The Legend of Aang: Book Four: Air

by ATLAFan23

Chaos builds slowly. A Prophet predicts an age of endless war and doom. Benders are mysteriously losing their ability to bend. And a new foe rises, claiming to be the true heir to the Fire Nation throne. And as Aang searches for the Air Nomads, he learns that by defeating Fire Lord Ozai, he may have unwittingly secured the Fire Nation's victory in a war thought already won...

31. Chapter 31: The Last Airbender

Disclaimer: I own no part of Avatar: The Last Airbender, nor make any money from it. This is merely a fanfiction.

Author's Note: This is it. It is with bittersweet joy that I present to you the final chapter in the Tale of Aang … Please don't forget to R&R! Thanks!

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Book Four:

Air

Chapter Thirty-One

The Legacy of Air Part 6:

The Last Airbender

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"How many times must we liberate Ba Sing Se?"

Jeong Jeong was standing atop the Outer Ring of the Great City, arms folded. Piandao and Pakku stood there, a red sky flaming above them.

Bumi looked at a small checklist. "One more time and we get a free sundae!"

Piandao drew his sword. "It is time."

And the Order of the White Lotus slid down the sides of the wall and launched a surprise attack on the shocked Coalition forces patrolling the streets.

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"Sir … The Indomitable Phoenix is no longer responding to our wires!" A lieutenant sat at a table aboard Admiral Chan's ship. They were floating offshore of Whaletail Island.

"And what of Ozai or Lu Ten?"

"They aren't responding sir. Our messenger hawks have returned empty-handed."

Admiral Chan looked through his periscope. The Indomitable Phoenix was just simply sitting there in the distance.

"Get a team over there! Find out what's going on! And I want an update on the ground forces! Have they routed the Resistance yet?!"

"Sir … well … the Resistance retreated into the forests. It'll be some time before our forces find them."

Chan slammed his fist onto a console. "No! Now!"

"But Admiral … they could be hiding anywhere …"

Chan grabbed the lieutenant by the collar. "Then burn the entire forest down! We'll smoke them out!"

A corporal clumsily ran up to the bridge and saluted. "Sir – an update!"

"This had better be good, corporal."

"It is … the Resistance army … it's returning from the forests, sir. At half-capacity … they're … they're coming out to meet our armies."

Chan cocked his head. "Why come out to meet us if they already retreated once? They have got to know by now that they cannot win …"

"Sir … perhaps they are buying time for their wounded to escape?"

Admiral Chan stroked his chin. "Perhaps. Very well. Order the bulk of our forces to meet them. We will wipe out this army of theirs for good! And … send a contingency force to smoke out the wounded. We are taking no prisoners today, after all."

The corporal and the lieutenant saluted. "Yes, sir!"

And Admiral Chan stared at the island ahead. Ozai and Lu Ten going-dark was troubling … but for now, he would focus his efforts on the Resistance.

And this time, there would be no escape …

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The Resistance army emerged from the woods once again onto the vast shores of the island. They formed up.

General How and the Council of Five stood at the head of the line. With them were Commander Jee, War Minister Qin and General Shinu of the Fire Nation. Water Tribe war chiefs, formerly at the command of the late Chief Arnook, stood at the ready.

Yes. All of the Nations were prepared to fight together as one … to the end.

They watched as Fire Navy boats docked once more, unloading hordes of Coalition troops.

And the two armies met on the sands and dunes once again.

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A small series of sandbars littered the greater region. A small boat docked on one of them, and a ragtag group emerged.

Iroh stood and helped Ursa out of the boat. He was followed by Lu Ten, Azula, Jet, Mai, and Ty Lee.

Finally, Zuko stepped out of the boat. In his arms was the limp form of his brother, Seizon. He gently laid Seizon's body on the sand, folding his arms. Ursa kneeled down, caressing his face. "My child … my beautiful first-born."

Iroh placed his hand on her shoulder. "There will be time to grieve for Seizon later … but for now, we must focus upon the task at hand." He turned and stared at the Southern Air Temple in the distance. "I can no longer sense the Avatar's energy … and the Temple appears to be calm. Still. At peace."

"Then … the fighting is over?" Ty Lee asked.

"For the moment it appears." Iroh stroked his beard.

"No." Zuko stood up. "I refuse to believe that. Aang is still out there. He needs our help!"

Iroh nodded. "Yes … but we also need a moment's rest. And a plan."

"But Uncle -."

"A man needs his rest. Let us sit for a moment and plot our next move."

Zuko stared at the temple in the distance. "Aang … what happened?"

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"Aang! Aang! Wake up!"

Katara held Aang's body in her lap. She shook him roughly. "Please … you've still got to be in there! Wake up Aang!"

Toph slid down the side of the mountain, Sokka in tow. They slowly stood over her. Toph held onto Sokka's arm, unable to mentally process what was happening.

Katara opened her satchel and poured her Spirit Water over Aang's limp form. "Come on – work!"

"Katara," Sokka said. "He's … he's gone …"

"Don't talk like that, Sokka! What do you know?! This has happened before! Remember the catacombs in Ba Sing Se! He was out for a month!" Sweat beaded on her forehead. "Come on, Aang … you've been through worse … you can make it!"

Toph wiped her eyes. "Katara … it's no use … I can't even sense a heartbeat …"

"Then your feet must be losing their touch!"

Sokka placed his hand on Katara's shoulder. "Katara … Sozin's on his way down here right now … we gotta go …"

"Not without Aang!" She continued to shake him.

Toph shook her head. "No – he's not on his way. He's already here …"

An explosion of rock shook the foundations of the mountain. Fire Lord Sozin burst through the mountainside, landing within a few yards of them.

Sokka drew his sword. Toph slid into a mantis-like fighting stance. Katara stood up, her eyes now flashing dangerously. She joined her two friends.

Sozin stared down at Aang's limp form. "Then it is done …" He looked up at Aang's friends. "You put your faith in the wrong Avatar. But I am not without forgiveness or mercy. Kneel. Swear fealty to your new Avatar! You three are very powerful warriors. Join us, and the Coalition will find a place for you!"

Katara was defiant as ever. "I'd rather die!"

"Be careful," Sozin stated, "what you wish for …"

"We can't fight him," Sokka said in hushed tones to the others. "At least not conventionally. We have to retreat …"

Katara was ready. "No! He's going to pay for what he did to Aang!"

Sokka grabbed her arm. "It's suicide and you know it!"

Some feet away, Sozin continued to stand there, arms folded, grinning. "Go ahead. Make your plans. In the end, the result will still be the same."

"Will you listen to reason?!" Sokka hissed at Katara. "We need to regroup! Find Suki, Haru and Appa! And come up with a plan!"

"He's right," Toph said. "As much as I hate to admit it, Sokka's right. We can't take him down on our own."

Katara lowered her hands. "Then do it, Toph."

Toph splayed her hands, palms up, and kicked at the ground.

Sozin braced himself, ready for an attack.

But the attack never came. Instead, a hole appeared in the ground. Sokka jumped through. Katara grabbed Aang's body and followed suit. Toph thumbed her nose at Sozin, before jumping through, sealing the ground shut behind her.

Sozin watched the three escape his grasp. Well, escape was not the correct word. Sozin let them go. "I'm always up for a game of cat and mouse … and after my fight with the Avatar I could use the invigoration!"

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Haru and Suki were playing a game of cards on Appa's back when a hole popped up in the ground. Suki blinked. Then jumped off the bison and hugged her boyfriend. "Sokka! You made it! Does that mean you guys won?! Is it over?!"

One look on Sokka's face told her everything. She leaned past him to see Katara, who had laid Aang's limp form down on the ground. Katara kneeled next to his body, taking its hand, pressing her forehead to his.

Her tears dotted his body.

"Oh no," Suki breathed.

Haru slid off Appa's saddle as the magnificent bison lumbered towards Aang. Katara stood up as Appa stood at his human's side. With his nose, he nudged Aang.

No response.

Teeth gritted, Appa nudged Aang again.

And still no response.

Up above, a familiar white figure circled, before alighting. Momo scampered over to Aang and Appa. He began chittering, poking Aang.

His limp form just lolled around uselessly.

Appa was getting angry. This was a prank! It wasn't funny, Master! Stop this! Wake up!

Appa began pawing at Aang. Tears began to form in the great bison's eyes. His great tongue flecked out, lapping at Aang's face. Licking him always provoked a response.

But not this time …

Appa was getting angry. This prank had gone too far! Enough now, Master! Come alive! He pawed, and growled, moaning and roaring in Aang's face.

Katara, Sokka and Suki held each other. Haru had his hand on Sokka's shoulder, his face down. They all watched the heartbreaking scene as Appa began to realize that this was indeed the end.

His Master was gone.

And Appa turned his head to the sky and roared into the heavens. The giant animal flopped himself onto the ground, curling around Aang's body like a protective cocoon, wishing he could go with him where he was now. And Appa's body spasmed as the great bison began sobbing into the ground …

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"We need to plot our next move," Toph stated.

Sokka agreed. "With Aang … gone … we're the only hope left to stop Sozin …"

"We'll have to lead him into a trap of some kind," Katara replied bitterly. She was sitting at the edge of the group, back to them, hugging her knees.

"Let's hope whatever we plan doesn't blow up in our faces," Suki sighed.

Sokka's eyes widened. His mouth began to grin for the first time in what seemed like hours. "Suki … you're a genius!" He wrapped his arms around his girlfriend and planted a big, wet kiss on her cheek.

"Thanks! But … er … not that I'm complaining, but why exactly am I a genius?!"

Sokka turned to the rest of them. "She just gave me an idea! I have a plan! A brilliant, genius plan!"

"You wanna share it with the rest of us, Snoozles?" Toph asked.

Sokka grabbed a stick and began drawing in the sand. "A hundred years ago, the Fire Nation used these outlying islands as a staging point for their assault on the Air Nomads …"

"And ..?" Katara asked.

"They left tons of artillery here! Buried beneath the sand as reserves! Even live mines!" Sokka pointed his stick at the blind Earthbender. "Toph, you're a human metal-detector! Think you can find them buried under the sands of these islands?"

"Not a problem!" She punched her fist into her hand. "I think I'm seeing your plan now, Snoozles."

Sokka grinned. "We gather as many mines and artillery and gunpowder as the Fire Nation left here … we gather them in one place, hiding them in the sand … and when Sozin steps onto it – KABLOOOOWIEEE!" He gesticulated wildly.

"That … might actually work," Katara admitted.

Sokka stood up. "Appa … think you have it in you to get us to one of the outlying islands, buddy?"

Appa took a determined look at Aang's body. It stood up and roared ferociously, giving vent to its rage and pain.

"I'll take that as a yes." He looked at his friends. "Sozin's looking for us right now. Once we have all the artillery gathered, someone's going to have to be the bait … draw him out …"

Katara and Toph nodded. "We'll do it," Katara said. She spared a look at Aang's body and closed her eyes. When she opened them, they were full of rage and a newfound resolve. "And besides … after what he did to Aang … I want to see that monster fry up-close and personally …"

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"Wake up …"

The voice echoed in his head.

But that was funny. His head felt lighter. His whole body felt lighter.

The last thing he remembered was falling hundreds of feet … a Waterbender crying out to him … and then electricity coursing through his body …

What had happened?

Where was he?

Who was he?

It was like waking from a dream.

"Aang … wake up …"

Aang … yes that was his name once. Aang.

And the Waterbender …?

"Katara …?"

The bald monk stood up. His mind was racing. The images of people in his mind became clearer and their associated names bubbled up from the depths of his memory.

Katara … she had been in danger! And Sozin …

Am I dead?

Aang stood up. His clothes were no longer torn. His body was no longer bruised and bloodied. In fact, he felt better than he had ever felt before! His old staff was in his hand.

He looked around.

He was in a magnificent structure … a celestial palace. Above was an open ceiling revealing the stars. The walls were made of fine glass … revealing stars all around him. And there, in the distance … Earth?

