Don't you even think about saying I shouldn't blame myself!" he intercepted, his voice growling as his bloodshot eyes darted at the younger man, grabbing Aang's collar with a single hand and balling the cloth in his fist. "You were not there! You aren't the one who led the Manarki to your home, cornered your parents in a barn only for them both to be killed by falling debris and an ice shard through the spine!"
His eyes were wide, struck with a sudden fear before it diminished, replaced by self-pity. He felt empathy with Nianzu, knowing what it was like to be told something wasn't your fault, but unable to separate yourself from that looming guilt no matter how much you forgave yourself and accepted it.
Nianzu took a relaxing sigh and released his grip. "I'm sorry…"
"Don't be; you are right. I don't know what that's like. I wasn't there when the Fire Nation attacked my people. I couldn't have protected them at all…"
"You couldn't do anything about it," Nianzu reassured him.
They each grew silent, the dead air whistling past their ears as they stood there rummaging through their own thoughts.
Nianzu held out his palm and stared at it, once again attempting to yield it as he had been able to before. His face clenched up, veins tightening up within his flesh and a bead of sweat forming on his temples, teeth grinding. His head began to ache incredibly. Inside, he was struggling to find that power that lurked within him that had built up in order to be released to grant him the incredible power he had unleashed on Tomark. He was searching through all his emotions, trying to find the one that could power such an amazing ability. Was it his willpower, the drive to continue fighting no matter, or was it something else? Something he had only felt for a moment but was enough to grant him that ability? What, what could it have been? He tried to remember what he was feeling when he had unleashed the energy before, but he came up blank, and it was irritating him on the inside. All he could remember was his great-grandfather's voice, telling him to "become energy." But how does one actually become something that can be so pure, yet so corrupted with its own raw power to be possible for a single being to control without destroying himself completely?
"What are you doing?" Aang spoke up finally, eying Nianzu with confusion and the implication that he felt there was something wrong with the other airbender.
Nianzu snapped out of his state, simply sighing upon another failure. "Why can't I do it…?" he asked himself, unknowingly speaking aloud.
"Do what?" asked Aang, still confused.
"Energybend… I just don't understand, Aang," he said, turning his gaze to him, "How was I able to control energy long enough to defeat Tomark when I was on the brink of death, but when I try to create even a fraction of that, all I get is a massive headache."
"Like I said before, I seriously doubt you ever actually unlocked all your chakras, like the Sunachi claimed. Maybe something else enabled you to energybend?" said Aang, encouraging Nianzu to speculate ulterior reasons that enabled him to access the ability.
He didn't have many factors to consider about the matter, but was able to immediately grasp one in particular.
"I heard my great-grandfather's voice…" he turned to Aang, growing more serious as to not sound crazy, "…Your brother's voice."
"You heard Sojin?" Aang sounded almost shocked. Recently Aang had begun wondering if his brother ever even learned of their siblinghood. Even after his passing, could he have somehow discovered the startling truth while in the Spirit World? It was a possibility…but if he had, why hadn't he tried to contact him, his older brother?
"I did. While Tomark was attempting to corrupt me, turn me into a Manarki, I heard his voice in my head. It was faint, yet so clear and loud all the same." Nianzu paused a moment, thinking back. "He encouraged me not to give in. Said I had a trait most people are never granted—that I had a spirit of pure light. He said I could achieve anything I struggle for because of it. He then told me to use it against Tomark, and become energy itself."
Aang looked dumbfounded. He cleared his throat, smiling lightly as if he were about to mock someone. "Um, Nianzu, not to say my brother's a wacko or nothing, but…well…I don't believe him."
Nianzu glared at him, "What part don't you believe?"
"Well, I do believe that part about achieving anything one struggles for. But that doesn't just apply to you. That applies to all humans, to all living creatures. Anything we set our mind to can be accomplished. There was a time humans believed we could never fly like birds or even the Sky Bison. Then one day a human began mimicking the actions of the bison, and eventually we could fly just like them. It only took training and determination, just as anything does."
"The part about a pure spirit, though?" Aang shook his head and tried to hold back his light chuckle. "I don't even know what to say to that. It's completely… Well, it sounds like he's trying to make you sound perfect. Like you are supposed to be some kind of 'Chosen One', who's supposed to fight darkness head-on or something."
"Well aren't you a 'Chosen One'? Being the Avatar and stuff? It was your destiny to defeat the Fire Lord and save the world. And you used energybending to do it. Don't you think you had to have something pure inside you to energybend an evil that strong?" questioned Nianzu forcefully.
"Look, all I'm trying to say is that it's a hard thing to swallow considering how much you've been through. I had to unlock all my chakras before I was able to energybend." He examined Nianzu for a moment and furrowed his brows, "You might have unlocked at least half of yours." He took a breath and paused, "Alright, alright… Maybe I'm just a bit skeptical about it," he said, leaning with arms crossed against the parapet. "It's hard for me to believe anyone in this world, even an Avatar, to have a pure spirit."
His voice softened, nearly quivering. "After everything I've seen—all the lies, the betrayal, the corruption, the violence…all the death and darkness that takes place in this world. When I compare it to how the monks viewed the world—as a piece of art and life—it's like someone threw mud all over the beautiful canvas that represents our world." He wiped his eyes with his sleeve, remembering examples of all the bad stuff that tainted the world the monks had always taught him the view. "Sometimes…I feel afraid to even bring a child into this world because I'm afraid some of that mud will splatter onto him, and they too will be subjected to some of the cruel things this world has to offer, and I'm powerless to stop it without isolating them from the rest of the world."
"And that's why I'm afraid… I never thought I'd fear the day that Katara became pregnant with my child. I always thought I'd be excited and ready and—"
"Whoa, wait a second!" Nianzu cut him off abruptly, shaking his head and fearing that he misheard. "Did you just say Katara's pregnant?"
Aang dropped his head into his arms and groaned as if he had blown someone's surprise. "Yeah…yeah, you heard right," he murmured, his head still buried.
"T-that's great, right?" Nianzu asked as if Aang were being upset for nothing. "Aang, I know I'm not always the most optimistic one in the family, but I don't think you should be afraid of something like that. Not a one of us even. This might not be my most reassuring statement, but there's no way your kid is going to grow up smart and strong if they don't understand what the world is like. If they think it's all sunshine and roses, what will happen when they do go through the downsides of life? They won't just fall apart, Aang. They will be destroyed—their whole lives will crumble because they won't know what to do. You won't be helping them. You'll be setting them up for their own downfall."
He raised his head from his sleeves, looking rather ashamed in himself for getting so dramatic. "I guess you're right… But that doesn't mean I'll like it."
"I don't blame you…"
They both heard the balcony doors open and they turned to face Iroh coming out to join them. He had what looked to be a friendly, conversational look on his face, but his amber eyes themselves were serious and stern.
"Aang, mind if I talk to Nianzu alone for a bit?" the former general asked.
Aang glanced at Nianzu and they both shrugged. "Sure, go ahead," said Aang and he proceeded back inside.
"Hey…" Nianzu called after Aang with only one foot back inside. He turned and faced Nianzu, allowing him to continue. "Congratulations."
Aang smiled gratefully, lightly blushing and said, "Thanks," before heading back inside.
Iroh closed the door after Aang had gone back inside, and began approaching Nianzu, his face growing more serious with each step. "You and I need to talk."
When Aang stepped back inside, it was like a party was taking place. Everyone was standing around laughing, telling jokes and stories, while drinking warm cups of Iroh's famous teas. Aang scanned the room for his fiancé, finding her surrounded by her brother and father. She looked rather annoyed, yet still smiling and laughing. Sokka was chattering into her ear about something, so Aang quickly deduced it was her brother that was mixing her with annoyance and happiness all at once. Seeing her there was enough to make his worries from just minutes ago fade away. Inside, he knew that as long as he had her, they had nothing to worry about. He smiled and approached them. Hakoda was admiring his daughter's new betrothal necklace.
"Y'know, Aang, I must say I'm surprised," said Hakoda with a wide smile. "When you told me the design you had in mind, I didn't think you'd pull it off to be honest." He shrugged, "Guess when it comes to determination, anything's possible."
Katara's jaw dropped. "Wait a second—you knew of this?!" she asked her father, rather shocked.
"Of course he did," Aang answered for the chief. "What, you really think I'd request your hand in marriage without your father's permission? C'mon, Katara, you know me better than that."
"You should," Sokka interrupted. "Considering how last time you didn't ask permission for something concerning her you got an earful of it," he continued, snickering a bit.
Aang shrugged and sat down beside his fiancé, practically taking Sokka's seat from him as he wrapped his arm around her, "I learned my lesson. Don't 'borrow' the chief's daughter without permission." He gave a thumb up to the chief, "Gotcha."
Hakoda chuckled, "At this point, I think you're doing a lot more than 'borrowing' her."
Aang and Katara shared glances and both began to laugh, trying to hold in the irony of Hakoda's statement. He was right. By now, they were doing more than they ever had before. Now was probably the best time to tell them both of the pregnancy than to wait until she started showing symptoms. Aang started becoming nervous and cowardly, but he tried to hide it.
"What's so funny?" Sokka demanded.
The two looked to each other again, "Think we should tell them?" Katara asked her boyfriend.
