Chapter Fifty

The Beginning

"Oh, Zuzu! You don't look so good!" Azula crooned from her perch on top of a building, the eyes that matched her brother's peering evenly down at the fallen boy, who was being cared for by Katara. The Fire Nation princess observed this for a long minute before, with a coy smile tugging at her painted lips, rose to her feet, two fingers outstretching to a point. A earsplitting, low crack of a whip bit the air.

Just as the strikingly bright lightning began to exit the girl's tips, I swept forward, clutching the air around me as I bended it to my will. My palms quickly moved in a format that I wasn't aware of, and with a sudden whoosh, the firebending female was knocked off of the roof.

Azula gracefully landed on her toes, a deathly expression settling on her face as a smug smile reached her lips, her golden orbs settling on me. "Somebody's a little eager to play, hm?" it wasn't a question—it was a statement. A statement strung together by words touched with a promise, a promise held with a threat.

I swallowed heavily, collecting my courage and bravery that wasn't there. I slid a mask of confidence on, encouraging a smile onto my face. Before I could even think of a snide reply, the princess was encased in her own sapphire flames and was running straight towards me, metallic laughter hefting out of her throat.

She neared me with incredible speeds, and just as Azula reached within a few yards I quickly sidestepped, my mind screaming insanity; fire, fire! get out of here, there's fire...burn...fire...

I barely had enough time to dodge another oncoming attack, airbending myself around her as I stared incredulously at the firebender, my breathing hard.

Azula was growing increasingly annoyed and frustrated, "Aren't you a little cowardly?" she hissed through clenched teeth, her shoulders moving up and down quickly as she drew and exhaled, her black eyebrows furrowed together, her cheeks flushed an angry red. "Fight!" she shrieked, her fists suddenly aglow as she kicked forward, her flames even more powerful than they would've been given the comet soaring above us.

I flicked my wrist, almost seemingly easily smoldering the flames, while inwardly I was breaking down. My thoughts and mind clawed at the growing fear as it resurfaced, goosebumps pricking at my skin out of pure terror as another round of blue fire came my way.

My eyes flickered upwards, focusing momentarily on the comet. It was settling right above, increasing the girl's power.

A searing pain crashed into me, followed by a hightened amount of heat, and more pain. A scream escaped my lips as I stumbled backwards, involuntarily letting tears escape as I gingerly touched my abdomen, which was heated a dark red across my side. It was only a small burn, but Spirits did it hurt. A quiet sigh slithered out of my tightened mouth as pain increased, and I struggled to hold my composure and gather myself together.

That was nothing compared to when they burned your wrists and ankles. I reminded myself, steadily looking at the provider of the flames.

"Is somebody a little scared of fire?" she grinned wickedly, pointing her middle finger upwards, smugly looking at me as a slender azul flame danced deathly on her finger.

My eyes narrowed, and I clenched my open palms together tightly, my nails prodding my palms, drawing the faintest of blood. Anger coursed through me, full of one promise: She will go down. That evil witch took away everything—Aang. I couldn't let her even attempt to do that again...I couldn't. Even the slight burn she had left on me thudded with frustration and determination.

My right arm drew swiftly across my torso, my legs parting shoulder-length as I drew both my arms upwards, twisting my wrists as I gathered the air around be with a single breath, a slim smile crossing my face as I strongly pushed fowards, my hatred pulsing into that very movement as the gush of air flooded towards Azula, abruptly surrounding her as it roughly shoved her backwards.

A startled shriek sounded from the princess and I felt a wisp of satisfaction. As she jumped to her feet, I rushed at her, using my abilities to intensify my speed. I crashed into her into a fury of growls, coming from both of us. She was strong—too strong, and I suddenly regretted the rash decision to come at her for such close combat. Auzla held her ground, using her increased firebending power to her advantage, not to mention my fear for the flames as well.

The female lurched forward, a hiss slithering from her parted lips as she punched at my injured torso, causing me to back down in sudden pain. As I recovered, I kicked at her, a gale of wind following my step, hitting the Fire Nation princess with a large amount of force. She countered with even more, plowing at me with a wave of flames that would've burned me to a crisp if I hadn't been gifted with airbending.

Another attack took me off guard, making me stumble onto the hard courtyard ground. I struggled to find my breathing, and as I did, Azula came jumping down, a deathly pair of flames trailing after her fist.

I instinctivly brought my own arm forward, shielding the flames from my face, blowing the fire away with airbending. The inferno crashed back onto its provider, earning a loud cry from Azula.

I began to rise to my feet, feeling tired and weak. Azula was panting as was I, but neither were bound to give up this fight until it was finished.

My thoughts suddenly scattered. Is Aang okay? What about Olin? Oh Spirits—please let them all be okay.