He walked along the floor. He realized he was in a grand observation room. The far end had a wide glass window with the earth in full view. And the floor … the floor was a crystalline sea.

At the far end of the room, a spectral being was waiting for him by the observation window. It was glowing with an otherworldly light, a light to which Aang was strangely drawn.

He reached the end of the room and was standing behind the figure, who stood at the top of several steps. "Welcome, Avatar Aang …"

Aang squinted his eyes. There was something familiar about that voice …

"Who are you?" he asked.

The figure turned. It was an Air Monk. An arrow was tattooed on his head. He had a friendly white moustache and his eyes twinkled. He was wearing the signature orange robes of the Air Monks.

"Hello, Aang," Monk Gyatso said kindly.

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"Monk Gyatso!" Aang surged ahead, preparing to hug his old mentor.

Gyatso held out a hand, stopping him. His face dropped. The kindness was no longer there. His face was stern now. "No, Aang. This appearance is an illusion. Monk Gyatso is dead … I am not him. I hardly show my true form. I appear to men as a person from their past … one who had a profound impact on their lives …"

Realization dawned on Aang. "Yama …?"

Yama, under the appearance of Monk Gyatso, nodded.

Aang looked around. "Where am I? Am I dead? What happened?"

Yama turned and folded her arms, staring out at Earth through the viewscreen. "Sozin's aim was true."

"So … I'm dead …"

"Yes. Yes, I'm sorry, Aang."

Aang mulled this over. "But then … does that mean the Avatar Cycle is over? The Avatar is destroyed since I died in the Avatar State?"

"As you have been told … the time has come for the Avatar Cycle to end …"

Aang was lost in his own thoughts. "But then what am I doing here?"

"I brought your spirit here … to my throne room in Naraka. The true Naraka … the true inner core of the Spirit World …"

"But why?"

Yama turned. "Those who stand before me are judged by me. As I judged the lives of your friends Katara, Sokka and Zuko. Your time has now come … it is time to judge your life, Avatar Aang …"

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On the shores of Whaletail Island, Qin, Jee and General Fong fought side by side. The World Peace Army was surrounding their forces, boxing them in.

This time, there would be no retreat.

"We can't keep this up much longer," Qin said.

Jee nodded, parrying an attack with his sword. "We only need to buy time … for us there is no hope … but the wounded …"

General Fong nodded. "I never thought I would say this to members of the Fire Nation … but it will be an honor to die at your sides …"

"Who would have thought it?" Qin sighed as the fighting intensified.

They watched in horror as dozens upon dozens of tanks began unloading from the Fire Navy ships.

Yes … time was indeed running out …

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Zuko stood on the shoreline. He could hear the screaming in the distance, see the explosions. "Uncle … the fighting has begun again …"

Iroh stood up. "Yes … the Resistance is making their last stand … they will need all the help they can get."

Zuko looked up at him. "Uncle …?"

"I will go and personally join the battle. If this is our end, then what a glorious end it will be … and, I no longer have any regrets. My boy … has returned …" And he reached over and drew Lu Ten into a hug.

Ursa stood up. "I will fight alongside you, Iroh."

"It will be an honor, Princess Ursa."

"Then count me in!" Zuko exclaimed.

"No!" Iroh's eyes were wide. "No, Zuko. I can sense Sozin's power … it is growing with each second. The Avatar and his friends are being drawn into a final conflict … they will need you before the end …"

Zuko stared at the mountain ranges in the distance. "Then I'm going where I'm needed."

"You're not going anywhere without me, Fire Lord," Mai said.

"No," Zuko shook his head. "Mai … I need you and Ty Lee to get out of here … please … live to fight another day …"

Mai shook her head. "I'm not letting you go alone!"

"If I don't make it back … you'll be the last hope for the Fire Nation … our people will need you when Yama's forces swarm this world …"

"Zuko – I …" Zuko kissed her on the lips.

"I know how cynical you are, Mai … but you have to have faith. Faith that we'll make it through the night. That we will see each other again."

"You can't just -."

He took her hand. "Mai … if you're there with me, I'll be worried about your safety. I'll be too distracted … trust me … I can concentrate better on the battle knowing you're safe …"

Mai sighed. "Fine … You better come back, Zuko!"

"I will." He kissed her deeply before he turned to look at the mountains on the horizon. "Azula … Jet … you guys up for one last battle?"

Azula sneered. "But of course."

Jet nodded. "I'm a Freedom Fighter! I'm going to see this through to the end!"

"Count me in …" Lu Ten stood up, fists clenched. "I owe great-grandfather a little bit of payback of my own …"

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At one of the beaches, in one of the many islands making up the grand archipelago just outside of the Patola Mountain Range, Sokka was barking orders at Toph.

Sokka had indeed been right, and Toph had led them right to the one-hundred-year-old weapons cache.

Toph was using Metalbending to uncover the artillery. Appa sat on the seashore, while Katara held Aang's body.

Suki and Haru were also helping Toph.

"Careful …" Sokka was saying to Toph. "Careful … those mines are live …"

"You wanna do it, buddy?" Toph spat.

"No offense! I just don't want them to go off prematurely."

Toph waved her hand. She created a large hole in the seashore, burying several mines, along with other Fire Nation explosives. Toph stomped her foot and a mound of sand covered it.

"There," Sokka said. "Sozin will never see it coming!"

Toph turned. "Speaking of Sozin … well … I can sense him … he's on his way!"

Sokka nodded. "Perfect! Alright Team Avatar! We ready for one last go-round?"

They all cheered. Katara placed Aang's body up against a tree. She wiped her eyes. "When this is done … I'll make sure you get a proper burial, Aang." She turned and returned to her friends.

Sokka held out his hand. All the members of Team Avatar placed their hands on top of his. "For Aang!" he exclaimed.

"FOR AANG!" they all shouted in unison.

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"Judged?" Aang was horribly confused.

With a gentle wave of her hand, the scenery around them had changed. It had morphed into the Northern Water Tribe. Avatar Kuruk was whooping and laughing, riding on an ice surfboard while Ummi cheered.

"As misguided and insane as his plans are … Sozin did have a point … the previous Avatars were neglecting their duties." Yama stared angrily at the carefree Kuruk.

Then their surroundings melted into brown and grey buildings, as people in Earth Kingdom rags fought over scraps of food in the trash.

"People were starving in the famine … the plague had decimated their numbers … and the Avatars were busy, wrapped up in their own little lives …"

Aang and Yama were suddenly at Avatar Roku's wedding, watching him kiss Ta Min. Sozin, the best man, was smiling … but underneath his face was fear and concern.

"And what of your life, Avatar Aang?"

They were now in the Southern Air Temple, a century ago. Monk Gyatso and Aang were making fruit pies. They were playing Pai Sho. They were riding around on air scooters.

"I was a child …" Aang said. "A child who knew nothing of his destiny … how could I have known the duty that was on me …?"

"And what of when you did learn of your destiny? What happened when you learned that you were in fact the Avatar?"

Aang had left a letter in his bedroom. He was now climbing out his bedroom window, into a storm.

"You ran away that day. You turned from your destiny … why …?"

Aang watched himself from the past disappear on Appa, right into the storm.

"Because I never wanted any of it," he said. His words honest and true. He sensed that Yama would know immediately if there was any dishonesty in his answers. "I never wanted to be the Avatar …"

"Exactly," Yama continued. "As did your past lives, you placed your own personal life – your own desires and wishes – above the greater good. You could not come to terms with reality. And nor could they … and so the world paid the price …"

Aang watched Sozin's Comet tear through the sky. He watched an elderly Sozin standing on a balcony, overlooking long lines of his troops.

He witnessed the Air Nomads put up a losing battle against the Fire Nation. He watched as Monk Gyatso helplessly fought to the death.

He watched as the Fire Nation armies surged across the Earth Kingdom.

As the Northern and Southern Water Tribes fought for decades, their numbers whittling down year after year.

And finally, he saw himself and Appa … cocooned in an iceberg, frozen for a hundred years.

"Your childish decision had long-lasting consequences," Yama said. "Hundreds of thousands dead … millions more suffering … this is the magnitude of your crimes … your hands run red indeed …"

"But I accepted my destiny …" Aang was protesting. "I accepted my duty as the Avatar! I learned the four elements!"

"And you think that washes away your sins?" Yama asked. "But let us look at your life after you emerged from the iceberg. Had a hundred years really changed you? Or were you still focused on self?"

Aang watched as he was set free from the iceberg. Katara hovered over him. And his past self, after being frozen for a hundred years, had just one question.

"Will you go penguin-sledding with me?!"

"You truly have the mind of a child. A mind of games and toys … you did not care in the slightest about the fate of the world …"

"That's not true …" Aang protested.

"No? Let us see …" The scene shifted to Aang and Katara learning Waterbending. "Upon learning that the Waterbender stole that scroll, what did you do? It was not rightfully yours, yet you allowed her to get away with it, even used it to your own advantage …"

Aang now saw himself once again. He had a letter in his hands. He was reading it and his eyes watered.

Yama's voice was accusatory, knifing into his chest. "When you received word that your friends' father was returning, you hid the information from them. Solely because you did not want them to leave you. An utterly selfish act for an Avatar … but a consistent pattern …"

"I apologized," Aang protested again. "I told them the truth!"

"Only when it would have been detrimental to you not to … but let us continue …"

Aang saw himself standing on a rock in a stream. He was concentrating on a leaf, trying to keep it from burning. He then realized he could control fire. He began playing with the ball of flame in his hand. Then he lost control. The fire surged out, and there was a scream as Katara's hands were roasted into raw pieces of flesh.

That memory tore into Aang's own soul. He wiped his eyes. "I will never forgive myself for that moment …"

"You harmed an innocent – a girl you claimed to care about! Because you wanted to rush your training! Because the idea of Firebending – of power – was too consuming for you! You did not heed Master Jeong Jeong's warnings of patience. You had to Firebend right then and there no matter who got hurt."

"I was selfish," Aang admitted. "But I never dreamed that would happen. Had I known then …"

"And what of your next actions?"

Aang turned and found himself in the Si Wong Desert.

"You muzzled Appa?!"

The Sandbenders were screaming in terror as Aang entered the Avatar State, tearing through their caravan.

"And then … when you could learn to control your powers … when you had opportunity to learn the Avatar State … what did you do?"

Aang was at the Eastern Air Temple with Guru Pathik. "What? Why would I let go of Katara? I … I love her!"

"Learn to let her go, or you cannot let the pure cosmic energy flow in from the universe."

"Why would I choose cosmic energy over Katara? How could it be a bad thing that I feel an attachment to her? Three chakras ago that was a good thing!"

Yama turned to him. "And what was the result of your selfishness?"

Aang was in the Crystal Catacombs, in the Avatar State. Azula smiled and took aim. And lightning coursed through his back, just like it had with Sozin.

Aang turned away from the spectacle.

"Your life has been marked by one act of selfishness after another. Turning your back on those trying to help you … lying to others …"

He heard another voice. "Heed my warning, Avatar. You must not Energybend again."

Aang saw himself during the fiasco at the Victory Day Parade. Azula had a little boy captive. And Aang … reacted on instinct. Blue and red lights swirled around as he took away Azula's bending.

"And what was the effect of Energybending others? You tainted your connection to the Avatar Spirit – weakened it. Making it easier for your foes to sever that connection entirely …"

Aang watched Lu Ten Energybend him, trapping his soul in Naraka.

"And what did your selfishness cause?"

The boy turned as he watched the World Peace Coalition ascend to power. Watched as Hahn gave his life trying to rescue him. Watched as, one by one, each of the Patron Spirits were stolen away by Sozin's minions.

He watched as Merilina gave her life to save her daughter and granddaughter.

And then he watched as Guru Pathik gave his life in order to restore Aang's connection to the Avatar Spirit.

