Burn My Dread Complete
By Iain R. Lewis
Disclaimer: Characters and concepts belong to Nickelodeon, some of the concepts are similarly inspired by Persona 3 and Persona 4, property of ATLUS games.
"Sure, we gave a shot, but it didn't work. Probably 'cause we had a whole lot going on and on and on."
-- Signs of Love
Month 5: The Emperor
Living With Determination
From the moment a child is born, there is one undeniable truth that though distant and easily forgotten, creeps in the back of the mind, holding ransom that child to the bitter truth. "Remember, you are mortal."
Tenchi -- Iroh -- Agni -- whatever he was called, smiled at them in a melancholy way, his eyes glistening with years of unspoken sadness, and broken resolve. He knew that tonight, he would remind them of that inescapable reality.
The heavy rain outside this late-night restaurant they found themselves in set the mood, that oppression that weighed them to their seats. Tenchi saw his friends in a new light, and Aang saw Tenchi free of illusions.
Yue in particular stared at him with wild, fearful eyes, and she seemed to hover over her friends. Tenchi thought she looked kind of angelic, and envied his nephew his friendships. "You're Agni," she said, coldly, "Why haven't you tried to destroy us yet?"
"That is a good question," Tenchi said, "I think the best way to put it, my dear Moon Spirit, is that I am more Iroh now than Agni. But that will not last forever."
"I don't believe you."
Tenchi looked at her helplessly for a minute, and shook his head. He then leaned forward in his seat and smiled at the rest. "So," he said, "You must have much to ask."
"Who are you?" Zuko asked.
"I am, in part, your Uncle, Zuko. I thought you dead for so long, that cry, the fire, it was too much for this old man to bear, I could not even look. But I am, also, in part, Agni. It is difficult for me to explain, and impossible for me to demonstrate."
"So, why aren't you talking in first-person-plural?" Sokka asked. "You know," he cleared his throat and put on a monstrous, gargled voice, "We are Agni!"
Tenchi looked at him, and back at Zuko, "I see you've made some very interesting friends, nephew." He looked back at Sokka, "Agni sleeps now, in the Spirit World. I am tied to him, I suppose."
"He's asleep?" Aang asked, suddenly, "Then we can stop this whole Unification thing!"
"You misunderstand," Tenchi said, "It's not just a slumber, it is more of --" he thought hard about what to say next, and then, finally, said, "Think of a butterfly. It is beautiful, no creature flies with wings quite as magnificent, but it starts out life miserable and wretched. It is this metamorphosis that Agni goes through, the spirits of the Spiritless in this world fueling this transformation."
"So he's in a coccoon?" Sokka asked.
"Indeed," Tenchi answered. "While he is in this state, I fear you will be unable to find him, let alone harm him. It would be like chipping away at a glacier, every inch of progress you make will only be slowing down an unstoppable force."
"And when he wakes up, this Unification will begin?"
"In full, yes," Tenchi said.
"Okay," Sokka said, "Let's stop beating around the bush." He slammed his hands on the table, and leaned in on Tenchi. The boy backed away, and frowned. He knew what was coming, and he couldn't bear answer. "What's the Unification, exactly?"
"It is what it sounds like," Tenchi answered. "It is the unification of two things into one. In this case, the Spirit World and our world will merge into a single entity."
"What?" Katara gasped, "But that'd mean there'd be Spirits everywhere. People would be overrun so quickly, there's no way they could fight them."
Tenchi laughed sadly, "Indeed, the survivors would be in a good deal of danger, but no, most will never see that. Before this can occur, there needs to be a cleansing of the dead wood, as it were."
"Agni's fire," Sokka said, "The flames of destruction."
"Agni will become the harbinger of the new world," Tenchi said, "Just as he was in days long past. But there will be some who survive the flames, these special individuals who are granted a great gift, may survive for days, weeks, who can truly say, but in time, they will make a choice, and they will face that someday, you will die."
"But," Aang protested.
"You mean us," Toph said, scowling at him, "You mean we'll be the survivors 'cause we're Benders."
"Almost defniitely," Tenchi said. "My brother did not seem to understand how grave the situation was. He played games, made power plays, and simply made matters worse for everyone. Destroying those Spirits was a foolish thing to do, my friends," he said, "They feed him now."