"Now is a good time as any," answered Aang, stealing a kiss on her cheek. He was able to keep up the act. Really, he wasn't all that ready. In fact, he almost just wanted Katara to tell them both while he stood in another room. Not out of fear of injury, but more just of the awkwardness and how nervous he was to have to reveal this shocking, yet amazing, news to the people who would soon help make up his own family. He had been giving Hakoda's blessing to marry his daughter, but nowhere in that blessing was he given permission to impregnate her before marriage, which was traditionally against their culture. What made it worst was that he couldn't somehow justify himself by explaining it was normal in his culture because, as far as he knew, there were no established marriages; only eternal partnerships where an arranged couple would reproduce children without the knowledge of what would become of them. At least, that's what Aang had picked up.
Nevertheless, his anxiety would have to be faced, because it seemed Katara was set on revealing the news to them now.
"Okay, now I'm lost," said Hakoda, cocking an eyebrow at the couple. "What are you two hiding?"
Aang got up from his seat, trying to keep up the impression he and Katara had planned the timing of the revelation. "We aren't really hiding anything, Hakoda." He shrugged, making up his next few words in his head, "Just waiting for the right moment I guess." Aang took a breath to ease his nerves. He wouldn't be able to keep up this act much longer. Soon enough he'd be at a loss for words, trying to find the right way to tell the water chief what he had done. Unfortunately each time Aang had thought up what seemed to be a valid manner of how to approach the subject matter, it continued to sound as if he were confessing to a crime. In a way, he somehow felt that was the only way to keep from completely insulting the chief's tradition. It would just have to do, unless he was just going to stand there with a blank mind.
"Can we talk privately for a moment?"
Hakoda shrugged, still lost as to what the engaged couple were planning, as Aang began to lead him away from his children and into the dining room where another, yet much smaller, balcony situated and the advanced out onto it. Meanwhile, Katara led Sokka, who was equally confused as his father was, out into the hallway. She was anticipating his reaction would be rather distracting to the others, and like Aang had preferred the conversation be made in private. It seemed best that her brother and father had learned of her pregnancy before the rest of the group.
Katara closed the door behind her and faced Sokka, who had his arms crossed and was staring at her expecting an explanation for dragging him out here. Katara took a deep breath. She had been acting as if this would be easy, no big deal whatsoever. But inside, her heart was pounding. She didn't actually know what to think. She was happy and excited about bearing Aang's child, but at the same time afraid. She didn't know why. She had practically acted as a mother towards Sokka when they were kids. She had her own experience. She just felt like she wouldn't be good enough as a mother.
She wiped her mind clean of these thoughts. Right now she just had to break the news to her brother. How hard could that be?
"So why'd you drag me out here?"
"Because there's something I have to tell you. About Aang and me…" she began, trying to calm her nerves and look Sokka in the eye, which was proving more difficult with each passing second.
"So why isn't he out here with you?"
"He's telling Dad the exact same thing I'm about to tell you."
He rolled his eyes, "C'mon, Katara… I'm not going to punch him or anything unless he does the same to you. And the odds of that ever happening are one in a million. Whatever you can say to my face, so can he." Sokka smiled, trying to prove to his sister she could trust he wouldn't overreact.
It seemed to work. She was able to finally calm her nerves and she took one last deep breath before letting the news just flow like water.
"About a month ago, after Aang and Dad set things straight between them… well, you know Aang and I had some alone time afterwards, right?"
Her brother simply nodded, urging her to continue.
"Well, we sort of… Well, we kinda…" She groaned and sighed, wishing she could just say it like it was nothing. She used her hand to rub her temples a bit and letting it just jump right out of her mouth. "We had sex and now I'm pregnant, okay?!"
Sokka's crossed arms fell to his side and his draw dropped and his eyes widened. He was struck off guard with unimaginable shock. He tried to conjure up some words but only managed to stutter.
"Sokka?" she called her brother's name, worried by his silence.
Out of nowhere he began laughing uncontrollably. "F-for a second there, I could have sworn you said that you and Aang had sex…" he took a moment to laugh again, "…and that you are pregnant!"
She felt like she was shrinking as she turned dropped her head some and her cheeks were flushed with crimson. "I did…" she muttered.
His laughter ceased and he stared at her. "Well…that's uh…that's…" He began to drawl before he suddenly dropped to the floor like a ragdoll and passed out. Katara rushed to her brother's side, trying to keep in an inner laughter. She knew he would evoke some kind of reaction…but fainting? She didn't expect that. And in a strange, inappropriate way, it was somehow hilarious to her. Though she had to remind herself he wasn't messing around. If he were, he knew she would bark his ear off for scaring her like that.
She began calling his name and shaking him as if he wouldn't wake up from a nap. Gradually he regained consciousness and his eyes shot open all of a sudden, like waking up from a bad dream. Coincidentally that's exactly what he thought it was.
He picked himself up and sat upright in order to regain his focus. Once he became clear of what happened, he turned to his sister with pleading eyes.
"Please tell me I didn't just hear you say you're pregnant…" he begged, yet somehow knew deep inside his prayers would not be answered.
Her crystal blue eyes had cast away from his when her cheeks flushed again. Her expression alone revealed the truth for her and he groaned, letting his body fall back to the floor with his arms spread out. He closed his eyes and murmured something.
"Somehow I knew this was going to happen soon enough."
Katara's voice softened and quivered while her heart pounded against her chest and sweat began to form on her temples. "Sokka, don't be mad, please?"
Upon hearing his sister's plead of worry, he sat back up and placed a finger under her chin to raise her face so that it was level with his. He looked into her eyes with a warm smile. "Katara, I'm not mad. Maybe not exactly thrilled…but I'm not mad. I'm just…a bit shocked, okay?" he told her softly, trying to reassure her. "You're my little sister. How did you think I would react to that?"
"Aang thought you would punch him, for one."
"I won't lie—I considered it for a moment," he admitted. "But I promise you, I won't. Come here…" He embraced her in a comforting hug. Katara's heartbeat slowed to a normal pace and she relaxed herself in her brother's arms. It turned out that breaking the news to him was easier than she thought it would be…apart from Sokka's fainting. She chuckled softly.
The sun was at the peak of dusk when Aang and Hakoda escaped to the balcony. The sky's orange tint was diminishing and was close to being completely swallowed by the night, bringing to the city a shivering draft of cool air. It was a good thing they were both wearing long sleeves, for the night's winter breeze didn't feel far off. Aang leaned against the railing of the balcony, once again going over how he would tell his soon-to-be father-in-law. Even with that strategy in mind, it continued to be difficult to make those words stop being cowards and roll off his tongue. He tried to keep the mood at the most comfortable manner he could establish, even though he himself was probably the most uncomfortable one there. Hakoda just seemed to stand there, waiting in what soon turned to impatience. When Aang had asked for his blessing to have Katara's hand in marriage, he had only little trouble speaking his request. But whatever he seemed to need to talk about now was making him apparently sweat and look around awkwardly. Hakoda had to admit though. He was beginning to feel awkward, too. He tried to keep his mind off it by rummaging through the topics Aang might have found important to be spoken about in private, rather than public.
There were not many options Hakoda had to choose from. They could be deciding to move away from the Southern Tribe, to live at one of the Air Temples or somewhere secluded so they could live together peacefully without the political repercussions of living somewhere urban? That was a great possibility actually, seeing as how Aang didn't always enjoy the "perks" of being the Avatar. Another option might have been that they were going to travel the world together as they had done before, and Aang simply wanted his blessing for this as well considering how the chief had disapproved of it only months ago. There were many things the world offered that they hadn't experienced yet, and perhaps they just didn't want to be tied down to one place.
No doubt about it, the strongest thought was certainly the most— Actually, he couldn't really describe how he felt about it. He almost hoped it wouldn't come true. Inside he was nearly begging for it to be anything but that. He examined Aang's facial expressions again, and discovered numerous emotions surging within the muscles of the younger man's face. Hakoda related these emotions to the ones he felt at a specific moment in his life, and it was almost heart-stopping how similar they were. The chief now knew exactly what this was all about, and it took all his strength to keep his mouth shut so that Aang would have the opportunity himself to say what needed to be said. It wasn't Hakoda's right to deprive him of that.
While Hakoda was coming to the realization of what Aang was about to tell him, the airbender was finally able decide he should just come out and be blunt about it. He didn't have to stall by going on and on about how he loved Katara and that he would do everything in his power to keep her safe and happy. He'd already done that when he asked for the blessing of marriage. There was no point repeating it. But Aang found he couldn't just be that frank and say, "You're daughter's pregnant." Perhaps he could just give it all a little structure… He had the perfect beginning: how all their plans to be married and have a family began.
"Since Yu Dao, Katara and I have planned to get married and start a family one day. I don't know if she ever told you this, Hakoda, but when she saw the Mayor and his family, a mix of Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom, she saw a vision of the two of us and what our family would be like if we were like the Morishitas. We were older, she said, maybe even married. She was holding a baby wrapped in a Water Tribe blanket in her arms."
Hakoda listened intently, maintaining direct eye contact with Aang. The boy had just proved that Hakoda's suspicions were true.
"A month ago, the night I asked for your blessing, Katara came into my room later in the night…" Aang tried to keep the conversation rolling, but it was growing more awkward with each word that slipped off his tongue. "We kissed a bit, and I thought that was all we were going to do. We didn't plan it, nor was it intended. It just…" he shrugged, "It just happened. To be honest, by morning, I didn't think it was all a big deal. I could remember it so clearly, but Katara acted as if it had never happened. She seemed like normal. I guess it might have been she didn't want to draw attention to it..." He realized he was stalling again, carrying on something that should have been digressed by this point. He sighed again, and his cheeks flushed with the crimson blood beneath his skin, "I…We made love, Hakoda. And you're daughter is pregnant. I can't explain it in any way better. I'm sorry."