"Many have given their lives for you … for the Avatar … and yet the Avatar has failed to live up to his responsibilities … their sacrifices were in vain …"

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"Come out, come out little mice …"

With a puff of flame, Sozin had descended on the shoreline. He walked along the sand slowly, looking around.

"I know that you're trying to lead me into some sort of trap … the Avatar's friends are too smart to try to fight me head-on … so come … bring out the bait …"

Katara and Toph stood in a cave off the seashore, watching. Toph felt the vibrations through her feet. "He's almost here …"

Katara peered out the cave entrance. "I can see him …"

"It's now or never, Sugar Queen."

Nodding, bracing themselves, Katara and Toph leaped out of the cave.

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Sozin was unimpressed. "Only the two of you? But where is the Avatar's first mate? And the others?" His eyebrows rose. "Oh, I see. You two are the bait. So the others are preparing for my arrival. I suppose then my only option is to spring this little 'trap' of yours!"

With a push-pull motion, Katara drew water up from the seas, swirling it around her. Toph summoned sand, hardening it into rock around her, forming rocky armor around her body.

Sozin merely smiled.

"Very well children … let's have some fun …

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"No, that doesn't go there – that goes there!" Sokka was barking orders at Suki and Haru as they placed shrubbery over the pit filled with mines and explosives.

"Isn't this all a bit obvious?" Suki asked, staring down at the fig leaves.

Sokka smiled. "Actually … that's the point."

"Okay, you lost me."

"I had Toph dig two sites. This is the first one … it's filled with only a few explosives. Nowhere near enough to take down Sozin. He trips this one, gets a few minor burns and cuts and a foul temper … and then he thinks that's it! That must've been the trap. He gets overconfident. Then we lead him to the true site … and kablooi! He gets the surprise of a lifetime! You might be able to say that Sozin is 'da bomb!' Get it …? Da bomb?"

Haru facepalmed. "Let's hope your planning is better than your jokes …"

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Flames tore along the shores of the small island. Sozin wasn't even trying. But these two insects would prove to be quite an amusement. Now that the Avatar was dead, no one could stop him. So he might as well enjoy this victory …

Toph burst up from the sand, behind the Fire Lord. Sozin smiled and ducked, as a whip of sand lashed out.

Katara landed, summoning water, snaking it at Sozin's feet. Toph worked in unison, blending the sand with the water, hardening the mixture, forming concrete at Sozin's ankles.

Sozin bent his knees, using Earthbending to burst out from the mixture.

Katara and Toph stood side-by-side, backing away, Katara lashing out with wave after wave, Toph reinforcing her with a sandy mixture, freezing around Sozin's feet.

"We have to keep him at bay," Katara said. "Slow him down enough to buy Sokka time to make the final preparations."

Sozin merely kept coming. He wasn't even fighting at this point. "Everything you're doing is a delaying action," he taunted. "You're aiming for my feet. It is obvious that you're only trying to slow me down while your friends put into play whatever plan they've concocted. But I have no problem playing along. Come … amuse me."

"Trust me, you won't be smiling for long!" Katara yelled. She whipped her arms and a gush of water from the ocean spilled onto the sand, freezing in place.

Sozin walked through the ice, melting a pathway through it as he went.

"You're gonna pay for what you did to Aang!" Katara spat.

"The boy was dear to you … yes … you loved him …"

"We all did!" Katara spat.

"Then far be it from me to keep you separated!" Sozin raised his index and middle finger, which began channeling energy. "You'll be with him soon enough!"

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.

.

Zuko sat on a boat, heading for the small island. He could see intense lightning shoot up into the sky.

"Sozin …" He turned to Jet and Azula who were rowing. "He's already found them! We've got to hurry!"

Nodding, Azula stood up. She and Zuko spun their hands in a backwards motion. Flames jetted out into the sea behind them.

And the boat took off like a catapult, speeding along the lapping waves.

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.

.

Qin and Jee were fighting side-by-side with General Fong. Two more Earthbenders went down. Then a Waterbender.

"Our numbers are thinning fast …"

Jee nodded. "To the end. For Fire Lord Zuko. For the Avatar!"

General Fong grinned. "I never thought I'd hear a Firebender fight for the Avatar …"

"This is a new day," Jee said, parrying a blow. "I'm just amazed it took the end of the world to bring the Nations together …"

Fong nodded as he dodged a tank's blast. "If we make it through this alive … drinks are on me …"

More tanks replaced the ones they lost. The lines of Coalition troops continued to appear on the shores of the island. Their numbers were limitless.

It was only a delaying action, Jee knew.

They wouldn't be able to hold the Coalition back for too much longer …

.

.

"Might we be of further assistance?"

Jee's face grinned. "General Iroh!"

Iroh spun into the battle, a wave of flame slicing through three tanks as he landed. Ursa dropped in behind him, parrying two attacks with her swords, before running through a Coalition Firebender.

Jee turned. "Well … our odds have increased … slightly …"

His men reformed ranks as another line of Coalition troops appeared.

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"But the Avatar has done plenty of good things … otherwise, why even continue the Cycle?!" Aang was protesting Yama's arguments.

"Indeed …" Yama admitted. "That much is true."

They watched Aang bravely face Prince Zuko at the South Pole. Defending Kyoshi Island. Helping the Zhangs and Gan Jins across the Great Divide. Defending the Northern Air Temple. Turning back the invaders at the North Pole.

On and on the visions continued. Helping an expectant mother across the Serpent's Pass.

Battling a giant drill.

Exposing a Dai Li coup.

Teaching Fire Nation children how to have fun and be themselves at a dance party.

Forgiving Zuko.

He was dancing with Zuko to prove their worth to Ran and Shaw.

He was embracing his friends.

Getting licked by Appa.

Accepting Seizon as a friend, making him feel cared about.

And then … he was standing on a rocky ledge as Ozai proceeded to burn down the entire Earth Kingdom. He was ready to fight, to defend the world.

He was more than the Last Airbender.

He was the Avatar.

And he had lived up to that role throughout his life …

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.

"The Avatar Cycle doesn't deserve to end!" Aang pleaded. "The Avatar is a force for good! You even agreed with the other Spirits … that the Avatar would be the solution to all the chaos of the previous generations. You agreed that as long as the Avatar brought balance, you would no longer destroy mortals!"

Yama stared at him, listening quietly to his words. She turned and spun her arms. Their surroundings morphed once again.

They were on the battlefield of Whaletail Island, what was left of the Resistance Army battling the World Peace Army.

"Aang … take a look around. These people are at war with each other. Brother is killing brother. Sister slaughtering sister. Despite the Avatar's presence in the world, the cycles of violence and chaos continue."

"Please … they deserve a chance … a chance for peace … don't take their future away from them …!"

Yama walked amidst the battlefield, Aang at her side, completely invisible to the combatants. "This is your nature. Every cycle, every generation leads to war. Look around. Look at the blood, the wounds, the cries of anger. Smell the stench of death. You are surrounded by it. Death on all sides. This is who you mortals are … this is what you bring to our world …"

"It doesn't have to be this way!" Aang protested. "There's still a chance for peace! This can end peacefully! The Avatar can be the one to bring this peace!"

Yama stared as a tank bore down on several Earthbenders.

"But what is the point of all this?" Yama pondered, ignoring Aang's pleas. Aang stood at her side, watching the violence exploding all around him. "If this is the nature of mortals, why do I keep allowing them to return? Why do I wipe them out, then allow a new generation to thrive?"

Aang stared. A man was screaming before he was silenced by flame.

"I don't know …" He looked up at her expectantly.

"You see violence and death. But there is something more, Avatar. What else do you see? Look closely. What is happening that has not happened in a hundred years?"

Aang squinted his eyes, watching the massive battle. He saw Commander Jee getting thrown off his feet by artillery. General Fong threw himself down, covering Jee's body, protecting him from the explosion. He saw Fong take Jee's hand, help him to his feet.

He turned. Waterbenders were fighting alongside Firebenders – those in the Resistance from all nations standing as one against the Coalition.

"The people in the Resistance … they come from all four nations … they're fighting together as one …"

"They have put aside their differences. They have a common cause – survival. A future. Hope. That is what the Avatar has done … that is what you have given them, Aang …"

He found himself back in Yama's sky palace. Tears were in his eyes.

Yama smiled. "I have seen thousands of cycles of mortals. They have warred for centuries, killing each other … I intervened only to prevent all existence – the Spirit World included – from being lost to these conflicts. I gave mortals chance after chance to prove themselves, allowed new generations of humans to thrive … but still, the result was always the same … chaos. Death. There had to be an answer … a way to get the peoples of the world to realize they are all in this existence together … to find a common cause to unite them … so they would no longer kill each other … that was when I devised the Beast Test …"

Aang blinked. "The … what …?"

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Almost there, Katara thought. She glanced behind her. There was the first booby-trap … the fake one.

Sozin stepped forward, generating more lightning. The blast was shot with such intensity that it fried the sand, leaving scorch marks along the shoreline.

Toph thumbed her nose at Sozin. She pointed at his chest. "Hey man-boobs, over here!" She turned, sticking her rear up, patting it. "Come on, I got a target for you right here."

Sozin smiled. "I can tell you're baiting me … but for my own amusement … I'll play along."

Toph and Katara were now standing before the first pit. Sozin was generating energy, his body beginning to glow.

"On the count of three," Katara said to Toph. "One … two …"

"Three!" Toph yelled, surging herself and Katara out of the way with Earthbending as Sozin charged them, fist raised. He missed them by an inch, landing right on top of the pit.

Katara and Toph watched.

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KABOOM!

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.

There was a small explosion. Smoke billowed out of the pit.

As it cleared, there stood Sozin, waving the smoke out of his face. Not a scratch on him.

He smiled. "Well … now that I've spoiled your little trap … how about I get serious …?"

Katara merely grinned. "We're counting on it." She turned to Toph. Now for the real trap. They would have to fight for their lives for real this time … but if they could lead him to the real sandpit filled with dozens of mines and explosives, they would be able to take Sozin down for good.

They hoped.

Katara suddenly gushed more water onto the shore, freezing it, using it as a skating ramp to make a quick getaway. Toph bended the sand under her feet, using it to speed herself up. They raced down the shoreline.

Sozin grinned and fired more lightning. Fire blazed out of his heels and he surged forward after his prey.

And the chase was on!

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.

"Koh helped me to administer the test in every age … in the times before this generation of mortals, humans used to bend the energy in their own bodies. Koh would help one ascend beyond the levels of others. This selected fallen one, with Koh's guidance, became a Beast. The Beast would threaten all things. The peoples of the world would have no choice when faced with such an impossible enemy … an enemy so powerful, that the only way to stop him would be if the nations would put aside their differences, stop fighting each other, and work together. If the nations couldn't cooperate willingly, then interdependence would be forced upon them with a common enemy … a Beast …"

"But it wasn't working," Aang realized.

Yama shook her head. "For thousands of years we tried again, and again. And yet … the mortals refused to work together. They couldn't put aside their hatred of each other … it eventually became apparent that not even their fears of a Beast could cause their hatred to melt and cease … through infighting and wars, they destroyed themselves. Contrary to what you were told, I gave each generation a chance. They destroyed themselves through wars, until only the Beast and its followers were left. I only cleaned up what was left, destroyed only the Beast and his followers … I did not destroy the mortals … only those that served the Beast … the mortals destroyed themselves …"

Aang stood there in shock, as the mysteries of the universe's past were revealed to him.

"But then … what about this generation …?"

Yama looked at him sincerely. "With each generation we administered the test, I realized something … each Beast would become more powerful than the last … I eventually realized that Koh was undermining the test, giving the Beast greater and greater powers that threatened even the Spirit World … Koh wanted me to wipe out all mortals in existence … and he was going further with the Beasts than I originally agreed … Koh had turned on me … upon revelation of his betrayal, I ended the Beast Test and banished him to the far corners of the Spirit Realm … and I realized that a new solution would be required …"

"And what was that?" Aang asked.

