The Mysterious Traveler
So sorry for the late update on this one. Been very busy, again.
I know you all want to get to reading how my version of Book One will end, sooo...
Enjoy!
Chapter Thirty-Eight:
The Fall of the North
Darnkess filled the void that surrounded Severus, just as he was accustomed to by this point. He knew where he was. Well, kinda. He knew he was dreaming at the very least, just waiting for the glowing orb to appear any second now.
He tried to remember what happened, how he ended up here again. It was on the tip of his tongue, just out of reach as he struggled to recall what he had last been doing. He remembered the attack on the Water Tribe. He remembered attacking Fire Nation ships to delay the first wave of attacks. He remembered the soldiers he had killed with his sword, even the blood that was spilled.
But after that…
"You came close to death."
Before he had the chance to turn around, light brightened the void, forcing him to shield his eyes with his arms. As quickly as it appeared, the light slowly retreated, allowing him to lower his arms as he turned, expecting to see the orb.
His eyes widened, shocked by what he found instead.
A young boy stood a couple of feet from him, his body glowing in the surrounding darkness. His hair was black, as well as his eyes. He was thin and almost pale, wearing a small smile.
Severus' heart skipped a beat as he recognized him.
Because it was him.
Or at least a version of him by six or seven years younger. Only, he had no oily black hair. No hooked, crooked nose. No uneven teeth. Even the clothes he wore were nothing he ever had the privilege of wearing at that age.
No, this was the perfect version of himself he imagined being in his earlier years. The image he always wanted to be. What he should have been.
"Who-" his voice cracked. "Who are you?"
The boy's smile grew, frightening him, "To be honest, I don't have a name. I only managed to take this form because of our growth."
"Growth?"
"Merging with a host takes time to take on a form, but with you, it took a lot longer than expected. You had a lot of baggage to sort out, so many charkas that needed to be opened. At least now we got so many out of the way to allow a better connection between us."
Severus was lost, unable to comprehend what he was hearing, "What- what are you talking about?"
"I needed to at least complete phase one to merge with you. If I hadn't you would have died that day when I chose you."
"Chose?" frustration filled him. "What do you mean chose? When did you choose me? Why?!"
The boy sighed, "I won't lie, it was a matter of being under pressure and your actions to save that girl that made you a fitting candidate at first glance. Though, choosing to come here was a coincidence with that Forsaken so close. I was forced to make that decision within seconds.
"But afterward, I realized the mistake in merging with you. Your body wasn't strong enough, and your spirit was too wounded. So, I chose to dominate myself deep within your magical energy, only working to help shape your body and mind for the responsibilities that would eventually fall on your shoulders. Though, I did allow some access so you could start performing magic on a scale even others like you wish they could."
Severus was speechless, he was oblivious to everything except the wave of confusion overwhelming his mind.
The boy smiled sadly at him, "I apologize for the explanation dump on you. I easily get lost in what I try to explain. But, regardless, I felt it was time to meet once I was able to take on a form that wouldn't hurt your mind.
"And my, oh my, you've been a busy boy. Not every day that a wizard like you finds himself in a situation like this."
Severus shook his head, "Enough! Who are you?! What are you?!"
The boy raised an eyebrow, "Well, one of those I can sorta answer. I am one of the ten Infinities. Other than that, I have no true name."
Frustration turned to anger, "That doesn't answer my question!"
"I don't like your tone," the boy frowned. "I had hoped that your unlocking of charkas would have helped improve your attitude more than I had hoped, but I guess there would be setbacks if one were to leave some unlocked. You are a one piece of work, Severus Snape."
"How do you know who I am?!" he demanded.
"Or is it Alexander Prince? It's getting confusing."
Severus approached the boy, only to be held back by an invisible force.
The boy giggled, "Trying to strike the very thing that has been helping you this entire time? I had thought you were intelligent."
"So far," he cried out, "the only thing I've understood is that you've been inside my body for… Merlin knows how long-"
"Over four months."
"-and that you chose me! So, I don't see how my reaction isn't warranted since everything you've said makes no sense!"