It took some time for Hakoda to accept this. While he saw it coming by this point, it was still proving difficult for him to simply let it go in one ear and come out the next, and show complete support. He trusted Aang, and loved him. But it wasn't just about that. It was more. This was the man who was going to marry his daughter, and had impregnated her. That was where he was halted in his own steps. His little girl, who used to have snowball fights with her brother against her mother and father, was now considered grown up, ready to start a family of her own. It felt like time had continued without him. Time was ready for her to grow up, and he always felt he would be, too. But he wasn't. He wanted his little girl back. He wanted his wife back, so they could finish their war of snowballs, when that was the only war that existed to their family—before an actual war nearly destroyed it.
He could see that little girl, with her cute giggle and innocent face. She was still, as if a doll placed on display. She slowly grew, becoming a depressed child. She was eight at this age, when she lost her mother. She continued to grow, but her expression hardly changed. It got worse, seemingly displaying detachment. It stayed that way up until her aging brought her to the age of fourteen. At first, the same expression remained on her face, but as the fourteen-year-old image grew up, it began to disappear, becoming a fun smile. Out of nowhere, an image of the twelve-year-old Aang developed next to her, smiling widely as Katara's aging continued. The transitioning of her fourteen-year-old self went slower than the others. The fun smile became one of true happiness. Hakoda saw the pattern change once Aang appeared. She was fifteen, they were holding hands, and she was as happy as she had been before the age of eight. The evolution continued to her present age. Her smile shrunk, but it wasn't necessary for it to be large. The glow on her face summed up her happiness.
It all happened in his mind. The world had vanished around him, and all he could see were the images of his daughter and her love. Hakoda knew what this was. It was his conscience showing him what he had to realize. She was growing up, and when once she was depressed and detached, she was now happy and thankful for what she had. He couldn't get back his little girl, but he could watch her grow. That's what he needed to accept. Let her spend the rest of her life with the one she loves, and the children they would bring into this world.
Aang took note of Hakoda's silence and could see he was still trying to process this. Was he angry with him? Aang certainly hoped not, but as a precaution, he continued.
"I know it is not usual in your culture for her to be pregnant before marriage, and I apologize for that deeply. We didn't intend it; you have to realize that. If I could have it any other way, I'd almost wish she wasn't pregnant just yet." Aang quickly realized that didn't come out as well as he had meant for it. "I mean, I'm happy that she is. Really I am. I'm glad she's pregnant. I just wish she wasn't right now. I mean, I'm not against it. But it's not like I have any say in the matter. I-I'm just trying to say that—"
Hearing the younger man stutter and trip over his own words and thoughts made Hakoda laugh. He couldn't help it. He just burst out laughing after watching Aang stutter and contradict the words coming out his own mouth and trying to replace them. It was funny watching him squirm.
Aang groaned in embarrassment, his cheeks showing clear signs of this as he turned his head away from the chief, his shoulders slumping as Hakoda laughed at him. He felt humiliated by his own words. He just couldn't seem to explain it the way he meant to.
Hakoda's hand fell on Aang's shoulder and he gripped it firmly. The grip brought the boy out of his mortification and his light-gray eyes met with Hakoda's navy-blue ones. The chief smiled at him reassuringly.
"I get what you are trying to say, Aang. You've always been like that, trying to respect my culture and tribe as much as possible. But you have to remember, you come from an almost entirely different culture, and we have to respect yours just as much as we do our own. Having said this, I should also respect your choices, whether I agree with them or not, just as you do mine and Katara's."
"What I'm trying to say," Hakoda continued, "is that while I can't say I am exactly thrilled my daughter is pregnant, I can say that I am happy for you both, and you shouldn't be concerned about disrespecting me nor our culture. What you should be concerned with is your fiancé, and how you both are going to adjust into your new lives. How you want to raise your child, where to raise them, and stuff like that. You have to build your lives together, and try to incorporate as much as the culture of the Water Tribes and the Air Nomads as you can, so that your children can enjoy the privileges of being born into a multi-cultural family."
"So, you're not mad about…y'know," Aang said, feeling squeamish.
Hakoda gave a reassuring smile, "Not at all."
Aang breathed a sigh of relief, "Well, I guess I am glad that is over with." Aang chuckled, "Sometimes I wonder if there's a limit to the stuff you'll let me get away with before you finally do something to me."
A devious smirk formed from Hakoda's lips, "Maybe there is." He shrugged, "You may have already exceeded your limit without realizing it, and I'm just waiting for the right moment to lay one on you." The chief pounded his fist into his palm.
The younger man's eyes widened out of fear, and Hakoda laughed again, patting Aang's back hard, making Aang tense up a bit from the amount of pain it brought. "Relax… If I was going to hurt you, I would have done it already."
Aang rubbed his back where Hakoda had hit him as they headed back inside. He murmured to himself, "I think you just did…"
As Iroh came out onto the balcony, Varun, Lu Ten and Shin followed closely behind, also unaware of the intentions the former general had. He motioned for them all to take a seat at the table settled in the corner of the balcony. It was simply a couple wooden chairs with stuffing inside dark grassy-green fabrics on the seat and backrest, surrounding a circular wooden table with a blooming flower placed inside a flowerpot as the centerpiece. They all willingly took a seat, but each of them was suspicious and curious as to what this was all about. They found it best to wait for Iroh to speak up, since it had been he who had rounded them all up.
The old man cleared his throat, appearing very humble in his current robes and posture, conveying a master-like presence who was about to address to his students.
"Now, I believe there are some things that need to be addressed."
"I thought I already told you, Iroh…" Nianzu spoke up. He was able to clue in on what the old man was about to speak to them about, and he had already had this conversation with him before, on the airship back to Ba Sing Se after Tomark was defeated. "I don't want any special treatment. I only want them to be helped."
"Hold on, Nianzu," Varun interjected, sounding almost insulted. "What are you two talking about? We're right here, y'know? At least give us some insight here."
Lu Ten and Shin's faces expressed the same demand. Nianzu sighed. He had hoped it wouldn't have had to come to this. Nianzu had just hoped he could leave them one early morning, just disappear out of nowhere, out of their lives. They'd been inclined to follow him for years, and they never got to live their own lives. They'd either been drafted into the army to fight the war, or became part of his horribly misguided mission. If he weren't around to lead them, or for them to look to him for their next move, they would see the potential each of them possessed. They would forget about him, and seek the lives they wished to live. Ultimately, that's all Nianzu ever wanted for them even before they joined him.
"On the airship," Iroh began, "I approached Nianzu about your current situation. The world is still in the belief that you four are terrorists, aimed to bring the fall of both the Fire Nation, and the Avatar. Many have even come to believe that you supported the war that ended three years ago, and are against the current setup of transforming the Fire Nation colonies and Yu Dao into a unified nation where all benders and non-benders can exist. I am inclined to believe that the public is simply just trying to find valid cause for the actions taken place."
"Well, we know we messed up," Shin interrupted, "but isn't there any way we can get the public to…I don't know, forgive us or something?"
Iroh shook his head, seeming quite unhappy for the fact. "Unfortunately, the public has always remained faithful to their personal beliefs. If we were to do that, they would surely believe the world's governments were corrupted by being bribed. They would think it's all a conspiracy."
"So we're screwed? Basically, we can't show our faces in urban areas. We have to hide out in remote locations where the world doesn't know who we are?" Lu Ten stated, crossing his arms and offering his opinions of how to address the circumstances.
The old man smiled with respect to the firebender, "That is actually a quite plausible solution. In fact, it is one of the few my organization and I were able to come up with. Many others were quite absurd and would frankly not be accepted well. Some proposed Avatar Aang could speak publicly with Nianzu and you three beside him, and he could address the public that it had all been a misunderstanding, and you were all manipulated into your acts; however, as I said before, the public would suspect conspiracy or come up with other beliefs that we don't need exposed. We even proposed simply have you all go on trial, and request banishment."
"That wouldn't work," Varun stated. "Let me guess, the public wouldn't agree and would demand execution. If it was not followed through, they might come for us themselves."
"Precisely…"
Shin shot up from his seat and groaned, approaching Iroh, "Look, I know we made mistakes, and we can't just make them go away! But if they think we're dead, what's the point of all this? They think we died during the attack on Kisha!"
"I know how you feel, Shin," assessed Iroh, trying to keep his voice calm and assuring. "But it's not that easy. Half the world knows your faces. Even if you all moved to remote locations, surely someone would recognize you! News of your survival, not to mention your relocations, would get out! The public would be infuriated to learn of this, and your lives would be at stake."
Shin calmed down. He didn't like the fact they couldn't just roam the streets freely, but he understood and went back to his seat, crossing his arms. "So, what are we supposed to do?"
Varun turned to Nianzu, who didn't understand why his long-time friend remained silent, and for some reason refused to take part in the conversation. Why was he considering what Iroh was trying to do for them a type of "special treatment," when he seemed only focusing on helping the rest of them? It made no sense. That is, unless he wanted to take full blame for the events taken place in the months prior to now.
"What is it, Nianzu?" asked Varun.
