I don't own Star Wars Rebels or anything associated with Star Wars in general which belongs to Disney and Lucasfilm nor Avatar the Last Airbender which belongs to Nickelodeon, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko. This story is strictly being done for pure fun and in no way is an attempt to profit of the properties involved.
Hey everyone. So now we're here with the next chapter. Happy delayed New Year. Sorry again I took so long. Same excuses I know and at this point you think I would have gotten it done sooner? To all those who have reviewed so far then thank you. If there's anything I'm doing wrong or you think could be improved upon please let me know. Anyway if you're still reading or are reading for the first time then I hope you enjoy.
In an unnamed area near a cliff with a small body of water
Now that they had returned from space to their own world Team Avatar and the Ghost Crew were resting Sokka was relaxing peacefully, floating on a large leaf in the water with Momo sleeping on his stomach, while Katara and Aang were facing each other while practicing waterbending.
Zeb, Chopper and Rex were looking over some supplies while Ezra was doing some lightsabre practice.
Sabine doing some touch work on her armour having declined Sokka's offer to go swimming.
Sokka with his hair covering his eyes was already making plans "You guys are going to be done soon, right? We have a lot of ground to cover if we're going to make it to Omashu today."
Katara rose from her hunched-over position as she turns to face Sokka smugly. "What? Like you're ready to go right now, naked guy?"
"I could be ready in two minutes. Seriously," Sokka said as he pulled back the hair covering his eyes. "Whenever."
"Well don't wait too long. You'd hate for the Fire Nation or Empire to see you like this." Sabine warned him.
"So you were showing me the octopus form?" Aang asked Katara
Katara turned her attention back to Aang "Right, let me see your stance."
Aang assumed a defensive stance and after careful consideration, Katara walked over to him. Katara walked under his right arm as she continued to instruct him "Your arms are too far apart." She then proceeded to position his arms closer together. "See, if you move them closer together, you protect your center. You got it?"
Aang blushed at the sight of her being so close to him "Oh, yea ... thanks."
Ezra seeing this smiled as he lifted a rock with the Force and then proceeded to throw his lightsabre at it splitting the rock before it could fall to the ground.
Katara walked away and assumed a fighting stance. "Okay, let's see what you got."
Aang proceeded to bend the water, creating a globule which eventually transformed into eight whip-like water tentacles. He carefully proceeded to maneuver them, fending off shards of ice that Katara repeatedly sent at him by throwing them away or dodging them. At length, he managed to manipulate one of the tentacles, curling it around her leg, gripping it firmly and pulling on it.
Katara was proud at his progression "You make a fine octopus, Pupil Aang."
Aang was dancing playfully, suspended in a globule of water shaped like an actual octopus.
Inside the Ghost in Kanan and Hera's quarters
Kanan was meditating as he concentrated and heard voices in the Force. Their journey was beginning to grow longer and as a result he felt things were going to change. Whatever happened next on this journey he hoped it wouldn't come at a cost.
Suddenly he was interrupted by Hera entering their room "Just caught up with Commander Sato. He says he'll inform us of any big decisions but right now Rau is helping to navigate areas." His reserved look usually sparked a possible concern. "Are you okay?"
"This journey through the Earth Kingdom. I have a feeling it's going to be bigger than the journey to get to the North Pole. I'm fearing the worst. But also sense the possibility of hope." Kanan said still trying to figure things out.
"We've come this far we can't let fear control us now. The minute we give in that's when we are cornered the most. We may lose some people but we will end this. I know it." Hera said trying to reassure him despite she also sometimes feared the future.
"And where do you think we'll be when this is all over?" Kanan asked holding her hand.
Hera looked at his tender hand as she held it "We'll always be tied together."
Both looked like they were about share a kiss when they heard music in the distance.
Outside the Ghost where the rest of the group was
Kanan and Hera quickly re-joined the group as they witnessed a strange group of nomads playing music on instruments and singing, approaching them.
Their leader was singing a song Da, da, da. Don't fall in love with the traveling girl. She'll leave you broke and brokenhearted."
Sokka unexpectedly fell off his leaf into the water as the leader stopped singing and pointed at the group. "Hey, river people!"
"We're not river people." Katara reassured them.
The leader was puzzled. "You're not? Well then what kind of people are you?"
"Just ... people." Aang said as he looked at the non human members of the group "Well most of us are"
"Aren't we all, brother?" The leader asked as he looked at Hera and Zeb "Peace to you strange ones. We are all sentient beings in this circle of life and we do not fear you. That is what you were thinking right?"
"Right." Zeb said weirded out.
Sokka walked over as he began to accuse them of spying "Who are you?"
"I'm Chong and this is my wife, Lily." Chong said introducing himself "We're nomads, happy to go wherever the wind takes us!" He suddenly began to strum his lute-like instrument in a crazy fashion much like a rock star strummed crazily on their guitar."
Aang admittedly was somewhat puzzled but quickly changed his tone to an excited one upon learning what they were "You guys are nomads? That's great! I'm a nomad!"
"Hey, me too!" Chong said excitedly.
Aang had a blank look on his face "I know ... you just said that."
"Not a bright bunch" Zeb whispered to Sabine who quickly elbowed him to not offend them.
"Oh. Nice underwear …" Chong said noticing Sokka.