"Yeah, I figured this wouldn't work as I had hoped. But, oh well, it was worth a try. Now, time to connect you to that other boy. I just hope my observation and judgment is right on this one."
Severus shook his head, the confusion already causing him to feel sleepy, "What boy?"
"The one that has a real hard-on for you and the monk. If I am correct, this method should hopefully speed things up and expand that established connection you two have."
"Connection?"
"I would explain but seeing how you are already far more confused with everything else; it would be best to show and not tell."
The darkness receded as light spread forth from the boy, the scenery changing into a beautiful landscape.
"What are you doing?!" Severus demanded.
"Helping you," the boy smiled and began to fade away, leaving him alone as he found himself in the middle of a small oasis, though calling it such may have been a stretch, as there was only a small pound, a tree and green grass that didn't go far.
Severus heard laughter and turned to see a young woman and a boy playing on the grass. The woman was tickling the boy, playfully taunting him as he begged her to stop, unable to contain his laughter.
Severus narrowed his eyes at them, strangely finding the boy familiar. He looked around and realized that he was in a garden of a palace. Turning back, he walked towards the woman and child, quickly realizing that they couldn't hear him as he drew near.
As he watched them with confused eyes, he began to recognize the boy and his eyes widened.
The fly back to the Water Tribe was a reprieve for everyone, even for a moment. They had rescued Aang and Severus from the clutches of Zuko and his crew, with only one minor setback…
Severus had yet to awaken.
"Shouldn't he have awakened?" Yue asked, unable to hide the worry in her voice.
Katara held his head in her hands, using the water from her container to analyze his brain and spinal connections.
"There's nothing physically wrong with him," she bended the water back into her container and lowered his head onto the pillow. "Whatever this is, it must be linked to his magic."
"Will master be alright?" Kiri asked, being held by her mother.
Katara turned to the girl and smiled, "Don't worry, Alex has been through worse than this."
Meanwhile, Aang held onto the reigns and pushed Appa to go faster.
"Whoa!" Sokka held onto the saddle. "Don't go too fast, Aang. You'll knock us all off."
"We need to get back to the temple!" the monk declared. "The spirits are in danger!"
"What do you mean?" Yue's eyes widened, her worry multiplying.
"When I was in the Spirit World, Roku helped me find a… spirit who knew where to find the Ocean and the Moon. They're the Koi fish!"
"The Koi-" Yue began to piece everything together. "Of course! My father always made sure to keep the oasis and the Koi fish protected. That's what Po's message meant."
Sokka, Katara, and Renee gasped at the realization, while Kori and Kiri stared at them in confusion.
"But how are they in danger?" Katara asked.
"Because someone is aware of their Earthly form and wants to kill them," Aang replied.
"It has to be Zhao!" Sokka declared. "At the Northern Air Temple, he spoke of a library that gave him information. He even had a clear idea about Alex and his magical powers. He wants to destroy the source of waterbending."
"My father would never let that happen!" Yue cried out.
"Not if the Fire Nation wins this fight."
Aang's eyes narrowed as the Water Tribe began to come into focus in the now weakened blizzard, "I won't let that happen!"
The darkness welcomed Zuko as he surrendered himself, his strength fleeing. The cold felt like it was sinking deep into his skin and freezing his bones. But the pain barely registered to him.
What measured up to failure? What could outweigh the burden? What reprieve was there to a black hole in one's heart?
"You two are more alike than I thought."
He forced himself to turn his head and face the voice that addressed him. His vision was blurry as he tried to see who it was. It took a moment to see clearly, finally getting a good look at the person standing over him.
His strength came rushing back upon recognizing the boy and struggled to get to his feet, only to collapse on the floor.
Floor?
He looked down and saw nothing but darkness, below and above him. Everywhere he looked there was nothing but darkness. Like a void.
The boy chuckled, "Way to greet your guest."
"You were my prisoner!" Zuko shouted, glaring up at him.
The boy shook his head, "That was Severus you had, not me. Actually, the more I think about it, you had me too."