Nianzu turned his head away, "Nothing…" he said insistently. Nianzu sighed, though he hadn't meant to as spoke to himself in a quiet murmur he had intended to keep in his head. "I just don't know…"
The balcony became silent when they heard Nianzu speak. Only Varun was able to respond, believing Nianzu would tell him anything he asked.
"What don't you know?"
Nianzu glanced at Varun, almost about to speak before stopping himself. He looked confused, questioning his own thoughts. It took a moment for him to speak. "I just don't know what I want. I don't know how I want to end up."
Iroh motioned for Lu Ten and Shin to approach him, considering this was a conversation Nianzu would feel more comfortable having if it were between him and his longest friend. The three of them stepped to the side to the other end of the balcony. From this distance, they could barely hear the words being spoken between the two so long as their voices remained at the same volume.
Varun allowed Nianzu to continue, and he listened closely and considerately.
"I've done many wrongs, and since we befriended Aang and the others, they insist we should be forgiven for those wrongs. They continue to offer ways out of this mess, to clear our names as if we've been falsely accused. But that fact is, we—no, I—am guilty. I feel that if I am suddenly pardoned for the crimes I committed, I'm receiving special treatment just because I'm related to the Avatar."
"It wasn't you doing those things. At least, not at your own will. It's not like you out of nowhere just decided to start attacking people. The Manarki, Tomark, was guiding you wrongfully," explained Varun, trying to get through to his friend for a final time. They'd had talks about this same thing dozens of times. It was starting to get on Varun's nerves. It was like Nianzu couldn't just accept that he's done more right than he has wrong, even if there were times he wasn't under influence. There were times Nianzu had acted without it. Guided, perhaps, but still under his own will.
"But you are not getting special treatment, Nianzu. Don't you see? They are your friends, just as I, Lu Ten, and Shin are. We want to help you. Not just because you were misguided or because of your relationship with Aang, but because of who you are. When you discovered the truth about Tomark, you devoted your life to stop him. And you did! You should have seen yourself! You were so close to death, but out of defiance to Tomark's tyranny and darkness, you became one of the most powerful things I've ever seen! You are a symbol—a true symbol that anyone is capable of choosing their own destiny."
"My father, my great-grandfather, once told me that destinies cannot be chosen…" Nianzu interjected.
"Nianzu, forgive me when I say this, but I think they got it wrong. A destiny is chosen. It has to be; based upon what you want from life."
"No, I think I know what they meant. I think…maybe…they meant that, while I cannot control what fate ultimately has in store for me, I can always control how I want to go about it. What I want to be. Who I am…"
"That's why, Varun. That's why I've never known what to do with myself. I've never allowed myself to…well, be myself. I've always been like a puppet. I didn't have to be under Tomark's control to be just that. I was lifeless, only few things I care for. They say caring for others is better than caring for yourself. But maybe they are wrong. If I can never focus on myself, just for a while, then I can never be myself. I don't know who I am, or what I want to be. I've always let fate control me like a puppet. That's why I was easily manipulated."
Nianzu turned to Varun with eyes of certainty. "Tomark may have pulled the strings, but I'm the one who became a puppet." His lips curved to a grin. Not happiness, nor mock. But more as if making a promise to himself. "It isn't special treatment, Varun. It's a chance to learn who I am."
That was it. Nianzu had always been able to think for himself, but he was never able to think of himself. He couldn't open up because he was too concerned for others, when he needed to concern more about him, too.
"Thank you, Varun."
"I did nothing," the waterbender insisted. "You came up with that yourself."
"No, I meant thank you for not giving up on me. I know, I'll never allow myself to forgive what I've done. If I do, then I'll never learn who I am. I need the guilt, the remorse, to remind me of what I was. That way, I can avoid it."
"I still don't see how I did anything to help you with that."
"Maybe you did, maybe you didn't. I don't know; maybe you are just in the right place at the right time. But what I do know is that I owe you an apology as well. I've done nothing but whine about my mistakes and how I regret them, and each time believed if I was punished, I'd forgive myself because I got what I deserved. But that's not right. If I did that, I'd just wallow in my own self-pity. I need my past actions to guide me in the right direction."
"What are you trying to say?" asked the waterbender, curious and nervous.
"I'm saying that we should listen to Iroh…" He got up from his seat, confident with an idea lurking in his mind. He walked up to Iroh with Varun following behind him. He still had that grin-like expression on his face as the old man faced him. Lu Ten and Shin did as well, and the four friends grouped together.
"I think it's time we made a decision," he told Iroh with confidence and sincerity.
Iroh hummed in acknowledgement. "My organization and I believe were able to come to an agreement on a solution; if you care to hear it that is."
"I'm all ears."
Iroh showed a hint of confusion. Moments ago, the airbender had remained neutral in the subject and showed little to no interest. Now he was fully participated in it, and was open to any suggestions. He brushed it off. It must have resulted from his chat with Varun.
"One of our most agreed upon methods of clearing your names originates from your first major act, when you attacked the Fire Nation Capital. In the beginning, after Zuko confronted you all, he was asked by the royal guards to give them your descriptions. Since Zuko only saw your faces clearly for a moment, it is possible he could have given false descriptions."
"But he didn't, for the most part that is. He got Nianzu's spot on," stated Varun.
"Everyone makes mistakes," Iroh retorted. "As far as Zuko knows, he could have simply seen a face that reminded him of someone else, and set that face as the description of his attacker. Even the public could disagree with that theory."
"So what, Fire Lord Zuko just up and says to the world that the posters of our faces were misled?" question Lu Ten, unconvinced it would work on its own.
"Yes; but there is more to it than that. After the attack on Kisha, many were led to believe it was you four who attacked the village when a force of unknown fighters interfered and defeated you all, presumably killing you all after trapping you in a burning home. Since you've explained it was instead the Manarki who attacked the village, and as an escape attempt had used dead bodies to pose as your own, we can use this to clear your names if we can somehow switch you from the attackers to the heroes," Iroh continued fluently.
"And how are you going to do that?" asked Shin curiously.
"Well there's no way we can just say so. That's where we need additional, and believable, support."
"Where are you going to get it? Furthermore, what about Aang's death? Besides us and the Beifong family, no one else knows he's alive," spoke Nianzu, making sure that every detail was addressed.
"We can get it from Aang himself. That's where the explanation of his death comes in. Even though Aang was never truly dead, and was instead in a comatose state, the world is still inclined to believe he was dead, especially after the funeral. We don't want to make everyone despise Aang for tricking them into believing he was dead. It would cause too much disruption. Many might even accuse Aang of being a disrespectful, dishonorable Avatar who faked his death simply so he could live alone and secluded, so that nobody would look for him. I can't say for sure, but in these circumstances, anything could arise. So, instead, we'll play close to the truth. Aang was indeed defeated and thought to be dead, before the Spirits granted him another chance at life."
Lu Ten shrugged in acceptance, "Makes enough sense, I suppose. But we still haven't covered how we are going to get anyone to believe we didn't attack Aang when Tomark used Nianzu to demand Aang's appearance when he made us attack Ba Sing Se. He said Nianzu's name and everything, not to mention that dozens of people saw his face."
Iroh sighed in disappointment, "This, I'm afraid, we cannot hide. That is where Nianzu and Aang must appear publicly to the city. We have to state the truth in this matter." Iroh turned his attention to the airbender with sadness, "I'm sorry Nianzu, but you can't make you disappear as easily as Lu Ten, Varun and Shin. You'll have to appear. There's no way we can clear your name without doing so."
Nianzu understood and nodded. "Perhaps it is right for me to do at least that. Have you gone over any of this with Aang yet?"
"Not entirely. Only some suggestions, but I'm sure he'll help us either way."
"Okay," Nianzu responded, "so what exactly am I going to have to do? What am I going to tell everybody?"
"Everyone knows you're an airbender, but they don't know how. This is where you and Aang will have to reveal you are related. The attack on the Avatar, however, I am not sure how you will address it. I'll just have to leave it to you."
Nianzu became silent. He hummed in contemplation and grabbed his chin in thought, stroking his beard a bit. He stayed that way for a while before he finally spoke again.
"I'll have to tell the truth, mostly that is. I don't want to mention the Manarki, though. They must be kept secret at all costs."
"I agree," added Iroh. "Such information could frighten people. That or lead to utter disbelief in your words. Already I don't see you making a public appearance to be a fairly peaceful event within the crowds, however if Aang can convince them to listen, it shouldn't be too hard. From then on, you are free to tell them whatever you want."
"However…" Iroh began to add, capturing everyone's attention. "Varun, Shin, Lu Ten… I'm afraid I have to ask a favor from you all."
The three shared glances. Nianzu looked away, almost knowing what was to come next out of Iroh's mouth.
"You three must be separated, and you must disappear…"
"What?!" they questioned in unison, utterly shocked.
"Nianzu by himself is enough to cause a scene. There could be more panic in the crowds than hatred from his appearance alone. If the three of you were to accompany him, also matching the descriptions on the posters, it could make the public even more frightful. They might see it as a threat," explained Iroh, trying to reason with the three. "And as we covered earlier, you all cannot simply relocate to the same place, no matter how rural or remote. If anyone found you three together, it would end badly, especially if you want to avoid attention. If we separate the three of you, and ensure you each move to a quiet area, you won't be suspected as easily."
"No." Varun retorted quickly and sternly. "I'm not running away. That's all we've been doing for the last few months. If Nianzu's going to reveal himself to the world, so am I."
"The same goes for me," added Lu Ten, crossing his arms.
Shin simply nodded, which was enough for the old man, who sighed along with Nianzu.