"The Lion Turtles had an idea … instead of a common enemy that mortals could rally against … why not a common ally that they could rally around …? And so, the Avatar Cycle was born … this was to be the last chance for mortals … if the Avatar could not bring peace, we would end mortals for good …"

"But for thousands of years we Avatars did bring peace," Aang observed.

"Despite many of your failures, the Avatars did bring hope to mankind," Yama admitted. "The Avatar Spirit exceeded our expectations … and so, we allowed this world to last, to continue undisturbed for millennia … but war was on the horizon … tensions were rising in the Fire Nation … Sozin's ambitions were growing and my fear was that Avatar Roku – given his friendship with Sozin – would not see the signs … I turned to alternative peace-keeping measures …"

Aang was engrossed. "Like what?"

"I revealed myself to a select few Air Nomads … Monk Gyatso and others. I gave them the money and infrastructure needed to create an organization that would keep the peace behind the scenes … one that would ensure peace and unity, should the Avatar fail … you see me as the Destroyer, yet I did all in my power to ensure the survival of the human race … and behind the scenes, Gyatso and his allies created an organization under my direction that would thrive and counter the growing ambitions of the Fire Nation …"

"… The Court," Aang realized. His stomach fell. How he had grown to mistrust his mentor, to view him as an evil conspirator … all over a misunderstanding. Monk Gyatso did not found the Court for power … he did it to preserve balance … He looked up and wiped his eyes, his conscience gnawing at him for doubting his mentor.

"… but once Sozin annihilated the Air Nomads – including Gyatso – Koh installed his own puppets as its leaders. He subverted the Court, turned it into his own machine to plunge the world further into chaos. My only hope was to place an infiltrator, to minimize the danger posed by the now compromised Court …"

"… Merilina …"

"Precisely. But the danger was far from over. Koh had been forbidden from creating another Beast … he broke that promise and, shortly after Sozin instigated the war, Koh showed him the Air Nomad scrolls … and Sozin learned from them the forbidden art of Energybending … and now, Sozin has become the most powerful and evil Beast that has ever set foot on the earth … his is a danger beyond what any other generation faced … even the very Spirit Realm – myself included – could be destroyed …"

Yama stared out the window at the earth, arms folded. "After this generation of mortals … I would retire. If this generation could not find unity, I told Koh I would not allow any more mortals to walk the earth. If mortals could not find it in themselves to end their hostilities to each other, even with the aid of the Avatar, then they no longer deserved to live on the earth. And Koh's point would be proven. And I would allow Koh mastery over the entire planet once the mortals were gone …"

Behind them, a dark shape was morphing into view. Aang turned to see Koh the Face Stealer emerging from the shadows, a smile on one of his stolen faces. "Yes … and Yama is one to honor her deals, is that not right?"

Yama did not even deign to address him.

Koh was circling Aang now in his long body. "Soon … all of existence will be in my hands …"

Aang looked over at Yama. "How can you allow this? Koh cheated! He wasn't supposed to create a new Beast! How can you destroy us for what Koh did?!"

Yama turned to face Aang. To his surprise, he saw a smile on her face. "But you have passed the test …"

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Sozin laughed uncontrollably. He was clearly enjoying himself. He raced along on his fire jets, propelling himself forward.

Katara and Toph were racing full speed ahead. But it wasn't enough … Sozin was going to overtake them.

Katara looked over at Toph. "We've gone far enough!" The two stopped short and erected a sudden ice and rock wall.

Sozin burst through it like tissue. He spun, grabbing Katara and Toph by their heads, slamming them down headfirst into the ground.

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.

From behind several trees, Suki, Sokka and Haru watched. Sokka pointed to a small, discolored section of sand not too far from where the battle was going. The real trap pit lay buried. "They're so close …"

Suki drew her sword and shield. "I'm going in!"

Sokka and Haru nodded to each other. Sokka drew his space sword and the trio lunged into the heart of battle.

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.

Out of the corner of his eye, Sozin saw a sharp blade cleaving towards his head. He ducked backwards, the Kyoshi blade slicing through his beard. The Fire Lord twisted his body, and his eyes widened as a black sword nearly impaled his head, missing by centimeters. Sozin spun his body like a top, flipping away from his adversaries.

Haru helped Katara and Toph to their feet. Sozin watched as his enemies spread out around him.

"Ah, more brave warriors have come to challenge me … brave, if not utterly stupid …"

Sokka's eye twitched. He shot a glance behind him, where the real trap pit lay. We just have to get him there … guide the tempo of battle …

Sokka charged, Suki behind him. Sozin dodged and weaved, easily evading their attacks. He knocked Suki aside before he shot Sokka across the battlefield with a flame.

Haru landed from a jump, kicking stones and rocks. Toph joined him, reinforcing Haru's attacks. Sozin imploded each one with Earthbending of his own.

Katara shot water at him, freezing him in place. Sozin increased his own body temperature, evaporating the ice with steam.

"Out of my way!" The team jumped aside as Toph spread her legs, hands up, and encased herself in rocky armor. She charged straight for the Fire Lord.

Sozin smiled as rocks crept up his own body, covering himself in rocky armor. Riding a wave of sand, he charged Toph. The two warriors punched at each other, their armor shattering. Toph went flying several yards, landing in a heap.

Sozin gestured for the Team to attack again, ready for another round.

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"Almost there!" Zuko was staring straight ahead. In the distance, he could see the rest of his friends battling Sozin.

Sozin was singlehandedly winning.

"Come on!"

Azula glanced over at her brother. "Something has been troubling me, Brother."

"Later," Zuko said, staring ahead.

"No," she refused. "Lu Ten has been brought back to life through Sozin's Energybending … and Jet in turn. If Sozin is destroyed, what becomes of them since Sozin's life energy resides in them?"

Zuko's mouth hung open. "I don't know …"

"Zuko … they could be killed …"

Zuko glanced back at Jet and Lu Ten in the boat. He closed his eyes. "Then we'll find another way …"

Azula stared ahead. She had only just found her place in her family, with Lu Ten returned. And plus …

… she didn't think she could bare a loss as significant as losing Jet … not again …

.

.

.

Sozin was an unstoppable killing machine. There was nothing else to it.

The Team had no chance, no means of stopping him conventionally. Their only hope lay several yards behind them … if they could manage to circle him there …

Toph intended to do just that. She once again covered herself in rocky armor, heavier this time. She charged on a conveyor belt of sand. Sozin punched at her. Toph grabbed his punch in her rocky gauntlet, then grabbed his other wrist.

"You dare!" Sozin yelled. The two struggled … and Toph, summoning all of her strength, took a step forward … then another … and Sozin was pushed back.

Sozin prepared to lift his leg to kick – nope, he found his feet encased in sand. And the sand was moving … Toph was moving the sand like a conveyer belt, turning Sozin in a circle, then pushing him back … back towards the trap pit.

Sozin reared his head back, teeth grit, then slammed it into Toph's skull. Toph's armor shattered, and the little girl staggered back in a daze. Sozin grabbed her by the hair. "You are a brave and unrelenting little girl … I could have used someone like you in my forces … but unfortunately, you have chosen to throw your lot in with the Avatar!"

And Sozin delivered a power-packed punch into Toph's stomach. Toph gagged, coughing into the sand. Sozin held her up by her hair, dangling her in front her friends. "Feel free to jump in at any time," he sneered.

Katara and Sokka eyed the situation. "We have to get him closer …" Sokka said.

"No! Not while he has Toph! She'll be caught in the blast …"

"Then we get Toph …"

Sokka charged forward, sword in hand. Sozin saw him coming. With his free hand, he unleashed a gale force wind, sending Sokka flying into the dunes.

Katara had used the distraction to snake a tendril around Sozin's arm, freezing it. Sozin snarled … another tendril of water snaked around Toph's ankle, yanking her free of Sozin's grip. Toph landed in Suki's arms as Katara attacked with more water.

"Thanks Suki," Toph said in a daze. "I feel like a train hit me."

Katara unleashed attack after attack. She was a magnificent Waterbender … and she had one strategy in mind. Aim for Sozin's feet. Keep him moving back - back and onto the pit.

Sozin jumped backwards again and again, Katara's slicing water attacks barely missing him. Katara paused, panting. Behind her, Sokka, Haru, Suki and Toph prepared for a final push … they were so close …

Sozin eyed his surroundings. "You seem to be doing nothing but trying to force me back … when will you insects simply give in …?"

"We will never give in to the likes of you," Katara spat.

"When you're clearly no match for me? Face it … you're all out of tricks. And there's no Avatar returning to save you this time …"

"Don't count us out yet!" Katara spat back.

"How incredible. You sound like you could actually touch me … such bravado for those in your situation. But all you managed to do was push me back a few feet …" His eyes narrowed. "Almost as though you meant to," he breathed.

Team Avatar drew in a collective breath. Sozin was beginning to put two and two together.

He glanced over his shoulder. Why is that spot of sand discolored?, he thought to himself. And then his eyes widened as realization set in. "My … you lot are far more intelligent that you let on … but it is too late now … yes … the first trap was supposed to fail, lull me into a false sense of security … I see it now."

Katara played dumb. "What are you talking about? Stop trying to mess with us and get back to the fight!"

Sozin only laughed. "Playing dumb, are we? Too bad … I see through your plans. You intend for me to step onto that pile of ammunition. You hoped to blow me to smithereens. Don't try to deny it, I can see from the looks on your faces that I am right. I must applaud you … but now, you are finally out of tricks, aren't you …?"

Katara looked at Sokka. Sozin had figured out their plans. "What now?" she asked.

Sokka raised a finger. "How about we get another idea man?"

Katara sighed. "We still move forward on the plan. One way or another … we get him onto that pit …"

Sozin laughed. "You may try!" And he raised his hand and his chi surged.

.

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FOOSH!

A ball of orange fire struck Sozin's back. The Fire Lord snarled, turning.

A boat was docked on the shores … and charging for him were Zuko, Azula, Jet and Lu Ten. "Reinforcements?" Sozin realized. "Ah Lu Ten … throwing your lot in with the losing side, are we? But where is Ozai?"

"Never mind him," Zuko spat. "Your battle is with us now."

"Ah … my three great-grandchildren united against me … very well … I suppose every family tree needs to be pruned every so often … when a rose is wilted or bruised, you simply snip it off at its root …"

Azula stepped forward. "Grandfather … you talk too much." And she, Zuko and Lu Ten unleashed a simultaneous burst of fire.

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.

Sozin was already on the move, fire on his heels. He dodged his grandchildren's attacks, countering with flames of his own.

Katara, Sokka, Toph, Suki and Haru joined in the fray. Sozin was laughing again, enjoying himself, shooting lightning in all directions.

Sozin landed as his enemies formed a line. "This is it," Sokka said. "Our final stand."

Katara's brow was furrowed. "For Aang …" she breathed.

The rest of the team, even Azula and Lu Ten, joined their voices as one.

"FOR AANG!"

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Katara raced forward, tentacles on her arms. She swung them in a determined fury. Sozin sidestepped each one. He kicked several boulders at her, which she deflected with her water arms. A third one was a lucky shot, hitting her in the stomach. She hit the ground on her back.

Her vision was swimming.

But she would not stay down!

Sozin could put her down a thousand times and a thousand times she would rise.

For Aang!

Her mind wandered back to that first day, where this all began, when Aang first emerged from the iceberg. She could remember it as clearly as if it happened today …

Aang … you were so happy and outgoing. You were just a goofy kid with big smile who could brighten anyone's day. And when you were at the Southern Air Temple, and you learned the fate of your people, I grew to care for you … I wanted to watch out for you and protect from all the world's harms …

As time went on, and you grew more confident in your abilities, as you become a full-fledged Avatar, I began to see you in a whole new and different light.

Aang – you had grown up.

I was confused over what I was feeling. I think I finally began to realize how I felt for you at that dance party … seeing you dance with that Fire Nation girl awoke something in me and for the first time I realized … I cared about you in a different way …

… I fell in love with you, Aang. And though Sokka and I failed in our promise that we made at the Southern Air Temple to protect you – we will not fail you again! We will stop Sozin for you! No matter what it takes!