Aang shuddered. "You mean he's getting stronger?"
Tenchi nodded.
"Well," Sokka said, "We don't have a choice, do we. We have to face him. Iroh -- Tenchi -- whatever we're going to call you, thanks for telling us this."
Tenchi looked horrified, "You're going to fight?"
"What? Not a good idea?" Sokka asked, wilting back. "I mean, what else do we do?"
"There is another way," Tenchi said. "You can kill me. I am projecting my spirit out into this world just like you project yourself into the Spirit World. I act as a link, just as the Avatar does, between the two worlds. If I die, the link will be severed, just as Aang's was before."
Aang shifted in his seat, "When Azula killed me, I was in the Avatar State, I'm cut off from that, but --"
"You are no longer acting as an achor for the two worlds, which is why I came. The worlds have become so close that the Unification is inevitable."
"We can't stop it?" Aang asked. "There has to be a way!"
"There isn't," Tenchi said. "I know you are young, full of hope for a future that is so limited that I can count the days."
"How long?" Sokka asked.
"The summer solstice is in twenty-five days, is it not?"
"That soon?" Katara breathed.
"If you break the bridge, though, you will be unable to enter the Spirit World, you will lose your Bending, your awareness of this other side, and you will forget that they ever existed," Tenchi said, "You'll be normal, able to live your lives until the end comes."
"We can't do that," Zuko said, "That'd be giving up."
"I won't give up because you say so," Toph said. 'You said the Avatar gave up on us, but you're wrong. Aang's here, fighting for us every day, so we can have a future. I'm going to be there and help him make it."
"Me too," Yue said, "I know I'm not really a fighter, but I would lay my life down to save the world my father and friends live in "
"We can't give up," Katara said, though she still couldn't look Aang in the eye. "Aang, you feel the same way, I know it."
"Of course he does," Sokka said, "He's our leader. He'll stop Agni!"
"I don't know," Aang said. "I want to fight on, but I don't know if we can."
"You won't be fighting a spirit like any you've seen before," Tenchi said, "What you've seen me do tonight is like breathing is to you, involuntary and beneath his notice. Agni, fully awakened, will truly be a god. His power is so immense that just facing him will drain you of your will to fight."
He took a breath, and continued, "He will be unstoppable, and I do not want to see you suffer for your foolhardy belief that there is a way you will win."
Aang was about to speak, when Tenchi brought a hand up. "No, don't answer, now," he said, "There's still a few days left. Take your time, and come to the right decision. I'll come to you, before I must return."
He stood up, "The rain is so heavy, it speaks of humanity's despair, don't you think?"
The despair of humanity may be over-dramatic, but it certainly seemed that everywhere they looked, people were miserable. The rain died off close to midnight, and the group made their way home in relative quiet.
Six months past, Aang had been here nearly six months, and he did not imagine that the fateful day he stepped into the dorm, and signed that contract, that his destiny would take him here. He was given a choice, to face a god of dread, and save the world.
It was asking so much of a thirteen year old boy.
"Aang?" Toph asked, in a whisper, as he began to fall out of step with the rest, "What's the matter with you?"
"Nothing," he answered, listlessly.
"There's something. Did something go down between you and Sweetness?"
"I kind of, maybe, kissed her," he answered, blushing, "She didn't seem to like it though. Maybe I made a mess of everything doing that. Not that it matters anymore."
"Whoa," Toph whispered, "So, okay, you thought tonight could be our last night, but, man. You really screwed up. Totally picked the wrong moment, Twinkletoes. So, talk to her about it, like, really talk to her about it. No more of your usual 'La la la I'm not listening,' stunts."
"Uh," Aang hesitated.
"And don't tell me it's too late and the world's going to end soon anyway, because it's not. Remember, we said we'd fight this. I think we can win, no matter what Iroh thinks. I know he means well, but," she hesitated, before saying, "He's someone who I think just doesn't know what he wants. I can't get a good reading on him because of that whole spiritual projection thing, though."
"So that's your woman's intuation."
"My gut feeling," she said, punching him in the gut to emphasize the point, "Is that he's wrong. So we can win this, but I think he's right. This ain't going going to be a cakewalk like the last few. But we beat worse."
"Thanks, Toph," Aang said. "I think maybe you're right."