"You guys are acting like children," Nianzu huffed. He acted as if he opposed the idea of them joining him, but secretly he wished it could be that way. He agreed with Iroh. He didn't want anyone feeling threatened by his presence, nor did he want others hating them at the same level.
Varun wasn't going to let up. He's followed Nianzu all this time, been a friend to him. Now it was time for him to step up.
"So what if we are. You didn't do everything on your own. You had our help, which means we are equally guilty."
"I was your leader. You did as I asked. As far as the world's concerned, you are all just hired associates and nothing more."
"I don't care," Lu Ten spoke up. "You may have been our leader, but it wasn't like you had control over us. We wanted to help because we believed in your cause, and had nothing better to do in our lives. We came to think of you as a friend, not just a leader. And for that reason, I'm not just gonna hide my tail between my legs and walk away to some spirit-forsaken place where I'll never see the only friends I have ever again."
The airbender glanced at Shin, expecting him to back up the other two. The earthbender simply shrugged, "Lu Ten took most of his words out of my mouth. I'm not going to put my tail between my legs and walk away from you."
Iroh's lips curved to a half smile. Seeing these three with their persistence to stand by a common friend made him think of Aang and his friends. They were so alike, almost like they were an older version of them. It was a pity that the world thought of them as coldhearted, ruthless terrorists. If the world could just see them like this, and for only a moment forgot of their crimes, they might have a change of heart, and accept that they all regretted their past mistakes and wished to live among them. Though Iroh knew it wouldn't be easy. Even after three years, many still despised the Fire Nation because of its past actions during the war, regardless of the new Fire Lord. It would be years before they were fully accepted.
Nianzu smiled. Perhaps having them stand beside them wouldn't be so bad. They were like family to him, Varun specifically. It also made him sad.
"I'm stubborn, I know…" Nianzu openly admitted. "I guess… if you guys really have your hearts set on it, well then we will just have to deal with whatever comes our way afterward."
"Haven't we been doing that since the beginning?" joked Shin, chuckling some. He was right after all.
Jet stood with Longshot and Smellerbee atop the roof of a building under the glowing moon and starry sky. He was looking into a tea shop's window, where he could see most of the people inside, laughing, talking, and having fun. He had no intentions of catching their attention and revealing he had been allowed back in the Physical World for quite some time. There was no need. He completed his mission. There was no reason for any further delay of what was to come next.
"Don't you think she'll miss you?" asked Smellerbee. "If you just disappear all of sudden for no reason, won't you just worry her?"
"Nah," insisted Jet. His voice was soft and calm. "She won't miss me. She'll realize I'm gone, but it won't matter. She doesn't need me. She never did. She has Aang. No one's more capable of protecting her than him. I was just a substitute."
"I still think you should at least tell her why you have to go back." She crossed her arms. "That'd be something I'd like to know."
Jet turned to the girl, "You already do. Trust me, if it were my choice, I'd stay. But if I do, I just won't exist at all—physically or spiritually," he explained. "My time here is limited," he looked over his shoulder up at the window, where inside he could see a couple dancing, "but I just had to see her one last time before I go back."
"Why'd you come back in the first place if all you were going to do is leave? Actually, why did you seek us out is a better question," continued Smellerbee. She was offended, but Jet understood why. It was obvious.
"Like I told you, I didn't even know what I was doing until it was already done. I didn't even know who I was or what I was intending to do. But once Katara found out who I was, and I told her I didn't want you all to know, she said I was being selfish, and I felt it was right that you and Longshot knew," Jet explained.
Smellerbee sighed depressingly and turned her back to him. "I know…I know… I just… It doesn't seem right." She turned back to him, revealing a sad expression and a tear forming in her eye, "We already lost you once. It doesn't seem right that we lose you again."
Longshot nodded in agreement.
"It doesn't; I agree. But I'm no longer alive, Smell. If I were a normal spirit, I could stay as long as I wanted. But since I'm the spirit of a deceased, I can't exist in the physical world for long. If I do, I'll slowly fade away—I'll lose my memories, who I am, what I look like, who I've met… everything, and everyone who has ever even looked at me will forget me. I'll cease to exist, which is why I have to leave as soon as possible…"
"And since you came here, to see Katara, I bet this is where we part ways, right?" Smellerbee suspected. "How are you even going to get back?"
"The same way I found out why I can't stay here," said Jet, looking into the window again. "A spirit offered to save me by opening a bridge back to the Spirit World."
Out of nowhere, Smellerbee had dashed toward Jet and wrapped her arms around him, capturing him in a deep hug as tears began to drip down her cheeks. Longshot approached them both and set a hand on the girl's shoulder in order to comfort her. She continued to hug her former leader and longest friend. She wanted to remember this, remember him. He came back from the dead to help his friends, but now he had to leave. It was heartbreaking…but it had to be done. It was better he left and be remembered than stay longer and be forgotten.
Jet hugged her back, but disconnected the hug so that she would not be tempted to keep him in her grasp. Longshot helped her cope, showing little emotion. It was difficult for him. He wanted to show the same great sadness he felt within, but it was if his face muscles were unfamiliar with the notion of such emotion. The best he could do was what he always did: speak with his eyes. He then bowed to Jet with the utmost respect, and Jet did the same.
"I won't forget you guys. I promise," he vowed. He looked back up at the window, taking a final glance at Aang and Katara as they laughed and danced slowly, and he snuck a kiss on her lips, which she gratefully returned. It made Jet smile seeing them. He had always had a hard time letting her go, even after death. Now it was a necessity. She was happy and safe. That's all he really wanted he guessed.
As he did with the couple in the window, he took a final look at his two companions, and bowed to them both. The spirit that had contacted him had informed that the bridge back to the Spirit World would appear as the moon reached its apex in the sky. Judging from the moon's current position, that was about to occur in a mere matter of moments. And so it did. Behind them came a group of colors, bright and electric, and in a flash a swirling vortex of black and violet coalesced into being, spiraling electricity the color of blood surrounding it. An evil aura formed behind it, shadows conjoining into a being of pure energy for a brief moment, lavender orbs glaring dangerously from beneath of hood of black. The thing vanished as soon as it came, leaving the portal clear to enter.
Jet turned away from them and approached mystical doorway. He glanced at them over his shoulder and stepped through. The portal closed immediately behind him, bursting into pitch-black currents of ash.
He found himself in a dark room, devoid of any light. "Hello?" his voice echoed. This was unlike the portions of the Spirit World he had visited before. Never had he been in an area so lifeless and silent. He cautiously stepped forward, scanning for anything he could set his eyes on. "Is anyone here?"
A soft, yet deep growl erupted in the realm of darkness as a violet light in the shape of an eye appeared in front of Jet. He gazed upon the eye with confusion. "Are you the one who brought me here?"
"Welcome, Jet…" a low and husky voice spoke. "Glad you could make it."
"I appreciate—" Jet was cut off when something wrapped around his limbs, gripping them with great strength. He was pulled towards the illuminating eye out of his own will, swallowed into the darkness almost instantly. He couldn't speak. He couldn't hear. He couldn't see. He couldn't even think… He felt as if being ripped apart piece by piece as the darkness continued to swallow him.
The night went on for few hours more, finishing off with a collection of compositions presented by Iroh on the instruments he gathered from his teashop, with help from some members of the White Lotus. The night hadn't ended in the hotel, though. As the night dragged on, it became evident that their so called "reunion" was becoming more of a party, and many of them found it best they find an alternate location to prevent disturbing any of the other guests at the hotel. Thankfully, the Jasmine Dragon had been closed mostly since Iroh had to go away for something important, and so it was the perfect place to have a party without disturbing anyone else, so long as they did not deliberately try to wake the neighborhood.
They had all flown to the tea shop on Appa. The bison was fortunate that the flight was a short one lest he would not have had the strength to carry them far. But it was only a few blocks, and it took little effort to reach his destination. Afterward, the real party began. It was almost like a celebration for Aang and Katara's engagement and her pregnancy, which after having been revealed to Katara's brother and father was revealed to the rest of the group. It sparked even more joy, and quite a shock above all else.
Katara and Aang had danced during one of Iroh's most favored compositions, "Four Seasons." It was a slow and romantic dance, and they had taken a spot in the corner to do so, where they could be alone in each other's arms. It was the first time they had danced since they left the South Pole months ago. It was definitely something they missed doing.
Sooner than any of them expected, the night became quieter and less active, returning nearly to its previous state. It had still been nice to let loose for a while, more so than they'd been allowed to for far too long.
Nianzu was himself, and remained isolated from most of the party, leaning against the wall in a corner with most of his weight relying on one leg as the other was curled up with his boot against the wall, arms crossed.
He needed some fresh air, so he retreated from his spot against the wall and headed for the doors and out onto the patio. He didn't see any risk in doing so, unless normal people often went for literal midnight strolls.
Katara watched him leave as she and Aang and some others sat at the tables in the tea shop, of course enjoying some tea. She tried to take her mind off it. It didn't matter to her what he did anymore, right? She tried to convince herself that, but she still had some words to say to the airbender. Not all were pleasant; however, they weren't all harsh either.
"Aang, I'm going to go get a breath of fresh air, okay?" she told her fiancé, almost making it seem she were asking permission.
"Sure thing—not like I'm going anywhere," he smiled to her.