Sokka's eyes bulged at the sudden realization that he is wearing very little in front of complete strangers as he grabbed Momo and places him strategically over his underwear and slides rapidly away to change.
"He'll take about 5 minutes tops." Sabine sarcastically assured them.
"In the mean time why don't you tell us about yourselves?" Ezra proposed thinking they could help.
In a forest landscape further away
Zuko and Iroh were now living as fugitives having separated from Azula and Kallus the latter agreeing to act as a spy to help them get one step ahead. Iroh gasped as he stared in awe at a red and white flower.
Zuko emerged from the bushes, now sporting short, black hair. "I didn't find anything to eat! I can't live like this! I wasn't meant to be a fugitive." He then proceeded to raise his fists in the air and yelled at the sky. "This is impossible!" He then looked over at Iroh. "Uncle, what are you doing?"
Iroh was doting over the flower as Zuko appeared behind him. "You're looking at the rare white dragon bush. Its leaves make a tea so delicious, it's heartbreaking. That, or it's the white jade, which is poisonous."
"We need food, not tea. I'm going fishing." Zuko said as he walked away.
Iroh was lost in thought at the prospect at being able to make tea again "Hmm ... delectable tea? Or deadly poison?"
Further away close to the mountains
Team Avatar, the Ghost crew and the band of nomads were lounging nearby Appa, whose fur was being braided and the Ghost which was stationed. Chong was casually strumming his lute as Sokka approached everyone.
Aang was wearing a wreath of pink flowers on his head as he caught him up "Hey, Sokka, you should hear some of these stories. These guys have been everywhere!"
Chong stopped playing as he corrected him "Well not everywhere, Little Arrowhead. But where we haven't been, we've heard about through stories and songs." He then looked at the Ghost crew "Including stories of the stars and those who traversed them. We never thought we'd meet them up close though."
"We get around." Ezra said "But you guys certainly have your own way at looking at things."
"They said they'll take us to see a giant night crawler!" Aang said excitedly.
Moku one of the other nomads was lying on the ground "On the way, there's a waterfall that creates a never-ending rainbow!"
"Look, I hate to be the wet blanket here, but since Katara is busy, I guess it's up to me." Sokka said as Katara shot him a glare as Lily braided her hair. "We need to get to Omashu. No sidetracks, no worms and definitely no rainbows."
"Wow, sounds like someone has a case of destination fever. You're worried too much about where you're going." Chong said not feeling phased.
"You got to focus less on the "where" and more on the "going" Lily said as she made gestures with her hand, accidentally tugging on Katara's braid.
Sokka was beginning to lose his patience "O. Ma. Shu!"
"Sokka's right. We need to find King Bumi, so Aang can learn earthbending somewhere safe." Hera said agreeing with him.
"Sounds like you're headed to Omashu." Chong said
Sokka smacked his forehead in frustration. These people would be the death of him.
"There's an old story about a secret pass right through the mountains." Chong said revealing a path.
"Is this real or a legend?" Katara asked
"Oh, it's a real legend. And it's as old as earthbending itself. " Chong said as he began strumming his lute and singing. "Two lovers, forbidden from one another, the war divides their people and the mountain divides them apart! Built a path to be together!" He then proceeed to stopped playing. "Yeah, I forget the next couple of lines, but then it goes ... " He then proceeded to resume singing. "Secret tunnel! Secret tunnel! Through the mountains, secret, secret, secret, secret tunnel!"
"That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard." Zeb said not believing it..
Sokka was equally unamused as he folded his arms. "Oh you said it big guy "I think we'll just stick with flying. We've dealt with the Fire Nation and Empire before. We'll be fine."
"Yeah, thanks for the help, but Appa hates going underground." Aang said as he flashed a smile. "And we need to do whatever makes Appa most comfortable …"
"Thank you anyway Chong." Kanan said with a bow though he had a feeling they wouldn't be gone for long.
Over a mountainous cliffside
Fire Nation soldiers were attacking the team by launching fireballs at them as they desperately try to escape on Appa while the Ghost crew were flying away in the Ghost.
The Commander pointed at the trio on Appa. "Launch!" Several catapults were activated, launching an assault of fireballs at the team, who managed to narrowly avoid them. He then pointed at the Ghost "Fire again!"
The Ghost was then hit as Hera managed to avoid any further damage.
A few moments later the trio, who were covered in ash and scorch marks and the Ghost crew unscathed, returned casually strolling past the nomads.
"Secret love cave, let's go." Sokka said pointing forward and wanting to get this over with.
In a forest area
Zuko had just finished his fishing expedition but had only managed to spear a single, tiny fish which proceeded to flap about helplessly on the large branch he used for a fishing pole.
Iroh was hunched over as he called out to him "Zuko, remember that plant I thought might be tea?"
Zuko was shocked at his Uncle's foolishness "You didn't …"
"I did …" Iroh said as he turned around as he revealed himself to be swollen and covered in red marks "And it wasn't."
Zuko dropped the branch out of shock. "Ahh!"
Iroh however was surprisingly calmly "When the rash spreads to my throat, I will stop breathing. But look what I found." Iroh then held out his arm to reveal berries. "These are bacui berries, known to cure the poison of the white jade." His tone then changed to uncertainty "That, or maka'ole berries that cause blindness."
Zuko grabbed the branch of berries, hurling it into the bushes. "We're not taking any more chances with these plants! We need to get help."