A figure hit me with just force that it caused me to fall back onto the ground, my feet feebly searching for a foot-hold but finding none. I was drained, and as Azula came down with the finishing blow, I closed my eyes, a silent plea to the Spirits that my friends and brother were alright and that we would girl on top of me harshly grabbed my wrists, a smile flashing onto her lips.

"It wouldn't hurt me to burn you one more time, would it?" she laughed roughly, pinning my arms back behind my head, heating rushing.

I looked at her with a blank expression until it finally registered what she was doing just as the pain arrived.

With a pain-filled scream and thrashing that was no good, I succumbed into pain, tears streaming down my cheeks as fire encased my mind, sobs racking through my body as flames racked through my thoughts—my body, my everything. My fingers curled weakly upwards, searching for something —anything to stop this burning, this neverending pain.

Suddenly, my fingers caught hold of something, something strong, something there.

I slowly moved my fingers to the best of their ability, drawing the air that I had discovered to be so hopeful— when there was air all around me— out, out of its trap, out of its being.

There was an abrupt chocking noise and my eyes refocused on Azula, who had moved off of me and was shuffling backwards, clutching at her throat. Her face had colored a red, and I stared at her in confusion and slight satisfication, happy that the burning sensation in my wrists was gone despite the pain and scars that had been renewed.

Slowly getting to my feet, I blinked at her, unaware that my fingers had settled into fists. Azula's face had turned a blue, a frightening blue, almost as blue as her flames admitted from her fingers. Her feet tripped over one another and she fell to the ground, her pale fingers still touching her neck.

It took me a few seconds to realize that she was unconsious.

Alarmed, confused, and not to mention relieved, I carefully moved closer. I then saw that her chest was barely rising, and out of surprise I lost all focus that was made to the air.

The Fire Nation princess drew in a sudden breath, her breathing normal yet not stirring from her unconsiousness.

I stared at her. My thoughts were slow as I tried to process what I had done to her. Whatever it was—it felt incredibly wrong, yet...powerful.

As Katara and the injured Zuko rushed over, I realized what I had done.

I had bended the air from her body—breathbending.


I helped Katara place the unconsious princess into chains, tying her to a column. My eyes lingered on the firebender, feeling that my winning of our fight was unfair—but I suppose it had to be done. With a quiet exhale of air, I turned away, glancing at Zuko.

Zuko was sitting on the ground, his eyes half-concealed by lids. His shirt was ruined, as in the center of the cloth was a large, tarnished hole, leading straight towards the lightning landing. He was alive, but he didn't look like it. His face was pale and sweat rimmed his raven black hair. I felt horrible, and silently prayed to the Spirits that my friend would be well.

"Well, I guess all we do now is wait for Appa." Katara said to herself, drawing me from my thoughts. She wandered over to Zuko, who instantly brightened at the sight of the waterbender. "How are you feeling?" she questioned, gently pulling away the burned shirt that stuck to the wound.

He winced, a look of discomfort crossing his face, "F-Fine," he replied breathily, "Just...tired." his golden orbs closed momentarily, his head lowering.

Katara bended a slender sliver of water from the pouch attached to her waist, willing the liquid to wrap itself around her outstretched olive-toned palm. She carefully pressed her palm against the wound—causing the firebender to flinch—the water glowing intensly as it etched it's way around the scar.

I watched curiously, observing the way the waterbender held a affectionate look in her cerculean eyes, the same look Zuko held as well. A smile played on my lips, enjoying the fact that the two seemed to have feelings for each other despite all their bickers and snide comments.

An all-too familiar roar overhead made me immediantly look up, my eyes resting on Appa, who gracefully descended into the vacant courtyard. I rushed over to him, lovingly hugging the bison, feeling a great amount of relief that he had safely made it here. The flying bison let out a soft roar, giving me a large lick which caused me to giggle.

Momo curled himself around my neck, chattering excitedly. I grinned, scratching his chin.

I began to walk back to Katara and Zuko when a sudden noise from behind me made me stop. I slowly turned around, my eyes widening as I saw that Appa and Momo weren't alone—Toph, Sokka, Olin, Suki, and Aang were in his saddle, all wearing a similar tired look. My smile broaded as I fled over, flinging myself at my brother who welcomed me with open arms.

"Olin," I breathed, feeling grateful for his strong arms wrapped tightly around me, "You're safe."

"Of course," he chuckled, drawing back slightly, "Didja think I'd get hurt or something?" he grinned.

I nodded, "You're danger prone." I teased warmly.

"That's you, sis," he laughed heartily, and I swatted his arm playfully before looking at my other friends.

Sokka was visibly limping, and I noticed that his left leg was wrapped in white bandages. I frowned, and Suki only smiled at seeing my face, and quickly explained, "He broke his leg."

"How?"

Toph grunted, leaping off Appa. The earthbender punched the Water Tribe warrior in the arm, making him yelp, "He jumped off the airship to save me. Idiot." she was grinning, though.