She nodded and stood up from her seat, excusing herself. She followed Nianzu out onto the patio to find him leaning against the balustrade with his arms crossed, focusing on the midnight of the city. It was weird for her, coming out here alone to see another airbender as she had with Aang when they had gotten together. She tried not to let that memory penetrate her mind in this situation. She had to keep from thinking of Aang too much, or else she might get hostile towards Nianzu again. She wanted to try and talk to him without threatening him or giving him the cold shoulder. Maybe at this point, it was the least he deserved. Maybe…
"Hey…" she suddenly spoke, startling Nianzu into a seemingly frightful gasp as he saw her face. He turned his face away from her, hiding the fact he had been frightened by her presence. How could he not be? He couldn't stop her if she were to attack him. And if she did attempt to attack him, she wouldn't make it known. Just as last time, when she had dug her ice-daggered nails into his arm, she could slip it by him, attacking before he even realized it was meant to be an attack.
"You don't let up, do you?" he said, sighing and turning to her. "Look, I'm sorry you got hurt fighting the Manarki—really, I am, and I do truly hope your injury doesn't cause you problems in the future. But the fact is, I can't change Aang's opinion of me, nor can I change yours. He treats me like a brother, but you unreservedly hate me."
Katara sighed, "I guess I don't…" she groaned, "Nianzu, I…I don't hate you, I just hate everything you did. Look, I'm not even sure anymore why I dislike you. Truth be told, I still don't like you…at all. But I don't necessarily hate you—anymore, that is."
"Why are you out here?" Nianzu demanded. She wasn't making much sense.
Katara shrugged and grabbed her shoulders when the chill of the winter night air brushed past them. "Every time I look at you, chills run up my spine and I can't help but remember what you did to him."
"I told you, I wasn't exactly under my own will," Nianzu argued.
"I know, but that isn't going to make me forget. Whether it was free will or not, it was still your body, your face, that I saw try to kill him. And to me, that's unforgivable. Too many people have tried to kill him in the past, and each time it was only for the glory of extinguishing the Avatar and gaining power."
Her voice had grown darker and angrier as she said those words. Each word she spoke identified exactly how she felt, so as she got closer to Nianzu, with each little step, he was clueless as to what she might do next. And that is what frightened him most about her. Anytime she spoke words that related to Aang being injured, she looked to be unstable, almost as if about to snap and break every bone in that person's body.
"It has never been personal… That is what aggravates me, Nianzu." Her eyes narrowed, casting an icy glare that sent chills down any man's spine. "I hate it. I hate when people try to hurt him. I hate it when people threaten innocents just to draw him out into the open!" She stomped her feet against the ground as she approached Nianzu, whose expression was of frightened curiosity. Her voice was growling as she raised her fist, seeking to punch him, "And most of all, I hate…" Her narrowed eyes suddenly widened. She couldn't say the words and remain angered. It was impossible. Her fist lowered and she looked at her feet. "…when they succeed…" she said softly, trying her hardest to hold back the water seeping out her eyelids.
"They take advantage of him… They use me to get to him, and he always falls for it."
"It's because he wants to keep you safe. He loves you," Nianzu claimed.
"I know he does, but sometimes that is his downfall. He can't see me hurt without blaming himself for it." She sighed, "And neither can I. That's why I was afraid of him taking your side. Even after you healed him, I couldn't help but believe all you were doing was trying to get him on your side. Aang and I, we fought again and again over the fact that I believed you were just trying to get to him. And as our fights got worse and worse, I began to believe you were trying to separate us so that you could get him where you wanted him, and I wouldn't be in your way."
"That was never my intention. I didn't want Aang to accept me. I didn't want anyone to, but they did. And as I got accustomed to fact that they did accept me, I felt welcome. But each time I saw you glaring at me with the utmost hatred, I was reminded of what I did. And you are right—what I did is unforgivable."
"I've always had a hard time trusting former enemies in the past. But Aang sees the good in everyone. That's a very rare trait these days. He's not just the Avatar, Nianzu…he's the one I look up to, the one I believe in more than anyone."
"I won't betray Aang, Katara. I would never…"
Katara raised her head and looked straight into Nianzu's eyes, "I'm going to hold you to that."
"I thought you said you couldn't forgive me?" question the airbender.
"I can't forgive what you've done. Don't be mistaken, I'm not forgiving you at all. But I am giving you a chance. One chance and that's all." Her eyes iced up again. "If you or any of the Manarki hurt Aang or my child, I will hold you personally responsible. And I will kill you. I've hesitated in the past, but I won't even think twice about it."
Nianzu nodded, unable to speak after staring into her icy eyes. She wasn't bluffing. There was no way she could be.
"Until then," Katara continued, "I'll ease up on you. I'll try and accept you the way the others have, for Aang's sake, and for the sake of my child. He might look up to you, especially since you will technically be his cousin."
"So what, we just act like you can tolerate me now or something?" Nianzu questioned.
"I'll shove aside my…aggression…towards you for now. I'll tolerate you, and eventually I may even grow to like you. But one more warning…hurt Aang, or my child…and Aang's former fate of being frozen…" her lips twisted into a malicious grin, an antagonizing chuckle slipping out. "Well let's just say you'll be wishing to be frozen for a century," Katara turned, leaving the patio and Nianzu to his thoughts.
The airship approached a small, remote island, surrounded by a field of pillars that harsh waves crashed against. The obstacles made it very difficult for most vessels, both small and large, to slip past and reach the island. In addition, a deep fog hid both the island and the pillars. In the past, it had taken small boats and a group of skilled waterbenders to navigate through the smoggy fog to evade the debris in order to reach the hidden land.
The island was an isolated encampment secured by thick stone walls with a five-story tower placed near the wall opposite the large gate, as well as a number of buildings also with a stone foundation. Wooden watchtowers lined along the walls of the compound, giving a complete view of events below and enabling guards to watch for anything approaching to grant or deny entrance, such as members of the organization in control of the island, or invaders. A large lion turtle design and ornate patterns adorned the outer gates in shades of indigo and oceanic-white.
There was a single dock extending out onto the pool of water surrounding the compound, where the harsh waves could not reach thanks to the field of pillars. The airship had now ceased its acceleration and was now decreasing altitude, slowly coming down and lining up with the docking bay, where the large aircraft could land. It was also in shades of blue and white. Once the vessel docked, a group of members exited the airship. They were dressed in indigo-colored uniforms with white details, a similarly colored cape and a Lotus patterned mantle around the shoulders, including a cowl and helmet with a small white Lotus insignia on the front. Following their exit, a pale man with amber eyes and black hair that reached down the back of his neck was directed out and onto the dock, his hands cuffed behind his back and short shackled around his ankles to keep him from running.
The leader of the group took his place up front, motioning for the others to follow. They had to walk up a few flights of steps to reach the gates. Once there, a guardsman looked down at them from the watchtower. He noted the man in custody, and sent him a disgusted glance. He wasn't the prisoner they all had hoped for, but he was good enough…
The two members of the White Lotus nodded at each other, and the large gates slowly swung open, allowing them all entrance into the Order of the White Lotus' headquarters. The man escorting Yuan, the prisoner, followed the leader of their unit inside, where Yuan was revealed to the reconstruction projects taking place. He took note of them. Something had attacked this compound recently, and from the looks of it, it had been a quite successful attack. The tower that stood at the back of the compound had a large hole in the wall on the fourth flood, where wooden construction posts were placed over it until it could be fixed.
Yuan also noted that many of the other buildings had taken some damage as well, but not as great. As he was escorted through the courtyard, they veered around an indent in the ground in the shape of a dragon's foot. The walls tried to hide it, but it looked like they'd been scorched with fire.
Yuan smirked, "Looks like you had yourselves a visitor."
Yuan was shoved in the back by the guard behind him, who had struck him with a wooden baton at the base of his spine.
"Silence, prisoner," the guard in front ordered firmly.
"Well, aren't you quite demanding? And here I thought I was a guest," stated Yuan to antagonize the guards.
The guard didn't turn back to acknowledge he even heard Yuan's remark. It was best to ignore any statements made by a prisoner…especially of this magnitude.
They approached another member of the White Lotus who was waiting for them. He stood at attention, at attention and on guard.
He bowed to the unit approaching, "An honor to see the attacker responsible in custody," remarked the sentry, gazing in disgust at Yuan, who simply shrugged as if this were simply a setback to something he had planned. But it could always just be him trying to take them off guard. Whatever reason Yuan was so calm, he wouldn't have much to act on in the level of custody he was currently in.
"Unfortunately, this is not that same attacker. Fortunately, however, he is no longer a threat to us either. He's at the bottom of the Eastern Sea now," the leader of the unit stated with a smug grin.
Yuan was quite relieved by the news that Tomark had been destroyed. If he could simply escape, he could find whatever was left of the Manarki army and take control over it. He would no longer have to answer to Tomark. He could do whatever he wanted. He would be in the control, the one the Manarki would bow before and treat as their supreme overlord. It was far more power than Yuan had even intended to have, but now that it was within his grasp, why not take it? All he had to do was escape…
The guard nodded, "Isn't that fortunate? I was told of your arrival, and preparations were made. The cellblock you requested is prepped and ready for the prisoner, with every precaution taken. The first serving of his anti-bending herbal tea has already been brewed.
"Did you say tea?" spoke Yuan with enthusiasm, poking his head out of the single-filed unit. "Oh I would certainly enjoy a cup; thank you for offering!"
Yuan was again struck in the back, this time hard enough to make him collapse onto the ground. He groaned from the blow and was forced back to his feet.