"But where are we going to go?" Iroh asked as he knelt down and scratched his rash vigorously. "We're enemies of the Earth Kingdom and fugitives from the Fire Nation."
"If the Earth Kingdom discovers us, they'll have us killed." Zuko realised
"But if the Fire Nation discovers us, we'll be turned over to Azula." Iroh said as he got up "We also can't risk giving away Kallus's position. He's doing enough for us as it is."
They looked at each other and paused briefly as they weighed their options before Zuko nodded and walked away with Iroh. "Earth Kingdom it is."
Labyrinth tunnel
Team Avatar, the Ghost crew and the band of nomads were journeying to the tunnels along a wide street surrounded by the ruins of a temple.
"How far are we from the tunnel?" Sokka asked
"Actually, it's not just one tunnel. The lovers didn't want anyone to find out about their love, so they built a whole labyrinth!" Chong explained
Sokka halted in his tracks in shock. "Labyrinth?"
"Oh, I'm sure we'll figure it out." Chong responded casually.
"That's not very encouraging." Zeb said sharing Sokka's distain for this situation.
"All you need to do is trust in love ... according to the curse." Lilly assured them.
Sokka, who had resumed walking, halted once more as the others passed by him. After several moments, he flinched in terror. "Curse!"
A few moments later the team arrived at the dark entrance of the cave.
"Hey-hey! We're here!" Chong said happpuly
Ezra looked at the inscription "What exactly is this curse?"
"The curse says that only those who trust in love can make it through the caves. Otherwise, you'll be trapped in them forever." Chong revealed
"And die." Lilly added
"Oh yeah, and die." Chong said as he brightened "Hey, I just remembered the rest of that song!" He then proceeded to stand before the entrance and strum his lute, while singing an ominous line in a low voice. "And die!"
"You're just making this sound better each moment." Sabine said
Sokka however had enough "That's it! There's no way we're going through some cursed hole!"
Moku turned his head to observe gray smoke rising from the horizon, which he proceeded to point at. "Hey, someone's making a big campfire!"
Katara suddenly realised what it was "That's no campfire, Moku."
"It's Fire Nation. They're tracking us." Sokka said grimly.
"With some Empire assistance." Ezra added
"So all you need to do is trust in love to get through these caves?" Aang asked making sure he understood what was being said.
"That is correct, Master Arrowhead." Chong responded.
Aang turned to stare at Katara, who had her back to him her clothes and hair swaying slightly as a breeze passed by. "We can make it."
Sokka gestured to the cave; somewhat commanding." Everyone into the hole!"
They all began to enter the cave as Hera stopped them "Wait. We'll be emerging from another side but that means we'll be leaving my ship here."
"Oh yeah right" Aang said forgetting the Ghost.
"I'm not leaving it in danger. But we can't fly across". Hera said
"Chopper and I will take the Ghost Captain Syndulla" Rex said stepping up "We'll do our best to avoid the Fire Nation and Empire. If anything it'll give them something to hit while you all escape unnoticed. We can take Appa in the cargo hold if you want Aang?"
Appa groaned in frustration as Aang answered "I think he's still not a fan from last time and he doesn't want to be separated."
"We'll see you in Omashu then Rex." Hera said as she went down to Chopper "Try not to get it to banged up."
Chopper grunted as he and Rex boarded the ship.
After the group entered several Fire Nation and Imperial tanks rumbled across the terrain toward the entrance of the tunnel and paused once they reach the mouth of the cave.
"Hold on! It's too dangerous. Haven't you heard the song? Just close them in. The mountain will take care of the rest." The Commander said as the tanks fired rotating grappling hooks from canisters into the tunnel and released them after a few moments as the Imperial tanks fired cannons on them, unleashing a myriad of boulders.
"Now they are finished." The Commander said satisfied.
A Storm Trooper suddenly spotted the Ghost in the sky "Look sir they've escaped!"
"That's that ship! After it!" The Commander said as he and his troops began to chase after it.
Chopper flew the ship around trying to navigate the attacks as Rex fired the cannons.
"Careful I need to get a clear shot!" Rex yelled as he hoped everyone else was doing better in the cave.
Inside the group
The group had begun navigating their way through the tunnels only to turn and witness the entrance being closed off as Appa began to frantically paw the walls of the tunnel as Katara calmed him down "It's okay, Appa. We'll be fine. I hope."
"We will be fine. All we need is a plan. Chong, how long do those torches last?" Sokka asked
"Uh, about two hours each." Chong asked
Lily lit the rest of the torches in her hand "And we have five torches, so that's ten hours!"
Sokka grabbed torches as he stomped out the fire. "It doesn't work like that if they're all lit at the same time!"
"Oh, right." Lily realised
"Well I've got night vision in my helmet so that should tell us something." Sabine said as she activated it.
"I'm going to make a map to keep track of exactly where we've been. Then we should be able to solve it like a maze and get through." Sokka said
Katara and Aang looked at each other with unsure expressions.
"We'll help" Hera said offering her and Sabine's aide.
In an Earth Kingdom village hospital
One doctor was treating a man with what appeared to be a cupping treatment. The man grit his teeth in pain. A girl was treating Iroh's allergic reaction with Zuko sitting on a bench.