Confusion struck him, "Severus?"
The boy's eyes widened a little, "Oops, I meant Alex. Jeez, he needs to choose a name and stick with it. But regardless, you would have been aware of that name soon enough."
Sense slowly came back to Zuko as he started to pay attention to the boy. He looked like the Traveler but he was younger.
Wait, younger?
He blinked and looked back at him, realizing that the boy's age had to be six or so years younger than the Traveler.
But how was that possible when the Traveler was clearly close to his age?
Realization sunk in.
"You're not him."
"Technically, yes. On a much confusion level, I kinda am."
Now he was back to confusion, trying to register what he was saying to him.
"Yeah, Alex has that problem too."
Zuko's eyes widened, "Stop reading my thoughts!"
"Sorry, it's a force of habit. Anyway, let's get started."
Before he could ask or do anything to stop him, the boy vanished into dust as the darkness around him receded and light rushed forward, changing everything as he was transported to somewhere else. Or was it the other way around?
Finding the strength to stand up, Zuko found himself in a home that he had never seen before. He felt disgusted with the state it was in. It was worse than some of the homes he had seen in his three years of exile.
He heard footsteps from behind and turned around to see a young boy walk right through him, heading to the kitchen. Shocked by this, he followed and was about to demand what was going on until he saw the boy's face and stopped.
He watched as the boy searched around the kitchen, listening for anyone before reaching inside some kind of machine that he had never seen before and pulling something out before closing the door and rushing right through him, heading up the stairs.
Zuko slowly followed, trying to wrap his head around what he was seeing and what was happening.
Chief Arnook watched in horror as the final wall crumbled to the ground, barely managing to dodge the falling debris of ice and snow. He heard the screams of agony of his men, seeing the blood that was mixing into the snow, and felt the heat of the flames that now were engulfing the Northern Water Tribe.
Homes, huts, and buildings that made up their society were melting from the fire that was spreading throughout the city.
The siege had pushed the Water Tribe forces back to the final wall, desperately trying to hold them back and weaken their numbers. But it was too much for them to handle all at once. The Fire Nation had sent every ship and soldier it could spare for this siege. For every soldier and tank they destroyed, ten more would replace them.
It was truly the greatest force the world had ever seen.
While hope still resided within them that if they could hold the final wall, they could still win the day, they began to realize that unless if they had a way to force the entire fleet to retreat, there was no holding the final wall.
Pakku and his students were at the frontlines, pushing themselves past their limits to hold the enemy back.
Soldiers were being slaughtered, left, and right. No matter where he turned, Arnook was surrounded by chaos and death. He felt panic, fear, guilt, and excitement rushing through him as he tried to figure out what to do next, how to win the day. But his mind failed him the moment the final wall fell.
Time itself slowed down as he watched the fireballs collide with the walls, breaking through the tough ice. He watched as his soldiers disappeared in an instant, the snow and ice smashing against the ground. The Fire Nation pushing through their defense as if they were nothing.
What should I do? Help me, Spirits! What should I do?!
The confusion and chaos were too much for him. He was beginning to touch with everything, tears building up behind his eyes as he started to believe that he had failed his people. Failed his daughter.
Yue.
The very thought of her made him stop and think, memories of the day she was born and saved from death, thanks to the sacrifice of her mother. The day she first learned how to walk and call him 'daddy'. The day she began to resemble her mother.
Right away, the fear receded, leaving only him. His mind became clear as the noise and chaos were drowned out. Now he was only Arnook, the Chief of the Northern Water Tribe.
He turned around and saw the palace, his eyes narrowing.
"FALL BACK!"
Some of the men were startled by the fierceness of his voice.
"FALL BACK TO THE PALACE AND CREATE A LINE OF DEFENSE! FRONTLINES, HOLD THEM BACK WHILE THE OTHERS RETREAT!"
Pakku and other officials heard him, repeating the same orders to their men.
Soldiers began to retreat to the palace, forming a series of lines of defense, while the frontlines held the enemy back with their ice shields, spears, swords, and waterbending.