"Of course I'm right! And you should totally talk to Katara, okay? Trust me," she looked unsure of what to say now, "You know, if things don't work out, it isn't the end of the world, either, right?" He paused, and nodded. "Good, 'cause I'd kick your butt if you decided that we'd be better off laying down and dying 'cause your girlfriend broke up with you!"
"I know, Toph," he said.
"I'd still be your friend, too," she said. "And you know I'm going to be there til the bitter end."
"I know," he said, "I'm glad I met you, Toph."
"Don't get too mushy," she said, "But yeah, I'm glad we met, too. Don't tell the others I said that, though, it's going to ruin my image."
"Toph, could you help us pay for the tram tickets?" Yue asked, and she gently pushed Toph forward. And she stood besides Aang, smiling. "You look deep in thought. Is something troubling you?"
"No, not really," he said.
"You know," she said, "I think it's surprising it took us this long to figure it out. Unification, it's so obvious in retrospect. It explains so much."
"Yes, it does, doesn't it?"
"It seems all so dire, too. Agni, the way I sense him, is so full of anger and power, he seems bent on destruction, and that alone, and it seems in my head, that he is unstoppable," she said, "But I don't believe that for a minute. He does not know who he is dealing with."
"What?" Aang paused, "You mean me?"
"Yes," she said, "I've seen so many people as the moon. I never thought I'd see so many people in my life. Little people, important people, all of them living their lives. And yes, he is right, there is so much despair in the world."
"I know," he said, "Everyday you turn on the news, there's another disaster, or more people getting sick."
"But there's also hope," she said, "I've seen it everywhere, but no one has given more people that hope than you, Aang. You gave me hope when it was gone, and the same for everyone here."
"I'm glad I could help," he answered.
Yue smiled, "You mustn't lose hope, Aang. If you do, then, I'll lose hope as well, and so will all of your friends."
"That's a lot of pressure," Aang answered.
"I know," she said, "But I believe in you above all else. I'm going to confess something, and you have to promise no one hears a word about this."
"Huh?" he blushed, suddenly, at her proximity. It wasn't every day the moon goddess was whispering into his ear.
"When I tried to protect you from Ozai, I didn't actually know that I could do that --" she flushed, "I thought, if I die, at least, Aang would be okay."
"That's, that's crazy, Yue!"
"I know," she said, "But I've seen you face so many incredible odds. Tonight was just another one of those times. I'm glad I got to be a part of this journey, Aang. I can't wait to see you emerge on the other side of the storm."
"Thanks, Yue, I'm glad you're with us, too."
She nodded and they headed towards the group.
"What were you two talking about?" Sokka asked, as he hurried them towards the tram, "The tram's totally going to leave you behind!"
"Spirit World stuff," Aang and Yue said simultaneously.
"Sure, leave us out of the loop," Sokka complained. "Let's get you back to the Spirit World, Yue. It's been a long night."
"Yes, I think it's time," she said, "I'll make sure to inform you immediately if there's any change to the tower."
"The tower must be the coccoon," Sokka said, "Yeah, tell us as soon as possible, Yue."
The next day at school seemed rather alien to Aang. Twenty-four days remained until the world ended, and he was sitting in class discussing ancient history with a crazy old man. But somehow, he didn't mind.
And that was the weirdest part of it all.
"You look happier," Teo said, "Everything go well last night?"
"Oh, not really," Aang said, "But I was really looking forward to this class today. I mean, when else are we going to hear Bumi's rendition of the Battle for Omashu?"
"Tell me about it," Teo laughed. "Hey, you want to go grab lunch with me?"
"Sure!"
Though a line was formed, Aang didn't seem to mind so much. Normalcy, for what it was worth, soothed the nerves. "Everyone's buying lunch today, looks like. Don't you usually pack a lunch, though?"
"Usually, but I'm cool just talking," Aang answered. "How's everything with your dad."
"Better than ever! We finished our glider about, oh, it had to be two months now, but we haven't had a chance to go take it out. You want to come?"
"Maybe, but I'm going to be really busy this month," he said. "Something just came up."
"I see, well," Teo smiled, "How about after midterms?"
"Maybe," Aang said. "I hope so, anyway."