The girl wrung cloth as she explained the situation "You two must not be from around here. We know better than to touch the White Jade, much less make it into tea and drink it." She then flicked Iroh's hand away when he proceeded to scratch his rash.
Iroh was now in an even worse condition than before with the rash having spread to his face and his cheeks swollen. "Whoops!"
"So where are you traveling from?" The girl asked
Zuko was nervous as he rose from his seat as she moved his hand down so she could wash it. "Yes, we're travelers."
"Do you have names?" The girl asked
"Names? Of course we have names." Zuko said as the girl turned to see Iroh scratching and glared at him, before slapping his hand away. "I'm, uh ... Lee and this is my Uncle, uh ... Mushi?"
Iroh shot him an angry look as the girl took a lotion from a jar as she then began slathering it over the inflamed areas. "Yes, my nephew was named after his father, so we just call him Junior." He then leaned over to the side to give Zuko a pleased smile. Zuko glared angrily at Iroh as he moved his finger across his neck signaling that he was dead meat, but abruptly halted and put his hands behind his back when the girl turned to look at him.
"Mushi and Junior, huh." The girl said before revealing her own name "My name is Song. You two look like you could use a good meal." She then slapped Iroh's hand away when he went to scratch his rash. "Why don't you stay for dinner?"
Zuko looked away "Sorry, but we need to be moving on."
Song screwed the cap back on the lid as she gave an innocent smile "That's too bad. My mom always makes too much roast duck."
"Where do you live exactly?" Iroh asked excitedly.
In a nearby hospital bed two individuals were being treated by the doctors as one of them looked at them "Do you suppose this is how they normally look?"
"I've heard stories about different beings called ''aliens'' that are popping up in places. Some of them work with the Fire Nation. We did find them in a crashed vehicle that I didn't recognise. It could be one of those space ships" The other doctor said.
The first doctor became fearful "You don't suppose that..."
Suddenly the first individual awakened as she used the Force to pull her lightsabre from the table revealing herself as the Seventh Sister. "Where is our ship?"
"In the village it's heavily damaged. I don't think's repairable." The doctor answered pleading for his life.
The Seventh Sister used the force choke to break his neck as she knocked the other aside as the Fifth Brother rose up from his bed and collected his weapon.
"What do we do now?" The Fifth Brother asked
The Seventh Sister then heard talking as she quietly walked out the building and saw Zuko, Iroh and Song leaving "It's time we caught up with an old friend."
Inside the dark tunnel
Sokka was standing with a map in his hands, the map. He then tilted it to the side a few times before drawing it closer to him.
"Sokka, this is the tenth dead end you've led us to." Katara said
"This doesn't make sense. We already came through this way." Sokka said confused.
"We don't need a map." Chong said as Sokka passed by him. "We just need love. The little guy knows it."
"Yeah, but I wouldn't mind a map also." Aang said knowing navigation was the key to get out.
"Karablast if I have to listen to anymore of this." Zeb groaned.
The group was standing in the dark cave as Sokka looked up from the map. "There's something strange here. There's only one explanation. The tunnels are changing."
A wave of surprise passed over everyone as the tunnels shook.
"So is love capable of stopping an groundquake?" Ezra asked
Nighttime at Song's house in an open-wall dining room
Zuko and Iroh were sitting around Song's kitchen table as Song's mother set down a platter of roast duck and took her seat. "My daughter tells me you're refugees. We were once refugees ourselves."
"When I was a little girl, the Fire Nation raided our farming village. All the men were taken away. That was the last time I saw my father." Song said sadly.
"I haven't seen my father in many years." Zuko said technically not lying.
"Oh, is he fighting in the War?" Song asked sorrowfully.
Zuko hesitated as Iroh was slurping up a bowl of noodles. Zuko sets down his dish as he looked away in dismay "Yeah."
Unbeknownst to them the Seventh Sister's robot pet was watching them as it then flew away to re-join it's mistress.
"So the prince has made a friend?" The Seventh Sister said looking at the footage "How long can it really last?"
Inside the cave
"The tunnels, they're a-changin'. It must be the curse! I knew we shouldn't have come down here!" Chong yelled frantically
"Right, if only we listened to you." Sokka said sarcastically.
Katara held up a hand in warning. "Everyone be quiet. Listen."
Sokka looked into the dark tunnel, as a low snarl could be heard from within the darkness of the tunnel. Momo flew from his shoulder as Sokka suspiciously held the torch up to the tunnel to inspect the strange sound. Suddenly, a wolfbat flew from the darkness of the cave toward them causing everyone to panic.
"It's a giant flying thing with teeth!" Chong yelled.
"No! It's a wolfbat!" Moku yelled
In a frenzy, Sokka swatted at the creature with the lit torch as several hot cinders were thrown about and landed on Appa's skin. Yelping in pain, the bison began running around the tunnel, releasing a discharge of rocks and debris. Sabine, Zeb and Hera fired on the creature killing it but not before the rocks continued to crumble.
Aang quickly airbended Sokka, Sabine, Zeb and the band of nomads out of the way of the falling rocks as Ezra helped hold them up. He then raced toward Katara and pushed her out of the way. Kanan used the force to prevent them from falling on Hera though one manages to fall and graze her leg as he quickly pulled it off.
"Hera!" Kanan said helping her up
"I'm okay but it's a bit hard to stand" Hera said as she witnessed Katara and Aang rise from the impact now noticing the division of the tunnel.