Once the entire army had fallen back, Pakku and his students bended an entire thin layer of ice in front of them.
"FALL BACK!" Arnook cried out, motioning for his men to rush back to the palace and regroup with the others, not daring to go first until he was the last one.
No one needed to listen twice as they ran for their lives, immediately feeling the heat that was already melting down the wall of ice that stood between them and their enemy.
Pakku ran to Arnook and grabbed him by the back of his collar, nearly dragging him by his feet.
"What are you doing?!" Arnook shouted.
"Making sure you don't die, you damn idiot!"
"Not until the rest have retreat-"
"It won't do any good if you die now!"
The ice wall collapsed and Fire Nation soldiers began to flood the area, with tanks right behind them, crying out as they charged.
The two wasted no time getting behind the first line of defense, their way in immediately sealed by soldiers the moment they had made it to safety and up the steps just as the Fire Nation soldiers clashed with their own, beginning the final stand.
As Appa flew closer to the Water Tribe, Aang's eyes widened as his heart sank.
"Oh no!"
Everyone turned to what he was looking at and gasped, seeing the smoke rise high into the air as they made it out of the blizzard. They could see the flames and the ongoing battle.
"They've been pushed back to the last resort!" said Renee.
"But… but we were doing just fine against them!" Sokka cried out.
"The Fire Nation's forces are too great," whispered Katara as tears formed in her eyes.
Everyone turned to her.
"Zhao was right. We were never going to win this."
"Don't say that!" Sokka fought back.
"She's right," Yue shot back. "Just look at the fleet."
They all turned their heads to the ocean and saw the warships, stretching out far into the distance.
"Even if we survive today, tomorrow will just be more casualties than the last."
"Then what do you suggest we do?" Sokka demanded. "Abandon them? Abandon your people?"
"I won't," she shook her head. "But you will. The Avatar must live through this, even if the north falls. And he needs all of you to help win this war. Take me back to my people and leave for the Earth Kingdom."
"We're not abandoning you!" Aang cried out, tears sliding down his face. "I'm not failing again!"
"But you must leave! If you stay, they will kill you!"
"I did not bring my daughter across the ocean to end up dead!" Kori cried out, finally getting involved.
As the argument carried on, Kiri crawled towards Severus and knelt before him, tears falling from her face and onto the saddle.
"Master," she whispered, struggling not to stutter from her sobbing. "We need you. Please, wake up."
"Hey, let me out!" Severus shouted at the top of his lungs as the scene carried on before him. "I'm not interested in seeing the past of some Fire Prince or whatever he is!"
He had started to piece the puzzle together that the boy was showing him memories of Zuko's childhood, for whatever reason.
"Let me out!"
Suddenly, the scenery changed, and he was back in the void, with the boy standing in front of him.
"There! Now the connection has been made. I can spare you the memories for a little while, but I do intend for the both of you to continue this."
"What connection?!" Severus demanded, marching up to him, only to be held by the same invisible force as before. "What the hell are you talking about?!"
The boy looked up and his face fell, looking almost sad, "It would seem your apprentice is begging for your help. However, I cannot let you wake up due to that stunt you pulled."
Severus frowned, trying to understand what he was talking about.
"Let's see," the boy put his fingers up his chin and began to think. "The enemy is literally at the palace, and there is nowhere to run. Force field, maybe? No! That wouldn't work, the enemy would be able to break through that in hours.
"Plus, I can't use the girl, she wouldn't survive such a feat, let alone be able to do it in time before her body would give out."
Severus was past his patience, "Answer me, damn it! What are you talking about?!"
The boy ignored him as his head popped up, smiling, "Yes, I got it! Apparition should work if it is used around the palace, but I still need someone to channel energy into. Someone who will have to be a sacr-"
The boy's eyes widened, "I got it!"
Before Severus could ask, the boy disappeared, leaving him in pure darkness until he was right back in the garden with the mysterious woman and a young Zuko.
As they flew towards the palace, Appa landed at the back entrance next to the oasis, with everyone hopping off, except for Kori and Kiri.