"Great!" He wheeled himself over to the counter, "Hi, I'd like -- " he was handed a generic packaged bread, and looked at it, "Thanks." Teo sighed. "I really should start packing my own, but Dad's an awful cook. Everything tastes like motor oil."
"Yuck," Aang laughed. "Guess he got the two types of oil mixed up."
"Must have!"
The two of them sat outside, by the trees in the front courtyard, and Aang looked up at the clear sky. Last night's storm had long since passed, and it was a new day. He listened to Teo talk about the glider he'd made, and everything that had happened during the procedure.
"So, what did you do last night?"
"A little gliding," Aang admitted, sheepishly, "Until the storm came, anyway."
"You're nuts," he said, laughing, "Where'd you glide from, the Phoenix Group highrise?"
"Yep," Aang answered, "Did a little bit of dancing with the birds."
"You're a funny guy, Aang, so what did you really do?"
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you," Aang answered, exasperated. "So, what is the plan with the festival?"
"Oh, so you heard from Toph about it, right? We're going to do those caricatures for people who stop by. Even if you can't draw, you can just welcome people and stuff like that. Myself, I'm going to demonstrate my skills of an artist," he laughed. "I'm pretty bad, but it's not meant to be serious."
"I'll give it my best shot!"
"Good," Teo said, "We're putting up sign-ups for shifts, so figure out when you want to work and when you want to look around the festival."
"I should go talk to the others, we were going to coordinate," Aang said. They walked inside, and passed by Sokka, who was staring intently at the notice board that was posted across from the shoelockers. "Hey, Sokka, what's up?"
"They're doing a beauty contest," Sokka said, "There don't seem to be many sign-ups, though."
"Yeah, usually aren't. A couple of self-absorbed girls sign up, and the event gets canceled from lack of interest."
"I can drum up some interest," Sokka said, writing down a couple of names.
Aang peered at the list after Sokka left. "Katara -- Toph? Suki? Ty Lee? Mai?" He called out to Sokka, "Are you crazy?"
"Like a fox-hare!"
"This is going to have total karmic backlash, I can just feel it in my bones," Aang sighed.
After class, Sokka and Aang walked home together, the clouds overhead were starting to blot out the sun, and another rainy night seemed inevitable. Aang sighed, and Sokka shrugged, "At least tonight we're not going to have to go out in it. Toph's been in better shape."
"Yeah," Aang sighed, "The burns looked pretty nasty."
"Well, Tenchi didn't mean to do it," Sokka said, "Iroh, I mean, or whatever we're calling him. I can't believe he was in my class this whole time, and he was Iroh Houou!"
"It's so weird," Aang agreed, "I didn't even get a sense that he was different. But Toph did."
"She's got a good gut instinct," Sokka said, "She's always been pretty sharp, like that. Man, it's been like three months since she joined up, almost six since you came here, it's almost been half a year."
"And the world could end soon," Aang said. "If we fail."
"We won't," Sokka said. "I know it sounds arrogant, but I don't care. We're the best. We're more than just a bending club now, we're the Avatar Squad, and we're going to find Agni, and exterminate him so he can't destroy our worlds."
"I hope so."
"I know so, Aang," Sokka said, "When Iroh comes to ask us what we decide, I can tell you, we're all behind you one-hundred percent."
"I know," Aang smiled, "You wouldn't let me forget it even if I wanted to."
"That's just how we are." Sokka smirked, "Man, we have our whole lives ahead of us, and it's going to be more than just twenty-five days. I want to travel around the world, maybe start a family someday, get outrageously drunk on cactus juice at least once while I'm legally able to do it!"
Aang blinked.
"There's just too much to do in just twenty-five days," he concluded. "Or is it twenty-four, now? Who can say. The Summer Solstice -- we'll be ready by then! And then we can actually have a full moon where we don't have to stay up outrageously late."
Aang laughed, "I hope so!"
"I hope so, too," Sokka said, "But I'll probably end up cramming for midterms by then. So there goes that wish."
"I'll make sure you study hard ahead of time," Aang said.
"Gee, thanks, Aang. Why don't you just kick me in the butt."
"Sure, I'll do that, too!"
"You're a pal, Aang, a real pal."