Aang … wherever you are … I hope you're watching us … and I hope you know deep down how much I truly love you …

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Sokka charged, sword raised high over his head. Sozin evaded every swing and thrust. But Sokka kept moving, kept coming.

And he was reminded of the events of his life that brought him to this final, single moment.

Aang … I thought you were a pain in the butt at first … and a Fire Nation spy at best … but then, when you stuck your neck out for our tribe – even after I banished you – my whole view of you changed.

And we bonded over our journeys. From crazy Earth Kingdom Kings trapping us in Creeping Crystal to Dai Li and Fire Nation officials and pretty much every scary thing you can imagine in between …

We become closer than friends.

As we played practical jokes on each other, teased one another, our bond grew …

Aang … you have become my brother …

And now … you're gone.

So I'm going to do whatever it takes to avenge you … but what then?

Do I even want to imagine a world without you?

Could I?

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Twinkletoes … I really hate you.

You just had to come into my life! I was having a nice, peaceful … boring … life with my family and you just had to stick your big, bald grinning head right into it!

Actually, I was glad you came. I was dying to explore the world and get out from my idyllic, sanitized life … you gave me that opportunity.

I taught you Earthbending … but you … you were a greater teacher too.

You showed me how to care for others … that life isn't always just one big giant game. You were there with me when I made my decision to strike out away from my family – and your big, goofy grinning face has been there ever since!

But you're gone now … and that's why I hate you …

Because now the world has been deprived of your laughter, of your joy. Because I'll never get to hear your voice, pull a prank with you, or irritate Katara with you ever again!

And so I'm going to stand my ground here. I'm gonna set my feet in the earth, widen my stance, and face this monster head on!

I'm gonna remember your laughter and how it was so quickly snuffed out …

And I'm going to make Sozin pay for depriving the world of you!

Wherever you are now, Twinkletoes … I just want you to know one thing …

You truly are number one …

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FOOSH!

FOOSH!

FOOSH!

Zuko's moves were a dance. He unleashed fire kick after fire kick. Sozin leaped to the side, erecting a fire wall, absorbing all of Zuko's blasts. He redirected the attacks, shooting fireballs nonstop at the teenager. Zuko rolled out of the way, the flames careening in all directions, nearly deep-frying him.

Zuko was on his knees, panting. He saw Sozin's smug, arrogant face and he wanted nothing more than to wipe that smile off. He jumped into the air, bringing down a flaming foot. Sozin knocked his attacks aside and Zuko landed in a puff of smoke.

As he fought, Zuko couldn't believe how much his life had changed in a year. A year ago, he had fought to capture the Avatar. And now …

… now he was fighting for the Avatar.

Life is funny sometimes.

I can't believe how much has changed and how quickly. For so long, I had thought that if I could capture the Avatar, that I could regain my honor. That my father would somehow find it in him to actually love me …

I was so naïve then. Naïve … but still cruel. I hurt you and the others. I threatened Katara and Sokka's grandmother … I nearly burned down Kyoshi Island … I used Katara's mother's necklace against her … and then – to top it off – when Katara had shown me kindness, when Uncle had tried to set me on the right path – I chose the wrong way. I attacked you, and helped Azula very nearly kill you …

And the cherry on top … when I thought there might be a chance you survived … I sent the Combustion Man after you …

But you … you and Toph welcomed me into your group. There was mistrust, at first. Especially from Katara and Sokka … but you, Aang … you saw the conflict within me … you saw the capacity for me to grow and become a better person … you even let me teach you Firebending … you had faith in me … you were so much like my Uncle …

You saved me from myself …

And yet …

… I wasn't able to save you …

When you needed me, I couldn't be there …

Aang, I'm sorry.

But I will make it right … my family has gripped this world in fear long enough! Today, I see to it that their reign of terror finally comes to an end! This will end the way it began!

I promise you, Aang … I will make the most of the second chance you gave me …

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And Team Avatar continued their attacks, Sozin dodging each one, none of them able to touch him …

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The frown on Koh's stolen face was unmistakable. Aang himself was very confused.

"We … we passed the test …? But how?"

Yama turned to the viewscreen. There, the image changed to show the Resistance army, putting up its last stand against the World Peace Coalition. Commander Jee, Qin and Iroh – all Fire Nation – fighting side by side with General How and the Council Five – Earthbenders. And various Water Tribe soldiers stood at their side.

They were ready to die together.

Yama turned. "They were able to put aside their differences … the Earth and Water Nations were able to forgive those from the Fire Nation … able to work together to stop the Coalition …"

Koh's sneer only grew. "Yama … with all due respect … this is just one example … it cannot mean -."

"But what about the others?" Yama waved her hand in front of the viewscreen.

Aang's eyes widened. "My friends!"

"Yes."

Aang watched as Katara, Sokka, Suki, Toph, Zuko, Haru, Jet and Azula fought Sozin together. "They're … they're working together …"

"All were once enemies," Yama said. "But they put aside those differences … forgave each other for past offenses … even Azula is working with them … all to take down the Beast … your generation … has passed the test …"

Aang was overjoyed. "So … so you will not destroy us?"

"No … there is no need … your friends and allies have proven us wrong … you are capable of putting aside your differences to defeat the Beast. And if you can do that to stop Sozin, there is no reason why you cannot do that for the rest of your days … to stop wars, and famines and all the other terrors that haunt the human race …"

Aang's eyes welled. "Yama …"

Koh was not having it. "No, Yama! This generation – this is merely an anomaly, that's all! Unlikely to repeat itself in the future! So what if they united to destroy a common enemy … ? They are unlikely to maintain such alliances when there is no common enemy left!"

Aang turned and looked at Koh. "Sorry, Koh. You don't get to change the rules …"

"Yama … you must listen to me …" Koh was seething. "We had an agreement …"

"A conditional agreement," Yama corrected. "But it is finished … the Beast Test has been passed … at your hand … you created this Beast, Koh. And now, the world has passed the test."

Koh was sputtering. "No! No this is an outrage!"

"Mind your place, Koh" Yama warned.

Koh's body was twisting. "No! These mortals are unworthy!"

"You will return to the Spirit World, Koh." Yama was giving the orders. "You will withdraw and you will never work to create a new Beast."

Koh stared back at Yama with all the defiance in the world. "No! I will not withdraw!" His eyes fell on Aang. "This is not a victory, Avatar! This is not over!" He returned his gaze to Yama. "If you will not destroy the mortals … then I will! And I defy you to stop me! We were consorts once … my powers rival yours … you dare not touch me!"

"Koh!"

With a sadistic grin, Koh slithered back into the shadows.

Aang turned to Yama. The Queen was now looking back the planet. "He is going to Earth … and he's coming with an army of his Creepers …"

"Yama?"

"They will slay every mortal they find …"

"Can't you do anything?" Aang asked.

"My power is waning … I had strength enough to stop mortals … but even my power has limits. And with Koh and Sozin together … I will not be able to stop both …"

"Is there nothing that can be done …?"

Yama stared at the viewscreen. She sighed. "Only one thing … you must stop them."

"Me? But … I died … I'm gone … I was killed in the Avatar State … the Avatar Spirit is gone …"

Yama was still looking at the viewscreen. "Do you remember in the North Pole … Princess Yue was a stillborn … but the Ocean Spirit gave its life to her … and she gave it back … or how about a few days ago … when Guru Pathik gave his life to restore the Avatar Spirit …?"

"Your Highness -."

Yama turned. "I no longer wish to see this world destroyed. It is worth protecting. I will ensure its survival … through the Avatar … I have enough energy to temporarily restore your life …"

Yama strode up to him. She placed her hands on his forehead. "Please, Avatar … see to it that this generation will live on … do not let it end … do not let what they learned be lost …"

Aang's eyes welled up. "Thank you, Yama. I won't fail you …"

Yama's eyes were closed. She was chanting wordlessly.

"Yama …" Aang asked. "You said temporarily …?"

Yama opened her eyes. "It is true, what I told you earlier … the time of the Avatar is at an end … if you should defeat Koh and Sozin … then the life I give you will be required back …"

He nodded. "I understand."

Yama resumed her chanting.

And Aang saw nothing but light …

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.

.

Team Avatar was pushed past its limit. They were beaten, bruised, exhausted and had tried every trick in the book.

Sozin seemed just as fresh and energetic as ever. And frankly, he was now bored.

"I tire of these childish games … none of you can even touch me … now, I think it's time I put an end to this absurd battle …" Sozin began gathering his chi.

Zuko stood with Katara and Sokka. "Any ideas?"

"For once," Sokka admitted, "I'm fresh out."

"No." Katara was still steeled with resolve. "One more try … for Aang's sake … for the universe's sake!"

"What do you suggest …?"

"One final rush … overwhelming force … We all attack as one … give him everything you've got …!"

And Katara burst forward, using the ocean water under her feet to propel her forward. Zuko, Lu Ten and Azula charged, flames surging on their feet.

Toph used Sandbending to propel herself up into the air and cover herself in rocky armor. Haru followed suit with Earthbending of his own.

Sokka, Jet and Suki charged themselves, weapons raised.

Sozin welcomed the attacks.

Toph and Haru landed first. Together, they created the largest boulder they could muster and hurled it at their foe.

Sozin imploded it.

Zuko and Lu Ten landed, punching, jabbing and kicking with overwhelming Firebending. Sozin sneered, blocking their attacks. His stepped backwards, losing his balance. He turned his head and cursed as he realized he was nearing the trap-spot. He turned his head and growled, unleashing a pulse of fire that sent the Firebenders flying.

Katara landed, summoning more water from the ocean. Jamming her arms down, the wave splashed onto Sozin, carrying him down the seashore, towards the trap.

Sozin froze the water in place and stood up, dripping.

"Katara!" Azula was racing forward. "One more time!"

Katara summoned more water, but instead of carrying Sozin away with a tidal wave, it simply splashed him like a bucket of water. The Fire Lord stood there, dripping, wondering why she wanted to simply make him wet …

That was when he saw Azula running. "Katara!" Azula leaped into the air. Katara grabbed her foot and hurled far up into the sky. Azula flew up, using flames on her feet to keep propelling her up … and from midair, she generated her chi. Lightning bounced along her fingertips, and from the sky she took aim.

ZAAAAPPP!

Sozin couldn't believe the force of the attack. "No …." Thinking quickly, he Waterbended the water covering him, turning it into ice. The lightning struck the ice head-on, channeling through it. The lightning needed the ice as a base, before it hit Sozin's body. Sozin carefully extricated himself from the lightning-charged ice, then hurled it into the sky.

Azula saw it coming. Summoning her strength, she blew it to smithereens with Firebending. The lightning arced out, lancing down in all directions.

Sozin was preparing for a counterattack … but he wasn't counting on one thing …

As the lightning arced down from above, Zuko rushed ahead. He reached out with his fingers, drawing the lightning down into his body. He breathed deeply, redirecting it. Several yards away, Lu Ten was charging his own energy, preparing lightning with his left hand.

"Zuko!" Lu Ten called. He held out his right arm.

And Zuko redirected the lightning through his other arm. It channeled straight and true, right into Lu Ten's left arm. Lu Ten directed it through his sea of chi, right into his right arm, combining it with the lightning he himself had generated.

And Lu Ten took aim.

For the first time, Sozin's gasp was genuine.

And Lu Ten shot off an earth-shattering bolt of lightning.

.

ZRRRRAAAAACCCKKKK!

.

A trench was formed in the ground as the lightning traveled overhead, the ocean water falling into it.

Sozin stood there, unable to react in time.

.

.

And the lightning arced right past Sozin's ear, missing him by a centimeter …

.

.

For a second there was silence.

"After all that, you miss?" Sozin mocked.

Behind him, he heard Katara's voice. "Not quite."