Kori held her daughter close to her chest, crying as they listened to the others argue about what to do.
"Mommy!" Kiri sobbed. "Are we going to die?"
Kori couldn't answer her, her mind was running wild as fear filled her heart. She looked towards the unconscious body of Severus and glared at him.
Damn you! Damn you for endangering my daughter! We never should have-
Suddenly, her train of thought became lost as she fell to the side, barely hearing her daughter cry out for her.
Fear rushing through her, Kori searched for any sign of light or for her daughter.
"Kiri!"
But everywhere she turned, there was darkness. A void that seemed endless.
Until a bright light appeared before her, forcing her to shield her eyes. Once the light receded, she turned around and found a boy a few feet from her.
"Hi," he smiled. "I am right to assume that you are the mother of Kiri, correct?"
Though taken back, she quickly nodded, "Yes, but… I don't understand… Where am I?"
The boy held up his hand, "I'm afraid I do not have the time to explain. However, I am here to offer you a deal."
"A deal?"
"As of right now, the Fire Nation stands to annihilate the entire Northern Water Tribe. Nothing can stop that. But I can save everyone within the palace, including your daughter."
Kori's eyes widened with relief and hope, "Please, save us! I'll do anything!"
The boy's smile fell, "Anything, you say?"
"Yes!"
"Even if it means offering your life for hers? For hundreds, if not thousands of people?"
"Not for them!" she declared. "Just for her!"
The boy nodded, "I can save her, and everyone else within the complex within of the palace, but I need a host to channel my energy… and it will kill you."
"I don't care! Just please… save my daughter. Take me as your host!"
The boy nodded, "So be it."
Before Kori could register what was happening, the boy evaporated into pure light and rushed forward, merging with her as she cried out a silent scream.
"Mommy!" Kiri shook her mother, trying to wake her. "Please, wake up!"
If it weren't for how lifeless her eyes looked, she wouldn't be so freaked out. But the way she fell over and couldn't respond, it was enough to make her believe she was dead.
Suddenly, Kori jerked up, startling Kiri as he crawled backward from her.
"Mommy?" she whispered.
Kori turned to her and Kiri's heart raced with fear upon seeing the pure golden light that filled her eyes.
"I'm am not your mother," it said, sadly. "But I will allow one last conversation between the two of you."
Kiri frowned until she saw the golden eyes disappear and found her mother's staring back at her, smiling.
"Mommy!" she cried out, jumping into her arms, and embracing her in a tight hug.
Kori's smile faded as she heard the battle going on, fully coming to realize what she needed to do. She gently pushed her daughter away and placed her hands on her shoulders.
"Kiri, I need you to listen to me."
Kiri nodded, her tears drying up as she wiped them away.
"I need you to return to your dad and forget about magic."
"What?" she shook her head, confused.
"When you are safe from the Fire Nation, I need you to return to your father and say that your magical abilities are gone. He'll take you back as long as you forsake your powers and pretend you don't have them."
"But, what about master?"
Anger rose in Kori's eyes, "You can't trust them, sweetheart. I was wrong to trust them with you in their care. Promise me!"
Tears formed in Kiri's eyes as she nodded, "I promise!"
Kori smiled and began to cry as she hugged her one last time, "I love you, Kiri. Please, remember that. When you miss me, just remember that I love you."
"Mom… what are you saying…"
Kori felt something deep within her rising, "I love you!"
Suddenly, her eyes turned to golden light again, frightening Kiri back against the saddle.
Kori looked down at the girl and offered a sad smile, "I am sorry, little one. I do not wish to take away your mother, but it is the best option to ensure your safety… and his."
Kori looked down towards Severus' body before turning back to the girl, "Do as you wish to honor your promise to your mother or continue with your training. Either way, I pray you find peace from what I am about to do. And beg for your forgiveness."
"What… what are you talking abo- Mommy?!"
Kori leaped off the bison and landed on the ground, walking into the palace.
"We need to evacuate!" Sokka cried out.