Toph was getting her feet healed when Aang arrived back at the dorm. The sound of thunder in the distance made it clear that there was another storm passing through. Lightning violently coursed through the air, and Aang couldn't help but shudder at the thought of electricity passing through him again.
"Oh, welcome home," Katara said, as the healing process went through. "Now the other one, Toph." The girl kicked her foot out angrily. The water washed over it gently, and glimmered a pale blue. "These burns are incredibly different than any other I've seen."
"Well, I was burnt by Agni," Toph said, "But I'm a survivor, I'll be okay."
"You are making a remarkable amount of progress, but I still think you should take it easy. Not that we know where to go from here, anyway."
"Uh, Toph, you think you can --" he tried to be subtle, but Katara frowned, and looked away.
"If you have something to discuss with Toph, you're going to have to say it with me here, Aang," she said. He felt relieved that she missed his intent, but Toph just looked grumpy.
"Oh, uh, that's fine, Katara."
"So, what is it?" Katara asked.
"Yeah, Aang, what's up?" Toph asked, "Did your Avatar Sense tingle yet?"
"I haven't heard from any of my past selves,"
"Okay," Toph said, "Then you don't know anything about why people are asking me if I'm really serious about doing that Miss Phoenix Contest thing?"
"Ah!" Aang turned pale, "Never heard of it."
"Miss Phoenix? The beauty contest? I think you'd have a shot at winning it, Toph," Katara said, kindly, "You have fantastic hair." Then, dryly, she added, "When you remember to wash it, at any rate."
"Yeah, not interested in your hygiene lectures, Sweetness," Toph said, quickly, "'sides, I'm not winning when Miss Popularity is also signed up."
"Miss Popularity?" Katara asked, confused.
"Hey, psst, that's you," Toph stage-whispered.
"I didn't sign up --"
"In case you didn't figure it out, neither did I," Toph said. "The only reason I know you're signed up is 'cause a bunch of boys mentioned they were really looking forward to seeing you in some pretty dress."
"But, but --" Katara's face suddenly turned crimson with rage, "I know who's responsible."
And Aang was about to turn tail and run.
"Hey, hey, cool it, Sweetness," Toph said, "Don't you know the old saying that revenge is a dish best served cold."
"Oh, I can do cold."
"Not like that," Toph said. "I got an idea. Come on, we'll talk about this away from prying ears."
Instant Karma, Aang thought, was going to get him.
Walking to school the next day, he was surprised to see Zuko waiting for him at the front gate. "You ready?" he asked, curtly.
"Ready?"
"To pick up your training," he said, casting a sidelong glance at him. "We don't have long until the solstice, and if we're not ready before then, we'll be at a major disadvantage."
"Oh, yeah," Aang said, looking downcast, "You're right. We should do something tonight."
"If the weather improves," he said. "I can't believe Tenchi was really my Uncle. Now that I think about it, the resemblence to Lu Ten was uncanny."
"Your cousin?"
Zuko nodded, "I don't know why I didn't see it before. It's just been too long since I saw Lu Ten, and I'd lost faith in my Uncle. I wish there was time, some way, to tell him how sorry I am."
"I'm sure he doesn't need to hear you say anything to know that," Aang said, "He seemed to really miss you."
"Yeah," he said, "But somehow, he's been merged with that monster."
Aang shuddered, "I don't really want to have to fight it, but we don't have a choice. If we don't fight, the world doesn't have a fighting chance."
"You know we can do it," Zuko said, "And we have the time to prepare. There's no question, we're going to fight and win."
"Yeah," Aang said, unconvinced, "Yeah, of course. Zuko, I know it's kind of awkward to ask, but -- how are you holding up?"
"Holding up?"
"Your father -- he's --"
"Dad chose that path," Zuko said. "I'm sad, but not as much as I hoped I'd be." He sighed, and started towards the school. "How about you?"
"I don't know," Aang said, "I can't get it out of my mind. I'm not sure we can beat Agni, but a part of me thinks I'm just making it out to be worse than it is."
"Trust your instinct, Aang," Zuko said, "
The two of them headed inside, and stopped at the large crowd in front of the bulletin board. One of the boys was laughing hysterically, and his friend was fighting back snickers, "Oh man, really, that Zuko?"
"Do you know any other Zukos?" the laughing boy asked.