"Get up," he was ordered sternly, grabbed from under his shoulders back onto his feet.
He was sent many disgusted looks, but he didn't care. He was stilling trying to think of a way to escape. The shackles around his feet and the cuffs around his wrist made most movement of his limbs nearly impossible. If he could somehow breathe fire out his mouth, he might have some chance of escaping. Or…he could wait for the right moment. But would there even be a "right" moment? That's why Yuan couldn't wait. He needed to get out of these shackles at once.
The sentry stomped his foot against the ground, using earthbending to reveal a hidden stairway that led to the prison beneath the island's surface. The prison had hardly been used in the past. There normally were not criminals of such magnitude that required capture by the White Lotus; however, years ago, there had been one Fire Nation soldier who had somehow attained an ability to fire explosive bolts from a tattoo on his forehead of a third eye. Unfortunately, he had managed to escape, and hadn't been seen since. Nonetheless, they had improved security since that point and were ready for practically any prisoner at this point.
The guards escorted Yuan down below. It was now only the three of them, as the other members had been dispersed to attend other matters that needed their attention. The corridor was very dark, despite the several lanterns that were meant to light the hallway. There was not much else besides that. It was just a hallway mined through the earth, like a tunnel. There weren't many cellblocks. In fact, it was hardly anything but a plain old hall.
Finally, they reached Yuan's designated cell, where a metal door was placed with a thin flap that could be slid to the side to allow to guards to check on those detained without having to enter themselves. The guard threw open the door, revealing thick pillars of stone where cylinder blocks would lock in a prisoner's hands and chains secured any upper-body movement. Next, there were braces on the floor that would wrap around the prisoner's legs. Altogether, it would all ensure that no prisoner would have the movement necessary to bend.
"Let's lock him up," said the head guard, directing Yuan and the other guard into the cell.
It was dark and clammy inside. Yuan wasn't even sweating and already his clothes were beginning to stick to his skin. There were only two lanterns on either side of the room, covered by glass. Besides that, there was hardly any light. The guard had to generate a small fire in his palm in order to see clearly enough so he could detain Yuan.
The other guard held Yuan by the arms, keeping him in his sights while the firebending guard obtained the neck-brace for the chains. Yuan snarled at the guard as they placed it over his head and fastened it. Yuan groaned from how tight they had made the brace. It was difficult for him to breathe as well afterward.
They now shoved him to the center of the room where the pillars sat. They forced him onto his knees, and the guard proceeded to take off his hand cuffs.
"Not yet," said the commanding guard. "We can't risk any sudden movements from him. Help me chain him up," he ordered.
The younger guard nodded, and grabbed the opposite set of chains. There were two, and were just the right length. They both locked the ends of the chains into the sockets in the neck brace, and pulled on them to ensure they were tight and secured. They nodded at each other.
Yuan could do nothing but sit there as he was placed under maximum detainment. He'd have only one shot.
The younger guard got behind him again and took the keys to Yuan's cuffs from his belt. First, he unlocked the shackles around Yuan's ankle, and quickly closed the braces around Yuan's legs. He now proceeded to unlock the cuffs around Yuan's wrists.
Yuan could hear the key slide into the lock, and listened closely for the sound of the lock's release. He had waited too long, and hadn't known of the level of security the prison would have for him. Yuan didn't have much chance of escaping, but he wasn't going to be detained without at least attempting an escape. Eventually, there was a click, and the cold metal around his wrists left. He suddenly growled, throwing his arms forward and firing a ball of flame at the commanding guard. He hadn't seen it coming, and the blast pounded him against the wall.
Yuan reached over his shoulders swiftly and grabbed the other guard by the back of his head. He slammed the guard's forehead against his metal neck brace, leaving a dark bruise and small cut. He was nearly knocked out by the impact, but it was enough to leave him dazed.
Yuan wasted no time. He formed a blowtorch on his finger tips and placed them at the chains, trying to snap them with the great heat. He growled in irritation. The chains were of good quality, and would not easily be broken.
While Yuan wasn't looking, the guard he had taken down first staggered back to his feet. Once he saw Yuan trying to escape, he regained focus. He couldn't be allowed to leave the cell.
He launched a continuous flame at Yuan, hoping to burn him. However, Yuan was also a firebender, and was able to create a defensive barrier of fire with a single hand. Unknowingly to the guard, the flames from the both of them were heating up the opposite set of chains. Yuan grinned. As he worked on one set, the guard's foolishness would work on the other.
The guard ceased his attack, knowing it was not turning out successful.
Wait, he thought, why am I standing here to attack? He nearly completely chained up!
The guard circled around Yuan, who couldn't rotate his body enough to fire at him due to the chains still around his neck brace. The guard stepped over the dazed sentry and grabbed Yuan's arms from behind, crossing them into a submission lock where the guard could pull back at Yuan's chin. The small blowtorch from his fingertips subsided and he grunted as he was put into the lock.
The commanding guard looked to his partner, who was coming out of a daze.
"Miyuki, help me secure him," he told his partner, who just now had been revealed to be a female.
"Yes, sir," she said firmly, locking her sights onto a bucket of water across the room.
With a series of small and swift hand movements, the bent the water from the bucket and wrapped it around Yuan's arms, freezing it into ice almost instantly. The guard backed away as she did this, and watched as Yuan was put back under their control.
She took a breath of relief, "Are you okay, Lee?"
"I'm fine. Thanks for the help."
She simply nodded, "Guess this is why Grand Lotus Iroh requested maximum security."
"He's a dangerous one he said. A serial killer before he was turned into one of those things," remarked Lee.
"And at only seventeen…" stated Miyuki, almost feeling pity for the prisoner.
Yuan snarled, "I'm right here, y'know."
"We know," Lee shot back. He turned to Miyuki, "Let's finish getting him chained up."
"Yes sir."
Miyuki melted the ice around Yuan's arms, but kept the water wrapped around his wrists. Meanwhile, Lee got the arm braces unlocked. Once that was done, Yuan's hands were placed inside the cylinder braces and locked tight. They checked all the braces and chains twice again, making sure they were all tight. They stepped back, admiring the security the firebender was placed in. They then proceeded to leave the cell now that their work was done.
He could hardly move. The chains attached to his thick, metal neck brace made it considerably difficult to move his upper-body around, and the leg and arm braces made it impossible to move his hands or feet. He was breathing heavily with anger. He hadn't high hopes his escape attempt would succeed, but he at least expected to make it out of this underground prison. It angered him that he had been defeated and subdued so easily. It angered him that, even with all this power in his control, he still was not able to take Katara for his own. He couldn't have her as a lover, so he had set out to ensure nobody could, and still he failed.
His harsh, angered breathing began to subside, but he started to laugh maliciously at the two guards as they left the cell, "You think it's all over don't you? Well, it's not. Tomark's army is still at large. They'll look for him, then they will look for me. And when they do, they will kill all of you. They'll destroy this place!"
Yuan laughed more, now more maniacal. "And then I will kill her. I'll kill that Water Tribe tramp, and then the Avatar, too." He continued laughing. It was clear he was losing his sanity. He wanted to believe he couldn't be beaten, that he could achieve everything he wanted. "I'll kill them both!"
Lee turned to respond, but Miyuki stopped him. "Answering will just provoke him."
He nodded and they proceeded to leave the room, closing the metal door behind them and locking the hatch. They could still hear Yuan going on and on inside about how he would soon escape. He was doing nothing from embarrassing himself.
Miyuki brought a notebook to Lee for him to fill out the form. He took it into his hands and filled it out.
Prisoner #102
Name: Yuan Yagami
Age: 17
Born: 86 ASC
Gender: Male
Nationality: Fire Nation
Bending Type: Fire
After filling out the form, Lee placed the form in a slot next to the cell door, and he and Miyuki took guard outside. They stood on guard for hours, waiting for someone to take their shift. They had no awareness of the time because of the underground facility. There was nothing they could do, and boredom took over after a while. Soon enough, boredom turned to fatigue. Before they knew it, they were sitting on the ground propped up against the wall. Miyuki started to doze off, her eyes opening and closing with the urge to keep awake.
Lee noticed she was getting tired, and that he could keep awake longer than she would be able to. "Hey, why don't head back up?"
"No, I'm fine… Just a little…" she yawned, "tired is all."
"Exactly," argued Lee. "We can't risk falling asleep on the job. Besides, I'm still wide awake," he lied. He was also tired, but he wasn't as tired as Miyuki. He figured he could stay awake long enough for someone to take over.
"Are you sure?" she asked, still trying to keep awake.
"Yeah," he gestured exit down the hall with his head, "Go on up and get some rest. That's an order."
She smiled gratefully, "Yes sir…" she said as she got back on her feet. She was able to wake up enough to make it back outside, leaving Lee alone to guard Yuan.
He sighed to himself, "Can't be too hard, right?" he asked himself. "He won't be going anywhere…" he assured himself as the fatigue began to overcome him. His head leaned forward and his eyes drifted closed. He quickly woke himself up, snapping his head back and hitting the metal wall behind him. He grunted as the thud of the impact rattled through the halls. Lee rubbed the back his head.
"Nice move, Lee… Why don't you smack your face against the wall next time? That will wake you up."
Lee sat there some more, continuing to wait for a guard to take his shift. It seemed like they would never come. It had to have been at least two hours now since his shift had ended. Nevertheless, he couldn't leave Yuan alone just yet. Not while he was still strong. Within time, his detainment would weaken him, and he would no longer have to be constantly watched.