Meanwhile, Sokka attempted to dig his way through the barrier that divided the two groups.
"Yeah, it's no use. We're separated. But at least you have us!" Chong said happuly
"Nooooo!" Sokka yelled horrified not wanting to be stuck as he resumed digging through the rocks only to have a pile of debris fall on him.
"Now would be a good time to use the Force kid." Zeb said to Ezra
"There's so much here it'll take forever for me to clear alone." Ezra said as Zeb gave him a glare "But I'll try."
Outside Song's home
Zuko was sitting on Song's front porch as she came outside and sat beside him. "Can I join you? I know what you've been through. We've all been through it." She then looked at Zuko's scar. "The Fire Nation has hurt you." She then reached out to touch his scar only to have Zuko push her hand away. "It's okay. They've hurt me, too." She then proceeded to pull up her pants leg to reveal burn scars on her leg. Zuko casted her a surprised look upon seeing this.
The Seventh Sister and Fifth Brother watched the touching display as both waited to attack.
Inside the cave
Chong and his group were singing much to Sokka's annoyance.
Chong sung as he and the nomads pass the angry warrior. "Oh, don't let the cave-in get you down! Don't let the falling rocks turn your smile into a frown! When the tunnels are darkest, that's when you need a clown, hey! Don't let the cave-in get you down, Sokka!"
Sokka scowled at this as he looked over to see Ezra making his way slowly through the cave in.
In another part of the cave
Katara finished healing Hera's leg as she stood up better "There you go Hera. You'll be flying again in no time."
"She'd fly even with the leg damaged Katara." Kanan assured her as Hera gave him a smile.
Aang noticed their affection as he then looked at Kanan "Do you think we should try and combine to move the rocks?"
"We could but the others are probably moving alone now. Plus we were planning to find the exit anyway. It's best we keep going" Kanan said as the two benders nodded.
A few moments later they made their way through the tunnels as Katara spotted something "Look!"
Aang ran up to a solid rock door. "We found the exit!" The two struggled to open it as Appa prepared to charge. The two looked at each other in alarm before Kanan stopped him.
"It's okay big guy" Kanan said as he held out his hand as Aang did the same "This one we can handle"
On the opposite side of the entrance
The door creaked open as the stone doorway loosened and rolled off to the side as Katara jumped into the room only to have her look of hope change into one of disappointment. "This isn't the exit."
Aang walked to her side. "No. It's a tomb."
"Not unlike an abandoned Jedi temple. Or what Malachor could have looked like" Kanan said feeling the site familiar.
"It must be the two lovers from the legend; that's who's buried here." Aang realised.
"Up here" Hera said spotting something.
"These pictures tell their story." Katara realised as she gestured with the torch toward at the panels along the tomb, speaking about each one in turn.
The four exchanged glances as Katara narrated the story. "They met on top of the mountain that divided their two villages … The villages were enemies, so they could not be together ... but their love was strong and they found a way. The two lovers learned earthbending from the badgermoles; they became the first earthbenders. They built elaborate tunnels, so they could meet secretly. Anyone who tried to follow them would be forever in the labyrinth. But, one day, the man didn't come - he'd died in the war between the two villages. Devastated, the woman unleashed a terrible display of her earthbending power - she could have destroyed them all ... but, instead, she declared the war over. Both villages helped her build a new city where they would live together in peace. The woman's name was Oma and the man's name was Shu. The great city was named Omashu as a monument to their love. Love is brightest in the dark."
Both Kanan and Hera looked each other as they took in the story noticing Aang and Katara were doing the same.
On the other side of the cave
Sokka glared at the map while Momo comically perched on the top of his head.
"Oh, great! Your plans have led us to another dead end!" Moku yelled as the entire group were now standing before a wall of rubble as Sokka glared accusingly at the nomad. "At least I'm thinking of ideas and trying to get us out of here, Moku."
"Whoa, whoa, wait a minute. We're thinking of ideas ? Because I've had an idea for, like, an hour now." Chong said
Sokka angrily spread his arms out dramatically. "Yes! We're all thinking of ideas!"
"Share away Chong." Sabine said stepping into calm him down.
"Well, then listen to this: If love is the key out of here, then all we need to do is play a love song! " Chong said as he began playing song much to Sokka's dismay.
"It's kind of growing on me" Ezra said listening to the melody.
In the tomb of the two lovers
Katara, Kanan and Hera studied the portrait of the two lovers and the inscription while Aang stood off to side.
"How are we going to find our way out of these tunnels?" Aang asked
"It's possible there's some kind of navigation. Otherwise the lovers would continue to get lost all the time." Hera said trying to figure it out.
"I have a crazy idea." Katara said
Aang was curious "What?"
Katara was hesitant as she walked away, slightly embarrassed. "Never mind. It's too crazy."
"Katara, what is it?" Aang asked
"Any idea would be good at this point." Kanan added.
"I was thinking ... the curse says we'll be trapped in here forever unless we trust in love …" Katara said
"Right …" Aang said not sure what she was getting at
Katara turned to face him and gestured to the portrait. "And here, it says, "Love is brightest in the dark," and has a picture of them kissing."
Aang was utterly confused and lost. "Where are you going with this?"
Katara blushed as she asked him "Well, what if we ... kissed?"