"That's humiliating," a girl said, "But if Floes really did sign up those girls without asking, then he deserves this."
"Why don't they just ask a teacher to take their name off?"
"Mad Scientist Bumi's why," the first girl answered, "He's enforcing a law on sign-ups that he calls 'No Take-Backsies' or something."
"Wait, what's going on?" Zuko asked, pushing through the crowd. There, on the bulletin board, next to the Miss Phoenix contest sign-up, was another sign-up so recently signed that the ink was still drying.
The 'Miss' Phoenix contest.
"What is this?" Zuko asked.
"Due to rampant claims of sexism," Bumi said, suddenly, from behind Zuko, "We decided to institute a beauty contest for the boys. And since really, no one wants to see you lot in speedos any more than we have to, I volunteered a wacky spin on an old chestnut."
Aang sighed, seeing his name just under Sokka's, and above Zuko's. Teo's was under Zuko's, and somehow, that didn't surprise him. "What is it, Bumi-sensei?"
"An astute question," Bumi said, "I hate to be a drag, but I have to inform you that you'll be wearing women's clothes."
He snorted and chuckled.
"Drag?" Zuko murmured, "Oh no, no way. I did not sign up for this!"
"Too bad, I have to call No Take-Backsies on this, or else no one would sign up," Bumi said. "Come on, girls love a man in touch with his feminine side, at least, they did back in my day. Not me, though, never an interest in the crazy mad-scientist."
"Katara must have --"
"This won't stand," Zuko cursed. "Sokka's to blame for this, somehow, this is his fault."
"Yeah, you're right there," Aang said.
"He will pay."
"I think he already will," Aang pointed out, "He'll have to wear a dress. I'm probably going to need a wig --"
"You're going along with this?" Zuko asked.
"Sure, why not?" Aang said, "It's not like we can get out of it."
"Well, okay, fine, but I still want to yell at Sokka."
"Me too," Aang said.
That was how they ended up on the roof at lunch, the girls hiding behind furious giggling. Suki even couldn't help but chortle in an evil fashion. "So, let me get this straight," Toph said, "You didn't put our names down."
"Uh, I abstain from answering," Sokka said, "But I can tell you for certain Aang wouldn't do that, or Zuko, either. Because they both suck."
"Hey!" Aang protested.
"I wouldn't because unlike you, I have a sense of decency," Zuko snarled. "Why did you write our names down?"
"Because one person does not a beauty contest make," Katara said, wizenly, "And besides, you guys totally did something bad on our trip and won't tell us what it was. So there you go, your punishment."
"I hate you, Sokka," Zuko growled.
"This is totally not my fault, I'm telling you."
"Oh come on, Sokka," Suki said, "I think you'll look just darling with hair-loopies."
"And you've already got a ponytail," Katara pointed out, "See, you're already halfway there. You just need a pretty skirt and a matching blouse."
"And Aang would need a wig."
"Yeah, I was just thinking that," Aang said, "Maybe try something interesting with the hair color --"
"Dude!" Sokka said, "Why are you okay with this? It's totally not manly!"
"Why fight it," Zuko said, "Bumi's being unreasonable and calling No Take-Backsies like he's five. The man's in his hundreds, why is he pulling childish tricks like that?"
"Well," Sokka said, "At least we'll get to see the girls suffer too, right?"
"Oh, right," Katara muttered, "We still have to go through with that."
Toph grimaced, "This is humiliating."
"Hey, it won't be that bad," Suki said, "I was thinking of signing up, anyway. I mean, come on, you think one of those uppity brats are going to beat me?"
"That's the spirit, Suki!"
"Still not talking to you, Sokka," she said, pointedly.
"Okay."
"Ty Lee seemed excited," Suki continued, and Mai, well, I think she's been appeased with your name being put on there, Zuko, so..."
"Hooray," Zuko said, "Not that she's said word one to me since I decided to help you guys."
"Trouble in paradise, hm?" Toph said, "Seems everyone's having relationship problems. Not me, though, I'm smart enough not to bother with it."
Aang grimaced. He still hadn't had a chance to talk to Katara, and she seemed angry right now, besides. And at the back of his mind, he could feel himself doubting why they were even going along with this.
The nagging, undeniable truth, "Remember you are mortal."