Sozin whirled around … there was a trail of water, leading from his feet, all the way to the trap-pit. And only then did Sozin realize … he didn't need to stand on top of it.

He was already in the blast radius …

The lightning hit the ground behind Sozin, traveled along the watery path carefully laid out by Katara, and with a sense of finality, struck the trap pit and all and mines and explosives within …

.

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"Hit the ground!"

Toph used Earthbending to conceal Team Avatar under a large earthen dome. They all hit the dirt, covering their heads.

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"NO!" Sozin was screaming, struggling. He looked down … before covering everyone in an earthen dome, Toph had fused Sozin's feet into the ground. As he used Earthbending to free himself, he realized … he had run out of time …

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KAAAAABOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMM!

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And the very mountains themselves quaked. The earth shook.

In the distance, the Resistance fighters on Whaletail Island could see a mushroom cloud ascend from one of the islands around the Patola Mountain Range. They all scratched their heads.

What the heck was that?

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.

And Sozin screamed as he was caught in the blast radius, his body consumed in the flames. And then, his voice vanished far into the night.

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And then there was calm.

Toph dissipated the earthen barriers and everyone sat up in the sand. "Everyone okay?" Zuko asked.

They turned. There … where the trap pit was … was an enormous crater. The ocean waters flowed into it. Smoke still ascended into the air, and they could all see the giant mushroom cloud in the sky.

Sokka's eyes misted. "It's a giant mushroom!"

The Team furtively approached the crater. The ocean waters continued to flow down into it. But there was no sign of their foe. Everything within the blast radius had been completely disintegrated.

"There's no way anyone could have survived that," Zuko said.

Toph was overjoyed. "You mean it's over?"

Katara patted Toph on the head. A bittersweet smile was on her face. "Looks that way, Toph."

Toph jumped into the air, fist raised. "We did it!"

Sokka stood at the edge of the crater. "Looks like 'Soz-in is Soz-out!" He flashed a gang symbol with his hands. "Water Tribe …"

Zuko turned. Lu Ten and Azula stood there, mouths open, hardly daring to believe it themselves. Zuko couldn't feel any prouder if he tried. Here they all were – enemies – and now, they had worked together to take down the greatest evil that had ever cursed this land.

And now, he could rest easy. Yes, Uncle would tell him he needs his rest. He turned. "Come on … there's still much to do …"

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Katara shot one last look at the crater. She nodded and turned to face Zuko …

That was when something caught her eye in the sky.

There, floating hundreds of feet in the air … was a sphere of air. And a man was inside …

Sokka saw it too and his face paled. "Z-Zuko!"

Everyone turned.

There, in the sky, his eyes glowing white, Sozin was surrounded by a sphere of air. His body was scorched and bruised … but he was still very much alive …

Despair filled the hearts of every one of them.

That had been their last chance.

And it had failed.

The horror simply would not end.

.

.

.

As Sozin alighted on the seashore, the sphere of air dissipated and his eyes returned to normal. He grinned maliciously. "You all gave me quite a scare … indeed … that was a close call … had I not been thinking clearly, I would have been reduced to mere ash …"

Zuko clenched his fist. "What do you want from us, Sozin?!"

The Fire Lord merely smiled. "Nothing. Well, in the case of the Avatar's other little friends, this is nothing personal. Merely business. Ah, but as for you Zuko … and Azula and Lu Ten … it is very personal … and now that I allowed you all your attempt at a killing blow, it is time for me to strike back. And mark my words, I will not miss!"

And Sozin unleashed more lightning.

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.

.

Iroh struggled with the Resistance. They were down to less than a quarter men against the World Peace Army.

Commander Jee and Iroh fought side-by-side. "General," Jee said. "Remember the old days … serving our ship, hunting the Avatar?"

"How could I forget, Commander …?"

"Really brings us back …"

"Indeed."

"Well … thank you for everything, General. It's been an honor, sir."

"No," replied Iroh. "The honor has been all mine."

And the two turned, ready to make their last stand.

Suddenly, the oceans and forests around them began stirring. Even the World Peace Army stopped in their tracks.

Black, faceless humanoids were appearing from behind the trees and ascending out from the oceans.

Screams of terror tore from the throats of all men. Thousands upon thousands of Koh's Creepers were appearing around them. And then the ground quaked. Hundreds, upon hundreds of large Behemoths appeared. They roared, charging the men, the Creepers flooding them …

And suddenly, the Resistance and Coalition forces were all fighting for their lives …

.

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Team Avatar waited for their inevitable end. It was pointless now, they knew, to even fight back. Their last chance had gone up in smoke quite literally. Sozin was barely touched … and now … death was coming on swift wings for all of them.

Zuko closed his eyes as Sozin's lighting arced out in a dozen separate bolts, one for each member of Team Avatar.

He sighed … perhaps they would meet Seizon and the others they lost in this war on the other side …

That was a comforting, final thought …

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Zuko dared to open his eyes as a glowing figure burst up out of the earth and absorbed the bolts of lightning, coalescing them into one point in his body, before redirecting them.

Sozin took a step back. "Who?" He squinted and genuine fear filled his eyes. "How …?!"

Team Avatar watched with amazement as Aang touched down gracefully on the seashore.

The Avatar was back!

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Katara raced forward. "Aang!"

The monk held out a hand to stop her. "Later. This is my fight. You all fought very well … I was watching from Naraka … I'm proud of all of you … but now, let me take it from here …"

And Sozin laughed. "How many times must I kill you boy …?"

"You just don't get it …" Aang sighed. "Listen to me, Sozin – for the first time in your life, listen to your Avatar!"

"I'm not –"

"Koh is coming! Yama agreed to spare us … she even gave me her spirit force to return … but Koh plans to annihilate everyone regardless!"

"Let him come!" Sozin mocked. "I do not fear Koh!"

"Is that true?" came a harsh voice. "You do not fear me …"

From the crater behind them, a large centipede like creature slithered out, grinning with a stolen face. Sozin whirled around. "Koh! I thought I made myself very clear! Our alliance – is over!"

Koh licked his lips. "Oh contraire … you and I … we're about to become a lot closer …"

Sozin aimed his fingers at the Face Stealer. "Enough of this! I'm vaporizing you right now!"

And Koh simply smiled. "You have gone further in your experimentations than anyone … to have merged with all of the Patron Spirits … what harm will one more merger do …?"

With lightning-quick speed, Koh charged Sozin before he could even get a shot off. He grabbed Sozin with his centipede like legs, lifting him up. And then, to their surprise, Koh bored his face into Sozin's chest.

Sozin screamed for what seemed like eternity as his and Koh's forms began to glow, to fuse, to become one.

As Sozin had merged with the Patron Spirits, so now Koh would merge with him …

Aang and his friends watched in horror as white light enveloped both villains' forms.

.

.

.

The Coalition forces in Ba Sing Se were completely underprepared for what they were facing. The bulk of their forces had gone to the south with Sozin, leaving only a small garrison to guard the city.

And Jeong Jeong, Bumi, Piandao and Pakku were making mincemeat out of them.

"Ah, this takes me back," Bumi laughed.

"To what?" Piandao asked. "Only a few months ago?"

"Hey, " Bumi shrugged. "With a memory like mine, a month might as well be year." He cackled and snorted.

Pakku pointed. "They are retreating!"

Jeong Jeong stared at the Coalition forces fleeing from the Upper Ring. "They are not running from us …" he mused.

Bumi pointed. "Humanoids …"

They turned to see thousands upon thousands of black Creepers scaling the walls of the Outer Ring.

With a kaboom, the wall was burst by dozens and dozens of Behemoths who roared and leveled houses.

The Order of the White Lotus formed up. "Now, the real struggle begins," Pakku lamented.

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.

.

And all across the world, Creepers and Behemoths were appearing, ransacking all four Nations. The peoples across the world were reduced to panic, fleeing their homes in terror from Koh's forces.

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.

Team Avatar watched in absolute horror and revulsion as Sozin's and Koh's forms convulsed sickeningly.

Above, the night sky turned blood red and black. Around them, the earth was shaking. The mountains were tearing themselves apart, issuing lava and magma.

The lava flows reached the shorelines from the forests, cutting Team Avatar off on all sides. The lava flows were melting everything in their paths.

Beneath them, the seashore began opening up. The land began separating in two into an enormous canyon. Below, miles below, lava began flowing upwards.

And there was a final flash of light.

Their enemies' final transformation was complete …

.

.

.

The figure that appeared before them was monstrous beyond all reckoning. As tall as two men. A thick, armor-like hide. Its two legs were muscular and ended with razor sharp claws. Its arms were equally muscular with nine-inch claws at the ends of his hands. A tail, reminiscent of Koh's slithering centipede-like body, jutted out from the tailbone with dozens of tiny centipede-like legs. Long, sharp spikes jutted out from the elbows, shoulder blades and legs. In the center – the stomach – was a face. One of Koh's stolen faces – white painted face with bright red lips. And above, from the shoulders, was a long, snakelike neck that slithered around aimlessly … at the end of this neck was what was once Sozin's head … his face was there, the eyes staring blankly, the mouth moving wordlessly.

But both faces spoke at once, the voices a mixture of Sozin's and Koh's.

"The power…" it breathed. "This is power beyond belief …"

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.

.

Team Avatar took several steps back, absolutely horrified by the monster that had appeared before them.

The Sozin-Koh monster took a step forward. And another. The ground shook with each footstep. "Why do you all cower?" the Sozin-Koh creature asked. "Especially you, Avatar? Were you not just grandstanding about how you were going to stop us?"

"Koh … let Sozin go!" Aang yelled.

Sozin-Koh merely smiled. "But what if Sozin does not want to be released? What if I have enhanced his powers a thousandfold? Yes, Avatar. Sozin had gone farther than anyone in pursuit of power … but I … I have perfected him! And now, we are one! You are nothing before us!"

"You've turned him into a monster!" Aang spat.

"Perhaps … but the combination of myself and the Patron Spirits allows us to bend all four elements at far greater scales than his original body could output. And … we are connected to the Spirit World … the infinite power of the cosmos flows through us. We can bend at infinite levels … perhaps a demonstration?"

Sozin-Koh raised a clawed hand. In the distance, the mountaintop housing the Southern Air Temple suddenly collapsed. The temple was reduced to ash, as lava spewed out.

Aang watched in horror as his old home was disintegrated. Just. Like. That.

The monster raised a clawed hand. Lightning arced out of the bloody sky, filling his body with pure energy. "Right now … we have enough power to blow away the entire planet with the merest flick of a wrist … No … forget the planet … we could destroy the entire solar system in the blink of an eye!"

Aang was urging his friends to move, to get out of here.

Sozin-Koh took another step forward. "It appears that we did not finish our last battle, Avatar. You have returned in one piece – Yama's doing now doubt. We will deal with her soon enough. But now our battle must resume … and believe us, we are not weak as before …"

And Sozin-Koh suddenly shifted into a run. The monster moved faster than anyone could have imagined for its size.

"Move!" Aang screamed.

Team Avatar scattered. The Beast's claws impaled the ground, nearly missing shredding the half of them alive. Jaw clicking, Sozin-Koh sliced its claw out from the ground, spinning, and charging.

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"Run!" Aang called. "Go! Go!"

The Team raced down the shoreline at top speed, desperate to get away from the horror that was behind them.

The ground quaked with each footfall. Sozin-Koh was much faster than them. It was gaining ground!

"Don't let up!" Aang yelled.

Behind them, Sozin-Koh raised a claw.

Team Avatar stopped. The ground in front of them split open, a wall of magma jetting out from before them.

The turned to the right – the ground quaked open again and more lava flowed.

To their left, the ocean was receding, freezing … and the ground was opening up with more magma spewing forth.

And behind them … behind them the ground opened too and there was a wall of flame.

Sozin-Koh walked through the flame-wall as though it were nothing but normal air.

Team Avatar huddled together. They were trapped.

"Guys!" Toph yelled. "The ground! It's giving way!"