Aang was very surprised. "Us ... kissing?"
"See? It was a crazy idea." Katara said as she looked at Kanan and Hera "And you guys are here. I don't think they had that designed for more than two people."
Aang was in a daze a the thought of kissing the girl he was growing to care for "Us ... kissing …"
"Us kissing. What was I thinking? Can you imagine that?" Katara asked fake-jokingly
Both Hera and Kanan noticed the awkwardness between them as she looked at Kanan who felt the situation was beginning to turn for them as well.
"Yeah." Aang said as he awkwardly laughed "I definitely wouldn't want to kiss you!"
Katara was suddenly insulted "Oh, well! I didn't realize it was such a horrible option. Sorry I suggested it!"
Aang realised his mistake as he tried to backpeddle "No, no, I mean ... if there was a choice between kissing you and dying …"
Katara was still disgusted. "Ugh!"
Aang desperately tried to save himself "What? I'm saying is I would rather kiss you than die - that's a compliment."
Katara was now enraged "Well, I'm not sure which I'd rather do!"
Hera got between them "Okay that's enough! Tensions are high but they only way we'll get out is if we stick together so the two of you are going to have to put this aside"
Katara looked at her feeling sorry before she proceeded to slam the torch into Aang's hand and stormed away as Hera followed her
"What is wrong with me …" Aang said as he walked away with Kanan shaking his head as he followed him.
On the otherside of the cave
Chong and his nomads were playing love songs as the group were walking past. "Even if you're lost, you can't lose the love because it's in your heart …"
Sokka slapped his forehead once more.
Zeb finally having enough suddenly grabbed Chong's lute as he smashed it against the rocks, breaking it as he then handed it back to him before sounding apologetic "Sorry"
"Hey no worries Zeb." Chong said before enthusiastically pulling out another "This is why I always carry a spare!"
He then continued singing as Zeb and Sokka groaned.
Outside Song's house
Zuko and Iroh were preparing to depart from Song's house where dozens of fireflies were in the air.
"Thank you for the duck. It was excellent." Iroh said
"You're welcome. It brings me pleasure to see someone eat my cooking with such ... gusto." Song's mother said accepting his compliment
Iroh patted his stomach in a contented manner. "Much practice."
Zuko turned to leave as Iroh called him "Junior, where are your manners? You need to thank these nice people."
Zuko turned and bowed "Thank you."
"I know you don't think there's any hope left in the world, but there is hope. The Avatar has returned with visitors from the stars." Song said hopefully.
"I know." Zuko responded bitterly. He then proceeded to leave, but stopped as he came across an ostrich horse. Quietly, he walked over to the animal, unfastening it from its post as he led it away as he began riding the animal.
Iroh was appalled by his actions "What are you doing? These people just showed you great kindness."
"They're about to show us a little more kindness." Zuko said as he looked at him "Well?"
Disappointed and reluctant, Iroh was about to mount the ostrich horse before he was flung to the ground by the Fifth Brother.
"Uncle!" Zuko quietly yelled as he saw them and gritted his teeth "You two."
"Haven't seen you since the North Pole when you left us to die." The Seventh Sister reminded him "We escaped in case you were wondering but it didn't take long for us to end up here. I think they are still looking for you. But you'd get further if you joined us in hunting the Avatar and Jedi."
"We'd rather take our chances on our own." Zuko said as he got off the ostrich and used his fire bending to face them back as Iroh joined him.
The two Inquisitors used the Force to disperse the fire as the Seventh Sister spotted Song in the doorway having caught Zuko stealing the ostrich. She then grabbed her as she held the lightsabre to her throat. "Surrender or she dies."
Zuko stopped as he walked towards her she then let Song go as she dropped her to the ground. Zuko was about to create a fire fist punch before the Seventh Sister used the Force to Force choke him and hold him tight "You take my for a fool boy?"
Iroh then send a fire blast at the Fifth Brother who tried blocking them but Iroh kept coming as Iroh then swept him to the ground by the leg. He then proceeded to punch the Seventh Sister using the fire fist, scarring and burning her face as her helmet was knocked off and she wreathed in agony as the flames cleared and she and the Fifth Brother fled on two nearby ostriches.
Zuko looked at Song as she had now seen the truth "I'm sorry" The two rode away, leaving Song upset as she quietly went back inside and closed the screen door to the house.
Inside the cave
Aang, Kanan and Katara were still in wandering around, their torch ready to burn out at any moment.
Kanan gave Aang a look as the latter realised the situation "We're going to run out of light any second now, aren't we?"
Katara realised her own mistake "I think so …"
"Then, what are we going to do?" Aang asked
"What can we do?" Katara asked as she silently walked over and grabbed hold of his hand. She then looked over at Kanan and Hera who were close together. Aang smiled up at her as the two leaned into one another as the last of the torch light fades. Under cover of darkness Hera and Kanan had shared their own moment before suddenly, the ceiling of the cave lit up revealing thousands of glowing crystals gleaming overhead.
On the other side
Meanwhile, Sokka, Sabine, Ezra, Zeb and the band of nomads were journeying through the cave when they suddenly heard a low growl as several wolfbats came into the light, racing toward them. Sokka waved his hands frantically in an attempt to scare them off as the creatures flew straight past him while Sabine and Zeb fired on them.
"Hey! You saved us, Sokka!" Chong complimented.