"If I didn't do that you wouldn't be here," Sokka grumbled, earning a kiss from Suki.

As our friends made their reunion, I finally found myself staring at Aang. He looked so mature, so much older as he stared out across the courtyard at the comet, a small smile on his lips. I stepped forward to go speak to him—to tell him how I really felt—but was stopped as I was encased in an affectionate group hug founded by Sokka, who chanted 'Team Avatar'.


"Breathbending?" The older man inquired with a raise of one of his gray, bushy eyebrows. "Remarkable. I would love to see this bending practice in action." he motioned towards a light green teapot, "More tea, Vinca?"

I smiled softly at Iroh, and nodded, "Of course. How could I turn down your tea?" this drew a chuckle from the former general as he refilled my glass with what was probably my third cup, "A third cup of tea shouldn't do any harm, right?" I questioned teasingly as I absently airbended a gentle breeze over my cup, cooling the liquid.

"No—take it from me! I once had fifteen servings of tea in ten minutes, I believe..."

Zuko rolled his eyes, "Uncle, you've already told her this story."

"Oh, well, a good story is usually told many times..." he downed his cup of tea.

I laughed lightly, adverting my eyes from the two firebenders in front of me to where the rest of my friends were gathered around in a circle. Curiousity taking over, I joined the group, followed by Iroh and Zuko.

"Am...am I firebending?"

"Is that Momo?"

"No! Those are your hair-loopies! And Suki, I wanted to add more of an effect."

"Why am I dancing?" I asked, pursing my lips to hold in my laughter as we all observed Sokka's 'artwork'.

"You're not dancing—you're airbending!" He scoffed loudly, making a face at me.

I only laughed, pointing at a picture of Olin who appeared to be crawling across the ground and nudged my brother, who grunted in embarrassment.

My eyes wandered from the drawing as I watched Aang walk out onto the balcony, wearing a thoughtful look on his face. I saw this as the perfect opportunity, and silently snuck away from the others, joining him.

The sunset in front of us was gorgeous—colored with pinks, reds, golds, and oranges, the sky was an array of art, joined by the setting sun surrounded in light purple and the dance of the swirling white clouds. The sight literally look my breath away as I stood by him, absently resting my arms on the railing.

Aang's gray eyes looked at me and his demeanor suddenly changed, his eyes lowering as he glanced away.

I breathed in softly, "Aang." I murmured, making him look at me, "I...I need to tell you something."

This was it—the perfect opportunity to tell him—to tell him the truth, the reality of my thoughts that I couldn't bring myself to say before. Three simple words that sat on the tip of my tongue, just waiting. And as he gazed at me with his big gray eyes, his face innocent, his lips curved slightly, prodding the smile, the looks, the laughs that I found myself to fall for, I knew it was right.

"I love you."

A look of surprise and warmth crossed his face, his eyes widening and his lips parting slightly in shock. I suddenly felt myself leaning forward, engulfing into his being, my arms flitting gently around his neck as I closed the distance between our two lips. The kiss was electrifying, and I was greedy. Instead of pulling away I pressed back, something sparking in my body as he kissed me back just as willing, his arms snaking around my neck as well.

Aang pulled away slightly, his face flushed yet happy, sporting a grin:

"I love you, too."


of the End


My Thanks...

Hello, everybody! I hope you all enjoyed the ending of my first story. I am so grateful to have all of you as fans. I started this story so long ago...who knew I would have over 200 reviews and over 100 favorites! You have all been so nice to me, and I appreciate all of you. You kept with me through my good and bad chapters, and supported me no matter what. You offered advice and tips to help make this fanfiction better. I seriously love you all—thank you so, so much. No words can describe how grateful I am for each and everyone of you. Thank you for helping me make this story the way it is. I wish I could individually thank all of you, but I'm afraid that might take a long, long time.

So...thank you. Thank you—you, who is reading this.

AN...

I'm sorry that it took a while to get this chapter out—boy was it a doozy to write! I went on a two day road trip, so granted, I couldn't write it durning those two days. But I'm happy to say that I'm satisfied with the way this chapter turned out, and I hope you all liked it as well. Did anyone pick up the possible new sequel name in this chapter? ;) And what do you think of Vinca's breathbending?

I'm not sure when the sequel will be up—but when it is, I'll post in this story that its up. I'm glad to tell you fans that on my two day road trip I was overflowing with ideas for chapters...and I wrote about ten possible chapters for the new sequel.

Also, I have a few questions to ask you fans on what you'd like to see in the sequel...

1.) Would you enjoy reading smut? Or rather just mature content—and if you wanted smut you could just PM me?

2.) What would you like to see in the sequel?

3.) How far into the future would you like to see? Korra-time? Or no?

4.) Are you anticipating on reading the sequel?

If you can, please answer. But of course, you don't have to. It would be lovely if you could.

I'll see you all soon! :)

Much love...xoxsillygoose