Below them, the ground opened up into a giant sweltering pit. Team Avatar screamed as they all plummeted towards the fiery depths below.

Toph, Haru and Aang went into Earthbending mode as they fell. Along the sides of the newly opened pit, crags of rock jutted out. Team Avatar landed safely on various, newly formed jut-outs. Aang landed alone on one. Toph and Haru on another. Katara, Sokka and Suki on a third. And Zuko, Lu Ten, Azula and Jet on another.

They looked around … they were all trapped.

Below them was nothing but magma.

They could feel their bodies begin to sweat. Their faces were already burning from the superheated air. They coughed from the toxic fumes.

Above, Sozin-Koh appeared at the top, staring down at them. "Trapped like moose-rats." With a thunderous leap, the monster jumped down after them. His claws traced the sides of the rocky walls as he went down, before landing on the rocky outcropping Aang had landed on.

Aang stared up at the creature. "You only want me, Koh! Leave the others alone!"

"Oh no … they are involved in this as well … besides, our children want to play …"

All around them, scores of Creepers were crawling up the rocky walls. They reached the various outcroppings and attacked Team Avatar.

Aang reached out to his friends. "No!"

Sozin-Koh lifted a leg and slammed it down hard on Aang's back. Aang screamed as the monster's claws raked his back. Lifting its other clawed foot, it grabbed the back of Aang's head with its claws, lifting Aang's eyes. "You will watch this … you will witness each of your friends die … one by one … their faces taken, added to my collection … your precious Katara's face will be an exceptional trophy …"

"If you touch her … If you touch any of them …!"

"You'll what? You are quite powerless to stop us. And now, we are going to make you watch each one of your friends die slow, agonizing deaths! And then … then, once you realize the depths of your failure … once everyone you have ever loved lies broken and dead before you … then we will end you …"

Aang lay there, Sozin-Koh's claws embedded in his back, the monster's other foot forcing his head up, forcing him to watch his friends battle against an endless horde of Creepers.

And Sozin-Koh basked in every single, glorious, torturous moment.

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.

.

On all sides, Aang's friends were being overwhelmed. Sokka slashed three Creepers in half – they disintegrated upon contact. But more and more were coming. He and Suki, already exhausted and sweating from the magma below, were beginning to feel drowsy.

"Sokka …" Suki breathed. "I just want to say …"

"Don't say anything," Sokka urged.

"No … Sokka … I love you … whatever happens …"

Sokka kicked another Creeper over the edge, into the lava below. He turned. "I love you too." And their lips met in one final, fateful kiss …

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Azula, Zuko, Lu Ten and Jet were battling hordes of Creepers. "We can't keep this up forever," Zuko yelled.

Azula fried one Creeper with lightning. Another came up behind her, grabbing her under the arms. Jet slashed its legs out from under it, turning it to dust. Azula landed. She stared up at Jet. "If this is goodbye," she said, before grabbing Jet and kissing him one final time …

.

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Toph and Haru were past their breaking point. "There's too many of them!" Toph cried out. "We can't hold them off forever!"

Haru knocked another Creeper down, before three jumped him from behind, grabbing him, pinning him down.

Two Creeper's hands reached up from underground, grabbing Toph's feet, slamming her to the ground. They straddled her, pinning her down in place.

"No!" She cried out. And the Creepers grabbed her by the throat, slowly choking the life out of her as Haru, in the grip of the others, watched helplessly.

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"No!" Aang cried out. "Stop this!"

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Katara water-whipped two Creepers off her ledge.

More were scaling. One grabbed her by the throat. Another snagged her water satchel. It turned the contents upside down, spilling the water over the edge into the magma below.

Sokka thrust his sword – a Creeper lashed out, blocking the attack, thrusting Sokka's sword into the side of the rocky wall up to its hilt. Unable to pull his weapon free, Sokka jumped back, weaponless.

More Creepers grabbed Katara. One reached out with its hand for her face.

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"Katara!" Aang could feel his temper rising. "NO!"

And Aang's eyes began glowing, along with his tattoos.

Sozin-Koh looked down at him. "Hmmm? Ah, the Avatar State … easily remedied …"

And Sozin-Koh, still holding Aang by his back and head, bent his knees and leaped into the air. Twenty feet up he carried Aang, before SLAMMING him back down onto the ledge. Aang's head was swimming, an explosion of pain in his head.

Sozin-Koh repeated this, jumping up with Aang, and slamming him down headfirst. Again. And again. And again.

Aang weakly raised his head … his eyes and tattoos were no longer glowing. He was bruised and beaten beyond what any normal human could bear.

He could no longer sustain the Avatar State.

He no longer had the strength to even resist.

But he could watch. Yes, that was all that was left to him.

He could watch and see the magnitude of his own failure.

And he watched as, on the other side of the pit, the Creeper gripped Katara's face and began the process to steal it …

.

.

.

And Aang cried out in misery and agony.

He cried, because he had failed again.

He cried, because the Avatar Cycle was permanently broken.

He cried because he couldn't save Katara or his friends.

And he cried, because Koh and his minions would exterminate all mortals.

He had been the world's last hope … and he had lost …

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Suki knocked a Creeper into the magma with her fan. Two more charged her.

Sokka punched a Creeper, fighting his way through the hordes thronging him. "Suki!"

Two creepers grabbed the Kyoshi Warrior … she struggled … and went over the edge …

"SUKI!"

Sokka leaped onto his stomach, dangling over the edge. His fingers grasped Suki's. She looked down. A hundred feet below her the magma bubbled and churned as she dangled, beginning to slip from Sokka's grasp.

"It's okay …" Sokka breathed … I'm going to pull you up …"

Sokka struggled, gripping Suki's hands.

Behind him, the Creepers grabbed his legs.

They were going to throw them both over the edge into the lava.

Suki looked up at Sokka. "Sokka … it's okay … if this is the end … I'm glad I got to spend it with you …"

"Don't talk like that … we're getting through this …"

"Sokka … you can let go … save yourself …"

"Suki … don't you dare!"

"I love you, Sokka."

She was preparing herself to let go …

Sokka was crying. "Don't … please don't …"

"You can't save both of us Sokka … it's okay … I made peace …"

"Please … I can't lose you too …"

"We'll see each other again … in another life …"

And Sokka could feel her slip even further.

.

.

.

Zuko's bodies were crawling with Creepers. They were dragging him over into the edge. The Creepers didn't care if they died. They had one singular focus.

Destroy Team Avatar.

Azula was also covered in Creepers. She was stretching her hand out. "Brother …"

"Azula …"

Azula's eyes weakened. "I know already said this, Zuzu … but … I am truly sorry for all I did to you …"

"Azula … say no more … all is forgiven …"

"I just wish … we could have known Seizon a little longer … I wish we could have had our family a little longer …"

As Lu Ten struggled with several Creepers, his face softened. Azula's words reached into his heart. He turned his head at the ledge twenty feet above … where Aang was pinned down helplessly, forced to watch their slow, tortuous deaths …

And Lu Ten summoned his energy. He blasted the Creepers off of him. And before anyone could stop him, he was flying into the air, white flame on his feet.

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.

"Now you see, Avatar … the depths of your failure … the failure of all mortals. You are the worst creatures to plague this planet … but we shall replace you … the Age of Koh is about to begin …"

Aang thrashed and struggled uselessly. "No!"

"Look at all of them … they're barely holding on … there's not much time left for them … and once they are gone, who will rescue you?"

Aang's eyes fell on the struggles below. Sokka was dangling over an edge, holding onto Suki.

Haru and Toph were overwhelmed.

Zuko and Azula were being dragged back to the pit. Jet struggled in the grip of several Creepers.

And Katara … the Creeper was about to steal her face. It pinned her down, holding her as more grabbed her arms and legs.

"Face it, Avatar. The human race has failed. Your friends will die in your sight. And I've instructed my Creepers to wait on your girlfriend … yes … you will watch her die last. And she will die, staring up at you … seeing you as you truly are … the weak, broken, ineffectual false hope that you are! She will die, knowing that you could not save her. And she will die hating you for your weakness!"

Aang continued to struggle. "Stop this! Koh …!"

Sozin-Koh grinned from both his faces, exulting in his triumph.

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FOOSH!

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A slice of flame lashed out at the long, snakelike neck. Sozin-Koh snarled, losing his balance, staggering back. Aang scampered out from under his feet. The Sozin head turned, looking to see where the attack came from.

Lu Ten had arrived on the ledge. He helped Aang to his feet. "You've done enough, Aang … I will take it from here …"

"Lu Ten?" Aang asked. "Wha -?"

Sozin-Koh towered over the both of them. "Ah the traitor … such bravado … and what can you do …?"

Lu Ten stared at the Sozin head with all the hatred in the world. "You gave me my life back through Energybending. I became your disciple, following in your footsteps. I too have stolen the bending of countless men and women … I was strong enough to trap the Avatar in Naraka, sever his connection to the Avatar Spirit … that was your fatal flaw … for as I severed Aang from the Avatar Spirit, I have the power to sever your connection to all the Spirits you've stolen … and to trap you away in Naraka for good …!"

For the first time, a genuine ripple of fear crossed the faces of Sozin-Koh. It was then replaced by supreme arrogance. "Preposterous. Your power is incomparable to mine!"

"You once again underestimate the power of the human spirit!" Aang spat. He and Lu Ten stood side-by-side.

"Fine! Then you two will be the first to die after all!" Sozin-Koh lifted a claw and a massive fireball appeared in it. He smashed it down.

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Aang and Lu Ten were already moving. Using Airbending, Aang spun himself up against the wall of the melting pit. Using Earthbending, he stuck to it, dodging Sozin-Koh's Earth and Firebending attacks.

Lu Ten flew into the air, fire on his heels. He landed on another rocky outcropping and shot off lightning.

Sozin-Koh leapt off his ledge, landing on Lu Ten's. The pit quaked, and the lava buckled and began rising.

Lu Ten was already gone.

Snarling, the monstrous fiend spun around.

Aang appeared from the wall behind him, bringing a heavy stone-covered fist to bear on the Sozin head.

CRUNCH!

The Sozin head snarled, the neck broken and dangling limply. Sozin-Koh roared from the Koh mouth, whirling around, slashing wildly with its claws.

Aang disappeared into the rock again.

Lu Ten appeared from the side, jump-kicking the Koh face with a fire blast. The Creature backed up to the edge of the ledge. It pounded its fist into the ground, swearing that all they did to it, it would pay them back thousands.

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Aang and Lu Ten flew like two bees around a great spider.

But Sozin-Koh was not a creature to be underestimated. It roared diabolically, the pit shaking, the lava rising. As Lu Ten came again, it spun, its centipede-like tail striking him across the face.

Lu Ten hit the side of the wall and began plummeting.

Aang landed on a ledge and spread out his arms. A new rocky outcropping appeared, catching Lu Ten.

Aang glanced up.

Sozin-Koh was on the move, flying in the air with fire on its clawed feet. It was coming straight for Aang.

Aang jumped up into the air. The Koh face … the only soft part he could see on the Creature. It's weakness. Superheating a punch, Aang delivered one right into the painted white face.

Sozin-Koh screeched as it was sent flying back into a wall.

The creature grabbed the pit wall with its claws and scampered up. Fire on its heels, it ascended up out of the pit, far above them. It raised a claw hand.

"Enough! I'm ending you all right now!"

And in its hand, a fireball pulsed. And it grew bigger. And bigger. And bigger.

Until it dwarfed even Sozin-Koh.

"Here – catch!"

And the fireball descended down into the pit.

Aang's eyes widened.

It would envelop them all.

In a matter of moments, they would all be destroyed.

And above, Sozin-Koh cackled maniacally …

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Aang jumped into the air. Using fire on his feet to propel himself, he reached out with his own Firebending, grabbing the large fireball, trying to keep it at bay.

Below, everyone paused their struggle with the Creepers, watching the amazing display.