"No, they were trying to get away from something!" Sokka realised
"From what?" Chong asked
The caves rumbled as a wall of rock crumbled. Without warning, two giant badgermoles burst through the caves, causing the group to panic. One badgermole proceeded to close its hands together in a prayerful manner, closing off a tunnel behind it with earthbending as the other badgermole pounded the ground with its paws and rose a wall of earth, blocking off the exits. One badgermole was now using earthbending to create a split in the earth between the nomads, remaining Ghost crew and Sokka.
Ezra realised what they were doing "They're earthbenders! These creatures are trying to make a path!"
"You think you can connect with them to let us out?" Sabine asked wishing she hadn't left her jetpack on the Ghost though it still wouldn't have helped anyway.
Ezra held out his hand as he made a connection as the badgermole stopped and looked at him.
Sokka tried to avoid the badgermole's swipes as he was then blown back several feet and started hastily backing away, his fingers hitting a string on the lute in the process, producing a musical note.
A badgermole cocked its head curiously. The creatures began to quiet down as he picked up the lute and began playing a tune.
"Hey, those things are music lovers!" Chong realised
Sokka began to sing nervously. "Badgermoles coming toward me. Come on guys, help me out!"
Chong then began singing "The big, bad badgermoles who earthbend the tunnels, hate the wolfbats, but love the sounds!"
Ezra had connected with the badgermole as he got on top of it "Woah hey easy. They aren't so bad once they calm down."
"Well let's hope they stay that way." Sabine said as she got on one.
On the other side
Aang and Katara who were standing underneath the ceiling of glowing crystals, their hands linked with Kanan and Hera doing the same though they were more subtle leaving the two kids to not notice.
"They're made of some kind of crystal. They must only light up in the dark." Aang realised
"That explains the riddle" Kanan realised.
Katara agreed with that sentiment "That's how the two lovers found each other. They just put out their lights and followed the crystals." She then noticed the exit "That must be the way out!"
The two hugged before Aang broke the tension "So, uh …"
"Come on" Hera called as Katara followed her.
Aang stared after Katara before shaking his head and smiling. He and Appa followed close behind Kanan as he looked at him "So what happened?"
"That depends." Kanan said "What happened with you?"
Aang didn't respond as they followed them.
Outside the cave
Making their way out of the cave and into the outdoors, Appa bounded out of the tunnel and flopped onto his back, tongue lolling out in content.
"What about the others?" Aang asked as they seemed a bit concerned at first, before a rumbling sound was heard.
Sokkam the remaining Ghost crew and the band of nomads suddenly emerged from the cave, riding atop badgermoles. Debris fleew everywhere as Aang and Katara shielded themselves from the rubble before Kanan used the Force to clear some from getting near them. They then noticed them riding atop one of the creatures, Momo flying about on Sokka who was waving.
Katara was never more happy to see her brother "Sokka!"
Sokka dismounted the badgermole as he approached Katara. "How did you guys get out?"
"Just like the legend said, we let love lead the way." Aang said smiling sheepishly.
Ezra and Sabine shared a look with Hera and Kanan indicating something else happened but decided not to inquire about it.
"Really?" Sokka asked as he turned to the badgermoles "We let huge, ferocious beasts lead our way." He and Ezra waved to them as they slowly plodded their way into the cave again. Two walls of rock rose up where the badgermoles re-entered the cave.
"Something tells me there's a story behind this." Kanan said looking at Ezra.
"Pretty sure there's always one." Ezra said
Momo was seemingly communicating with Appa, telling him of his journey through the caves as Appa seemingly roared in response to the lemur.
Katara hugged her brother as she looked at him "Why is your forehead all red?"
Chong noticed something "Nobody react to what I'm about to tell you: I think that kid might be the Avatar!"
Sokka smacked his forehead, enlarging the red spot while Chong looked at him in curiosity.
Before anything could be said the Ghost suddenly flew by as it landed on the ground as Rex and Chopper stepped out.
"Hey. How did you guys escape the Fire Nation and Empire?" Ezra asked.
"At first we were having difficulty but thanks to the map we found a place to cut them off between the East and West lakes. For some reason they didn't dare follow us so they turned back and we found our way back to here."
"Yeah a computer map would be handy" Sokka realised feeling the Ghost would be beneficial to the journey.
Meanwhile, Aang confronted the other nomads "So are you guys going to come to Omashu with us?"
"Nope." Moku answered
"Okay. Thanks for everything, Moku." Aang said feeling grateful.
Kanan and Ezra bowed as the former advised them "Safe journeys"
"The same to you and your Padawan." Chong said
"And if you ever feel lost. Remember the deepest bonds will always be felt spiritually." Lilly said as she put a bracelet of flowers on Hera's hand as she looked at her and Kanan as both looked at each other with Hera blushing something she tried not to show though Lily noticed.
The band of nomads began walking away as Chong placed a necklace of flowers around Sokka and Zeb's necks. "Sokka, I hope you learned a little something about not letting the plans get in the way of the journey. And Zeb loosen up brother." He then hugged them up
Sokka and Zeb groaned as the former told them "Just play your songs."