"And go where?!" Yue got up into his face. "You know they won't survive in the frozen wastelands! And your flying bison can't carry all of us! You need to leave and get out of here! Aang and Alex are too important to lose!"
"I'm not leaving!" Aang cried out, just as a fireball collided with the roof of the great hall and fell towards the civilians below, who cried out in terror.
Acting fast, Katara bended a large body of water from a fountain and stopped the fireball just feet away from hitting the civilians.
"We don't have time!" she turned to Aang. "She's right, we need to leave."
"I'm not l-"
SLAP!
Everyone turned their heads to the sound, eyes wide.
Aang lifted his hand to his cheek, tears filling his eyes as he was left dumbfounded as to what just happened.
"Stop acting like a child and start thinking more clearly!" Katara stared at him with anger, worry, and frustration. "You're the Avatar and the world needs you! Yes, you did fail your people one hundred years ago, but going on a suicide mission to make yourself feel better isn't going to make any of it better!
"We tried to help the Northern Water Tribe and we failed! We all did! Not just you! So stop being so stupid and grow up!"
Silence followed, with only the sound of war going on outside.
Aang stared back at her, unsure of how to feel with so many emotions going through him at once.
"No need to run," declared a voice.
Everyone turned to the source and their eyes widened at the sight of Kori's golden eyes as she walked towards them.
"Kori?" Katara asked, uncertain.
Kori shook her head, "No, I'm using her as a host for right now. Our pact is currently what is going to be the deciding factor in how this battle ends. However, I must ask of you to please watch over her dear Kiri and see to it that you honor whatever decision she decides to make.
"And, if it isn't too much trouble, help Severus in any way that you can. Especially you, Princess Yue."
"M… me?" Yue stepped back, confused and frightened by her. As did everyone else.
"Just like Kiri and so many others, you too were affected by the Wave. I suspect that you have a role to play. So, your journey will not end here.
"Now, stand back and keep within the perimeter of the palace. Your Chief and warriors will be the line of defense until it is done. I am sorry I will not be able to take them with us."
Before anyone could ask her what she meant, Kori began to walk towards the middle of the great hall, with so many people moving out of her way.
"Princess Yue?" a maid approached.
"Um… yes?" Yue turned to her.
"Your father commanded to give you this," she handed her a scroll.
Accepting it, Yue opened it and began to read, her eyes widening.
The battle was lost and Arnook knew it. He watched as the Fire Nation drew closer to the palace's front doorstep as more men fell. Their heads sliced off by swords, chests pierced by arrows or spear, or worse… burned alive by firebending.
He watched as his army's numbers decreased by the second, his heart being strangled by guilt in seeing their bravery and loyalty with his own eyes.
He turned to Pakku and pulled the man into a hug, "Protect my daughter!"
"Sir?" Pakku was ataken back.
"Get to my daughter to the Avatar's bison and fly her to safety!"
Pakku narrowed his eyes, "I won't leave you!"
"That's an order!" he pushed the old man backward and through the front doors, closing them before turning to his men. "Whatever happens, they do not get through these doors!"
The men that heard him nodded before creating a circle, with Arnook just behind them. Ready for the fight to come to them as it cut through the forces in front.
Yue rushed to her room on the top floor, with the note in hand, and found what she was looking for. She rushed to the large aquarium, happy that they were where her father's note said they would be.
"Yue!" she turned to see Pakku standing in the doorway, panting. "We need to get to the Avatar's bison!"
She blinked and stood firm, "I'm not leaving."
"It's your father's wish that I see you to safety… and I will obey that order."
Her eyes widened as the caste shook from the impact of a fireball, "Where is he?!"
Pakku looked away.
Tears filled her eyes, "No."
Suddenly, the palace began to shake.
Everyone stayed clear as Kori reached the middle ground of the great hall and reached out with her arms, while Katara, Sokka, Renee, and Aang watched from afar. Everyone gasped when she began to float in the air and rise high up. Halfway to the ceiling, she stopped and a wave of energy was unleashed from her, spreading throughout the palace.