The next few days passed without much incident. Classes came and went, and with each passing day, the Solstice drew ever closer. Aang grew apprehensive, and every night, he went to bed thinking, "Tomorrow, it will be twenty-two days until the end," then, "Twenty-one days until the end."
To make matters worse, every time he'd tried to talk to Katara, she had just turned away. It wasn't as though there wasn't good reason. He had his training to attend to, and while he was improving, Zuko's frustration at his pace of improvement was noticeable. Meanwhile, Toph's feet needed healing for the group to be at their peak performance.
He still needed to talk to her, and he spent all day looking for her, but without any success. He was about to give up.
Then, to his surprise, he saw her standing alone by her shoe locker that day, and he approached her, "Uh, hi, Katara."
"Hi Aang," she said, distantly.
"Is everything okay?" he asked.
"I guess," she said, "I just -- I've been thinking. What if Iroh's right? We've fought a lot of powerful beings before, but we've never really fought any that could be thought of as a god. If Agni is as powerful as he says, what chance do we really have?"
"We have to fight, I guess," he said, "Or we'd just be giving up."
"I don't know, is that really so bad?" Katara asked. Aang shrugged. "I want to go back to not knowing that we can count the days on our fingers and toes."
"We'll manage," Aang said. "A, about before, that time -- well --"
"Aang," she frowned, "I don't know what to tell you."
"It's okay, I wasn't thinking and --"
"I just can't think about relationships right now," she said, "The world's going to end in, in, in like twenty days!"
"Yeah, I know."
"It's too much," she said, quietly. "I don't want to hurt you, but, it's too much right now."
"I understand," he said. He didn't.
"I wonder when Tenchi will be back," she said, abruptly changing the topic and moving to leave.. "Did you make your decision, Aang?" He hesitated, briefly, then nodded. "Whatever you decide, I'll be behind you. Maybe I'm getting nervous over nothing."
"Yeah," he said, downcast. "I know what we have to do."
But he still didn't want to.
It was getting on eleven when someone knocked on the dorm. Aang approached it, and peeking through the peephole, he opened it slowly, and let the visitor in.
Tenchi.
He looked apologetically at everyone as they all filed into the lounge. "I'm sorry to come so late. Have you thought about what you're going to do?"
"Yeah!" Toph said, "We're going to kick Agni's sorry butt all over the Spirit World."
Tenchi sighed, shaking his head. "Some of you don't seem so certain," he said, looking at Katara. "You look a lot like your mother, you know. She deserved to be a hero, not what has become of her."
Katara looked surprised at his statement, then, frowning, cast her head down. "Tenchi --" Aang began.
"Aang, let's talk somewhere privately."
They went up to the roof, where the waning moon looked down on them, like its lid was heavy and closing upon itself, sleepily. "The moon will never be full again," Tenchi said, "Isn't that a sad thing?"
"Iroh --"
"Aang, you alone have the right to make the decision," he said, "I wanted to take you from the others so that you didn't have to feel obliged to go one way or another. I want you to think long and hard about what you're going to do now."
Aang nodded, "I understand."
"Take your time, I have until midnight. When I return, Agni will begin to awaken, and when the solstice come, the fires will wash upon both worlds. You won't feel anything, you won't even have time to know fear. It will be peaceful."
He paused, "But if you decide to face Agni, you'll be facing a fully realized God. Do you have any idea what it will be like? This is not an angry spirit you'll be dealing with, his breath will burn the flesh from your bones. and -- worse -- he has the powers of the other elements as well."
Tenchi sighed, finally, and walked over to the edge, "It's a baeutiful city, don't you agree? I wish I could have spent longer here, and seen Zuko grow into the man he is today. I wish I had not been so blinded by the past that I could not see the future that was right before me."
He looked back at Aang, "I regret the decisions I made, but there is no taking them back. I advise you to decide with that in mind. There is no taking back this decision." He turned his back on Aang and looked back down on the city. "Are you ready?"
Aang nodded, "I've made my choice."
And so ends your fifth month.
You have reached the truth at last.
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You have been granted a choice. Will you face an insurmountable foe?
Or will you accept the inevitable fate of all who live?
You have made a decision, regardless, but why continue?
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Is there even a further truth to discover?
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Next Month: Judgment
To be continued.