Hours more passed. Lee wasn't able to stop himself any longer. He leaned his head against the metal wall, closed his eyes, and slowly drifted to sleep.
Inside the cell, Yuan was leaning forward with the chains and pillars keeping him from falling onto his face. His hair was all messed up, shaggy and uneven. He would normally keep it clean and straight, but now it was everywhere. Drool hung from his dry lips, and crust lied on the sides of his half-lidded eyes. Sweat was dripping from his temples because of how moist it was down in the underground prison. It had only been hours, but it felt like days. He had struggled to escape, and that took much of his energy. He could barely hold himself up at this point.
More hours passed and Yuan nearly fell to sleep. His arms and legs had become numb; he could barely feel their existence. The neck brace secured around his neck clamped down on his throat, making easy breathing a hassle. It was to guarantee he wouldn't have the breath necessary to firebend effectively. The guard had said something about an herbal tea that would halt his bending abilities, but he didn't care what it did. At this point, he was yearning for something—anything—that would get the disgusting tastes out of his mouth that had appeared after his first couple hours in the cell.
Yet he continued to hang there, seemingly forgotten and left to rot in this cell, when it was clear he could never die.
Yuan was considering using every bit of strength he had left to demand food or water, as he believed was his right to do so. He raised his head, preparing to yell out to be heard, when something stopped him.
A group of colors, bright and electric, and in a flash a swirling vortex of black and violet coalesced into being, spiraling electricity the color of blood surrounding it. An evil aura formed behind it, shadows conjoining into a being of pure energy for a brief moment, lavender orbs glaring dangerously from beneath of hood of black.
"Hello, Yuan…" a low and husky voice spoke.
Yuan's eyes snapped open, I know that voice…
"Lord Erebus…" Yuan murmured, remembering the name from when Tomark had first revealed it without knowing he was listening in.
"So, you already know who I am?" the hooded figure spoke, seeming amused.
"Erebus—the god of darkness and shadows…"
"Yes, that is right," confirmed the silhouetted figure. "I have come for you, Yuan."
"Why does a god need me?" question Yuan.
"Be warned, your insolence will have you destroyed. You only experienced a sliver of my power when you first eavesdropped on Tomark and me. I can just as easily destroy you right now."
Yuan sighed and dropped his head. At this point, he didn't care about anything. He just wanted out.
"Free me, and I will offer my services," bargained Yuan.
"I don't take requests… However, I will grant your freedom, along with a new body and powers to command."
"And…?"
"And nothing! You belong to me now."
"I belong to nobody!" stated Yuan firmly and recalcitrantly.
"Very well; perhaps a little 'persuasion' will change your mind."
From out of nowhere, a beam of energy erupted from the figure's hood. The beam wrapped around Yuan's head, engulfing it in an orb containing spiraling violet electric surges, surrounding a small pulsing flame. Yuan screamed in agony, the energy burning every inch of his skull. Erebus made no movements. He idly stood as the beam continued to erupt from his cloak, watching his target in immense pain, and unable to do anything to stop it. It would teach him the lesson he needed to learn. That was its only purpose. It wouldn't kill him, but it would surely leave an impression.
Eventually, the beam diminished and returned to its source, leaving Yuan panting and groaning from the pain as he slouched forward. His face felt as if it were set on fire after being covered in a blasting jelly. Yet, there were no marks or scars that indicated any injury. It was as if the energy simply brought pain instead of directly inflicting it.
Yuan sighed in defeat, "Lord Erebus… I-I will heed your will."
"Excellent… You will provide me with the resources I need."
"Yes, my liege…" murmured Yuan reluctantly. He hated being under other people's control.
"Welcome…to the Dark Realm…"
Erebus extended a clawed-hand from the portal, directing his palm at Yuan. An orb of energy formed and enlarged at Erebus's will to the size of a human. He gave the orb a soft push and it floated over to Yuan, surrounding him at its center. Unlike before, this energy didn't bring any harm. It went right past him, engulfing him as the center and the pillars left out.
Yuan used whatever movement he had in his neck to observe what was happening with awe. The chains instantly snapped after fully surrounding Yuan, and beams of energy shot into the orb, grasping the neck brace and crushing it, tearing it apart and allowing fragments of metal to fall to the floor. The leg braces were also torn apart, freeing his legs. Lastly, the braces apprehending his arms were melted instantly, remarkably without touching Yuan's arms are wrist. They metal around them and dripped to the floor.
Once he was freed, the orb surrounding him vanished. Yuan picked himself up, relieved to be free of each and every shackle and chain that had captivated him. He stood proud and free with a smug grin on his face.
"Come, Yuan…" Erebus gestured at the portal. "Face your destiny."
Yuan stepped forward, "Now that you have revealed yourself to me, I suppose this means I have replaced Tomark."
"You have replaced no one…" stated Erebus menacingly. His tone had converted from welcoming to dark and threatening. Yuan was able to make out what appeared to be a grin on Erebus's lips as he approached the shadow of darkness. "You are part of my…experiment."
Four black arms, illuminating with a violet layer, shot out of the portal and wrapped around Yuan's arms and legs, pulling them tightly apart. Yuan's face was struck with pain as the arms began tear his limps apart from his body. He shouted in pain, his scream loud enough to wake up the guard outside.
Lee was awakened by the screams instantly. Only moments after he awoke, he was on his feet. He slid back the eye slot to look inside.
"What is going on in there?!" he demanded. He couldn't see anything but black, and Yuan's screams continued. Lee tried to convince himself the screams were fake, and that Yuan was simply trying to get his attention, but they were too believable. He sounded to truly be in pain. Lee groaned and unlocked the hatch and swung open the door.
From his perspective, Yuan was suspended in the air, his arms and legs spread out. It didn't look as if anything were holding him; he was just floating and screaming. Lee looked closer and found that Yuan's limbs were straining, as if being pulled away from him.
Lee ran toward Yuan, unknowingly walking right through the portal as if it didn't exist. Once past, he saw the arms that were grasping Yuan. The sight shocked the guard, and he turned to the source of the arms, not knowing what to expect.
"Be gone, filth…" Erebus said in a low, rasping voice. Another arm came from the portal, whacking Lee into a wall with tremendous force, enough to crack his spine and leave an indent in the metal wall, knocking him unconscious.
"What are you doing to me?!" Yuan demanded. "You said you'd give me strength!"
"Oh, you will have everything I promised… in due time. My plans for this world are not over yet… they have only just begun."
Erebus turned away from him, and strolled back into the darkness. The arms followed him and Yuan was swallowed into the darkness almost instantly. He couldn't speak. He couldn't hear. He couldn't see. He couldn't even think… He felt as if being ripped apart piece by piece as the darkness continued to swallow him.
Yuan's disappearance once again silenced this dark realm, where only glimmers of light could penetrate the unending darkness. This was where Erebus had lived since the beginning of his existence, where darkness was born in the world. This was only just the beginning...
"Darkness... is everywhere..."
(Note: This is the un-beta'd chapter. I will re-upload this chapter once it has been beta'd. Hope this is enough for now!)
CUE THE END OF AVATAR THEME!
Well, guys... this is it... It's been over a year of tears, smiles, more tears, depression, happiness, epicness, and overall...darkness. Wow, that makes this story sound depressing doesn't it? Oh well, I think it was my first ever amazing/successful story! Yay me! I hope you all enjoyed the 50 chapters I made you all suffer through week after week, month after month. Damn, this chapter is HUGE, isn't it? Well I had a lot of doors that needed to be closed, and even more that had to be opened. "The journey was long and annoying," as Sokka might say, but nevertheless, it was an amazing journey, was it not? Ha, I'm so happy that I'm done with this story! I feel like I dedicated my whole life into this story after how long it took.
If I remember, I promised to reveal some sequel details to you all if the story reached 400 reviews, and so it has. I'm a man of my word, so here they are:
There will be two sequels. The first will focus mainly on Nianzu and his own inner troubles, still trying to deal with all his mistakes. This story will focus less on the Manarki and more on Nianzu's psyche, where he puts himself in the world, what he actually wants from life, whether or not he should still embrace his mistakes or leave them in the past. I know it may sound like the same record playing, but trust me, I have ideas of my own. The second sequel will be the end of it all, with the most epic storyline I can think of, as well as the most dramatic and most thought out, with an ending that I will NEVER give away, so don't even try to get me to. Details on the second sequel are still fuzzy so there's not much for that.
Both sequels will take place 10 & 16 years apart from each story. For example, the first sequel will take place in 113 ASC, while the second sequel will take place in 129 ASC, for plot reasons of course.
I'm hoping to make the first sequel around 20 chapters long, while the second will be about 35 or 40, depending on how the plots go.
And that's about it for now. I don't have much to say plot-wise. I don't like giving things away, hehe.
But yep, this is the end of Avatar: The Dawning of Darkness. Please, leave your overall reviews of the story and, well, there's no more reading, so please keep a look out for the sequel in the following...months? I'm working on an unfinished project right now, so it may be awhile. Um, check out my profile for some synopses for the sequels and the Facebook page as well as my Tumblr if you wanna comment about the story or just ask some questions. Whatever you want. Oh and also, I'm looking for a deviantart artist, or any digital artist really, to help create covers for the sequels. Message me if you, or someone you know, are interested. Please, I really would like a professional cover for the sequels. Ugh, off track. This is the end of DoD! It's been fun! See you all later! Check out my other stories too!