"Hey! Good plan!" Chong said as he began playing his lute and sang "Even if you're lost, you can't lose the love because it's in your heart. Da, da, da …"
As Chong sang, Aang shot a look at Katara as Sokka crossed his arms while Katara blushed. Zeb shared Sokka's annoyance while Rex remained stone faced not knowing what was going on while Sabine and Ezra smiled. Chopper seemed to even be getting into it as Hera and Kanan held hands.
Later in the day
The group headed up the mountainside to Omashu.
"The journey was long and annoying, but now you get to see what it's really about: the destination." Sokka said grateful to be at their destination "I present to you the Earth Kingdom city of O-" He then paused abruptly "Oh no …"
The sight before them wasn't good. Omashu had been captured and placed under Fire Nation and Imperial rule. Things had just gotten worse.
Further away from Song's house
Having escaped the Seventh Sister now with a scarred and burned face was venting her frustrations "A disgraced Prince and his foolish Uncle should be easy to capture. So why can't we?"
"The boy shows resilience and the Uncle despite his demeanour appears stronger then he seems." The Fifth Brother said realising they misjudged them.
"I never thought you for the introspective type Rugess Glaive." An individual said before looking at the Seventh Sister "Then again Amaya Pasiq is not known for her outbursts."
The Seventh Sister knew very few knew their real identities they long ago shred as part of themselves. She then recognised the individual that was surrounded by other Inquisitors "Jerec. So you survived?"
"I faked my death for a reason Sister. Vader and Palpatine's vision are beyond what the future holds. Another has made me see the truth." Jerec told her.
"Sounds like an interesting proposition for a blind man." The Seventh Sister sarcastically responded "Pity you couldn't share it with the Tenth Brother before his death."
"I know of the death of the other Inquisitors. And now that you've both failed the Emperor and Vader will have no more use for you." Jerec "The time of the Inquisitorius is at an end. But you can still be a part of new order. Together we can be children of Abeloth."
The Seventh Sister and Fifth Brother looked at each other not recognising the name though something about it felt familiar to the Seventh Sister. Whatever decision they made next would inform their future.
In the Earth city of Ba Sing Se
Far on the outskirts someone was watching over the massive city
"I'm here. Now to find the temple and hope the rest of them will catch up." Ahsoka said overlooking the city.
Author's Note: So yeah that's that chapter done. Been awhile I know. Promised myself I would do this at the start of the year so I can finish all of these ongoing stories by the year's end so that I can move onto other stories. Already making good on that promise aren't I? I'm pretty bad a this I know. But your support is always appreciated and without you making this my most popular story I probably wouldn't be going still but I am and I aim to finish this and make it the best I can.
Now back to the main Avatar story but again there could be a few changes like the previous story before Rebels episodes become more intertwined and be done as chapters like the previous one was and the Avatar ones have been. Again the big challenge like with working with all the episodes is to work in the Ghost crew into the story and make it feel like they had a big role. I hope I'm doing well with characters as juggling them and making all their stories work is one of the big challenges and also believing in my skills and story and whether it's good. But that's me I'm my own worst critic.
I also planned to give a detailed response on Rise of Skywalker but since it's been so long since it came out and I haven't thought much of it since. Basically the short answer is I didn't care for it. I wasn't that much into the Sequel era really except for the Mandalorian that I'm looking forward to more of. Not as against it as some people are but I just didn't find it as interesting or compelling as Rebels. Resistance is the weakest animated series for me and one I'll probably never watch again at least for a long time due to lack of interest. The plot of Rise of Skywalker was mostly dull until the certain payoffs and Ian McDiarmid's performance made it venture into ridiculous territory for me personally. I love McDiarmid's over the top portrayal and he had me laughing at some lines in the theatre that were on par with the Prequel memes which I felt bad about but the audience seemed mixed on the movie too. Some seemed like they were enjoying it legitimately and others seemed to find some parts unintentionally funny like I did and I heard audible laughing when Rey and Ben kissed.
At the end of the day no opinion is wrong and if you love the films more power to you but ultimately I'll probably go back to the originals, prequels, Clone Wars, Rebels and Mandalorian the most. Also been enjoying new Clone Wars but given I saw the Bad Batch already as the unfinished reels I'm glad at the time of this writing to get new material released tomorrow featuring Ahsoka. Whatever did happen to the Bad Batch anyway? Maybe something to explore.
The role of the Inquisitors admittedly wasn't thought of until later so I could still show Zuko and Iroh's story with changes. The new villains were hinted at an earlier chapter but now they've been introduced properly. Fans of Legends will remember Jerec and his crew from Jedi Knight: Dark Forces 2. Never played the game myself but I found him and his crew interesting when reading about him especially since they were some of the earliest Inquisitors created. If anyone is familiar with him can tell me the best way to write him let me know. Right now I'm sort of seeing him as an Ebony Maw type serving the will of Admiral Paddock who others know as Abeloth. More on that in the future. Also the names for the Seventh Sister and Fifth Brother were made up since they don't have names revealed in canon and probably never will at this point.
Having the Ghost around as transport is also kind of a problem since they may need to remove it from play for certain plots to work. Do you think it could still work when Appa gets lost? Let me know. Also because we're moving forward in Clone Wars to Ahsoka's story her cameo was also last minute. She will reunite with everyone eventually.
Anyway I think that's it for now but knowing me I've forgotten some stuff. I hope you enjoyed the chapter and again any feedback you leave is appreciated. This is your friend Steve993 and I'll see you next time.