Light began to cover the floor, the walls, and the ceiling, making everyone cry out in terror.
The palace began to shake as the light grew.
Admiral Zhao frowned as he watched the palace begin to light up and shake, unsure if it was their doing or someone within.
Arnook and his men didn't notice what was happening as the wave of Fire Nation soldiers finally reached them, colliding against them in one final fight to keep them away from the palace.
Kiri cried as she tried to shake Severus awake while covering her eyes.
Yue and Pakku covered their eyes as the light brightened around them.
Aang, Katara, Sokka, Renee, and everyone else in the great hall could do nothing as they covered their eyes as well.
Suddenly, the light intensified and in a blink of an eye...
BOOM!
A shock wave exploded from the light and rocked the entire North Pole, knocking everyone to the ground by its incredible strength. It traveled across the frozen landscape and across the ocean, colliding with the warships as it rocked them, nearly capsizing some. Mountains of ice shattered from the impact, homes and buildings that remained standing collapsed. Even the clouds in the sky moved from its sheer force.
As the light disappeared and silence followed, Zhao and his army were shocked to find that nothing but a crater was left in the place where the palace once stood. Ash floated in the air of where his army that was leading the attack once was. It took Zhao a moment to realize that the ash was what remained of the men who were near the outside perimeter of the palace, both Water Tribe and Fire Nation. They had literally been evaporated into dust.
Circling around, Zhao and his men entered the Spirit Oasis, which was left unscathed by the shock wave. Smiling, Zhao approached the pond and prepared to strike the first fish he saw. Only… he found nothing in the pond. Not a single living thing to be seen.
Slowly realizing what Arnook had done, Zhao unleashed a wave of fire all around him, forcing his men to run away in fear as the entire oasis began to burn. The tree screamed, the grass turned to black, and the water boiled. Even the ice and snow above melted from the intense heat as Zhao let out a scream of frustration and anger.
One that echoed throughout the entire north.
For what felt like an eternity, Severus began to regain consciousness after living through one of Zuko's memories. As he rose from the bed he was lying in, he rose to his feet and looked around him, recognizing the same room he had been sharing with the others at the palace. As he was about to sigh in relief, he heard a noise coming from outside the windows and rushed to look outside.
The moment his eyes adjusted to the brightness of the light, his eyes widened at the sight of the valley that he and the gang had helped lead the Freedom Fighters to find. He could see children playing in the fields, women washing clothes by the lake, and men building homes from the wood of the forest nearby.
But this wasn't right.
The palace was in the North Pole, not in the valley.
He began to remember the battle, how he blacked out after putting up a force field, had a strange dreams of a boy, and witnessing Zuko's childhood, kinda. But what about the battle?
"You're finally awake."
Severus turned to the voice and found Katara at the doorway. He noticed how baggy her eyes looked. In fact, she looked like she had been crying.
"What happened?"
Katara stared at him, giving him a look that sent shivers down his spine.
"None of us know, Alex. One minute we're about to be slaughtered in the North Pole and the next… we're back here in the valley."
"How the hell did that happen?" he stopped, remembering the boy's conversation if you could call it that. "Was it me? Did I transport us here?"
Katara shook her head, "No, it wasn't you. It was Kori."
"Kori?" Severus was at a loss. "But… how? She isn't magical."
"We're just as in the dark as you are. None of us can explain how it happened."
"What about the North Pole?"
Katara turned away, tears running down her cheeks, "Alex… the Northern Water Tribe is gone. The north has fallen."
Bet you guys didn't see that ending coming.
So, what did you guys think? Please leave your thoughts in the reviews.
The scene with Kori being possessed by the Infinity was inspired by 'Disney's - Atlantis: The Lost Empire', with the opening scene and Kida's possession by the cyber crystal acting as the inspiration behind this. I think even the music from both scenes can be imagined during that moment.
I know there's a lot of confusion about what is going, but I promise that the next chapter or two will explain a little bit on what is happening.
Thank you for reading and I'll see you in Chapter 39!