Sozin-Koh was still laughing. "Try turning that back … it's no use … soon you'll be nothing but ash on the sides of the pit!"

The fireball kept coming, pushing Aang down, pushing him back. He struggled. He looked back down at Katara, trapped in the grip of the Creepers. He saw Zuko and Azula struggling. Haru and Jet. Finally, Sokka hanging on to Suki for dear life.

Summoning his energy, Aang's eyes glowed white and his tattoos lit up. He entered the Avatar State. Summoning all of the energy of a thousand Avatars, Aang delivered a fiery punch to the fireball.

And the fireball flew back upwards towards Sozin-Koh.

The monster simply laughed. "The Avatar State is no match for me! Watch and learn boy!"

Sozin-Koh held out a clawed arm. It grasped the fireball in its hand, laughing maniacally.

But in its supreme arrogance, it had forgotten one thing.

Lu Ten had been gathering his chi. And calmly, ever so calmly, he aimed his fingers and fired.

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ZRRRRAAACCKKK!

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The lighting surged right into the fireball.

And there was a giant explosion. Everyone either shielded their eyes or looked away …

Sozin-Koh was enveloped in the explosion. And as the smoke cleared, its massive form began plummeting down towards the pit.

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THUNK!

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There was a heavy thud as Sozin-Koh's form landed on a ledge in the pit.

And for a moment all was silent.

And then, Sozin-Koh was back on its feet, snarling. "Your feeble attempts will not stop me!"

And the monster found its feet and claws enveloped in earth. It snarled, bursting through the bindings, only to have them replaced. It looked up.

Aang was there, a sphere of air surrounding him. He moved his fingers majestically, freezing Sozin-Koh in place.

Lu Ten landed up into the ledge. The monster snarled and struggled.

Aang looked over at Lu Ten. "Hurry … I can't hold him … he's breaking free …!"

And indeed, the monster was breaking out of Aang's bindings … even in the Avatar State …

But Lu Ten was not deterred. "It's time … time to finally end this!"

He placed his hand on the limp Sozin head, and another on the forehead of the Sozin face.

Sozin-Koh struggled, and roared. "Lu Ten – listen to me! Don't throw away everything we've all worked for … we can still take down the Avatar … you can rule the new order at my side!"

Lu Ten looked away … "No … your thirst for power ends today! Your manipulations no longer work on me!"

And Lu Ten closed his eyes. Blue and white light shout out of his eyes and mouth, high into the night sky.

A reddish orange light shot out of Sozin-Koh's two faces.

The two beams of light coalesced into one.

Sozin-Koh's light was overpowering Lu Ten's.

Aang faltered, watching. He realized, with a sinking feeling, that Lu Ten's spirit might not be strong enough … that he would be overcome by the evil in his great-grandfather and Koh.

Only Lu Ten's eye remained …

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Aang alighted on the ledge. He closed his eyes, allowing all of the cosmic energies of the universe to flow through him. He placed his hand on Lu Ten's shoulder, filling his former enemy with all of his power.

Come on, Lu Ten … we can do this …

Sozin-Koh was struggling. He was winning.

Aang thought on Katara … his love for her. He remembered their kiss that day in Ba Sing Se … when the war was thought to have ended.

And at that memory, a rush of blue and white light surged from his arm into Lu Ten's form, battling away the evil energies. The light crept up Sozin-Koh's form.

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Sozin-Koh was utterly consumed in white light.

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And then there was an explosion …

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And all around them, the Creepers screamed and disintegrated into dust.

And worldwide, all the Creepers and Behemoths and all of Koh's other twisted creatures all vanished into the wind.

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Lu Ten stood in Naraka. As he had once trapped Aang here, now he had separated Koh from Sozin.

And now Koh stood there, his stolen face blinking. "No … No, this cannot be happening …!"

Lu Ten folded his arms. "Oh, and the failsafe … I changed it … there'll be no getting out of here for you, Koh!"

Koh looked around. He was surrounded by faceless people.

"Your victims," Lu Ten said. "They're all here to reclaim their faces. And you have eternity to spend making up with them. I'm sure they're all the forgiving type …"

And Lu Ten vanished.

And the faceless victims all surged on Koh as he screamed … forever …

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The glowing subsided. Lu Ten and Aang swayed, both drained beyond their capacity. Now, lying at their feet, barely conscious, now back in his human form, was Sozin.

Lu Ten smiled. "Would you like to do the honors, Aang? Since I separated him and Koh?"

Aang smiled. "Would I?!"

He leaned down to the barely conscious Sozin. The Fire Lord's eyes shot open. "Roku …" He tried to stand … his energy was gone …

"This ends now, Sozin. For what you – and your offspring have inflicted on this world – you will finally face justice! The crimes of the Fire Lords are finally paid in full! This war is finally over!"

And Aang kneeled down, placing his fingers on Sozin's forehead and neckline.

Red and blue lights ascended into the sky.

Below, Sokka pulled Suki up. All of their friends watched in amazement.

Katara stood there, hands up to her mouth, tears in her eyes, unable to bring herself to believe it was all finally over …

… to be there, at the end of a one-hundred-year long war was something truly magical …

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And Aang's spirit broke Sozin's … there was a final flash of light.

And suddenly, the ghostly forms of spirits began ascending up around them.

Tui and La … Princess Yue gave Sokka a kiss on the cheek, much to Suki's chagrin.

Ran and Shaw danced around each other as they ascended up into the night sky, following the Ocean and Moon Spirits.

Pacha, laughing, waved merrily as she followed in their wake.

Finally, a golden stag circled them. It approached Aang, nuzzling his forehead, before it took to the skies, following the other spirits.

Aang watched as the Patron Spirits took to the skies and vanished.

Finally free.

He smiled.

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And Aang had also removed all of Sozin's bending … and his memories of Energybending.

And Sozin's body appeared to wither. His brown hair turned grey. His muscles shrank and his face wrinkled. He looked truly over a century old, just as Aang remembered seeing him at the end of Roku's memories.

And Sozin coughed, barely strong enough to even move.

Lu Ten stood over him. "He had stolen so many people's bendings, it had extended his life and restored his youth … without that energy sustaining him, he's returned to his elderly state …"

And Sozin gasped, staring up at the sky.

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Below, the magma began to sputter.

Sokka was waving his hands. "Aang! This pit is gonna blow!"

Aang looked down. Indeed, the magma was rising, ascending up. They would all be caught in the eruption.

Choking on the toxic fumes, Aang reached into a vest and blew into his bison whistle.

"Come on, Appa …"

In a matter of moments, the bison appeared. It flew down into the pit as the ground quaked and rocks fell on all sides. There would be barely enough room on the bison … but Appa only had to just get them out of range of the explosion…

The bison went around, picking up Jet, Azula, Zuko, Toph, Haru, Sokka, Suki and Katara. It flew up, struggling under the weight, to the ledge where Aang and Lu Ten were.

Lu Ten climbed onto the back. Aang prepared to follow.

He felt fingers at his tunic. "Roku …" a weak voice whispered. "My friend … help me …"

Aang stared down at Sozin, amazed at how the winds of fate could so easily invert their circumstances.

He remembered the vision Roku showed him of his past. Of Roku, in the midst of a volcano, begging Sozin for his help.

And now … with another volcano ready to blow … Sozin was here begging the Avatar for his life.

Aang turned, ready to leave.

"Roku … please … "

"Aang," Toph exclaimed. "We've gotta go …!"

Aang turned and stared down at the old man. "Roku lay at your feet and begged for his life, and you let him die anyway!"

"… my friend … my best friend …"

Aang stared down at his foe, but he no longer saw Sozin the Destroyer, the Conqueror … he saw a weak, frail and terrified little old man.

And Aang sighed. No, he was not a monster like Sozin. He would grant the mercy that was not granted to his past life …

… and Aang reached out and clasped Sozin's hand …

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And Appa darted out of the pit, carrying all of them, as the volcano erupted behind them …

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The sun was rising on the south. Katara smiled at it. "Look … it's a new day … we made it …"

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Team Avatar celebrated as they returned to Whaletail Island. The World Peace Army had worked together with the Resistance to battle the Creepers … but now, with the Avatar victorious, they learned of the deception they were under.

The Coalition Army had thought it was serving the Avatar. Imagine their horror when they realized they were serving an imposter!

Iroh oversaw the arrest of the more brutal Coalition dictators. Admiral Chan sat there in cuffs, along with several others.

And sitting there, under heavy guard, his head lowered to the ground, was Sozin.

Iroh was talking with Aang. "He will be taken to Ba Sing Se …"

"Another trial?" Aang asked.

"In fact – no," Iroh replied. "He has requested no trial. He has pled guilty to everything."

"What will become of him?" Aang asked.

"He will live out the rest of his days in isolation … where he can spend the rest of his days rethinking his actions."

Aang nodded. "That's for the best. But what of Ozai?"

Iroh shrugged. "My brother fled in the night … he is still out there … still a threat … but with no allies or followers, there is not much left he can do …"

Aang nodded. "We should have search parties."

"When my men find something, they will let me know."

Aang stared up at Iroh. "Thank you, Iroh. I mean it. For everything."

Iroh waved the boy away. "Do not think of it … to help the Avatar has been the greatest honor of my life."

The two bowed to each other and Aang turned and began walking away. Sozin suddenly perked up. "Roku!"

Aang stopped. "Roku is dead, Sozin. My name is Aang."

"Roku … you don't understand … this was all a big misunderstanding … please …"

The young monk stared down at his former nemesis. "I asked the Resistance to spare your life. Not because you deserve it …"

Sozin lowered his head. "You are gracious indeed …"

"But because the Air Nomads taught me that all life is worth preserving. Even yours. Yes, Sozin – the Air Nomads. The weak Air Nomads who you wiped out – they are the reason you still draw breath today. They are the only reason. Think on that while you spend the rest of your life in prison."

Sozin watched as Aang turned his back and walked away. "Roku! Roku!" Aang ignored his calls and pleas. He just kept walking.

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Team Avatar was sitting on the shoreline by where Sokka had buried the time capsule. Suki was snuggled up in Sokka's arms. Azula was nestled into Jet's shoulder. Mai in Zuko's. Ty Lee had managed to get nice and cozy with Haru who was not complaining in the slightest. The others merely sat impatiently. They stood up as Aang approached and bowed to their Avatar.

"Please … no bowing …"

Sokka turned to the pit. "Toph … you wanna dig it up …?"

Toph looked at him questioningly. "I thought the purpose was to leave it for future generations …?"

"It is …" Sokka said. "But … I have one more thing to add to it."

Shrugging, Toph bended the capsule back up. Sokka opened it. He produced a horn from his side. "This was Dad's … it just didn't feel right … having this capsule but future generations not knowing about his sacrifice …"

Katara wiped her eyes. She went over to Sokka, and the two siblings embraced. They held each other's hands as Sokka placed Hakoda's horn into the capsule. "Thank you, Dad. And Bato … for saving our lives … for giving us the chance to escape and regroup … we never would have made it through the night without your sacrifice …"

Katara's tears dripped down. "May you find Mom in the eternal, Dad. May your two souls find each other once again and be forever intertwined …"

Sokka reached into a pouch on his side. He produced something else. "Teo put his goggles in here … future generations will remember his sacrifice … but they will also need to honor the Mechanist … Our men found this, in the wreckage …" He held up a shiny object. It was the Mechanist's monocle.

"Thank you for saving Katara and Toph … it's because of both of your sacrifices that I only lost one member of my family today …" He turned and hugged Katara, the two siblings sobbing into each other's shoulders.

And Sokka knelt down and shut the time capsule. Toph sighed as she buried it deep, deep underground for future generations to find …

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Zuko stood up. The group of friends followed him to the edge of the seashore. He held a bottle in his hands. Azula placed her hand on his. Ursa appeared with Iroh, tears in their eyes. "It is time," Iroh nodded.

Zuko stared down at the bottle, then back at his friends. He placed his hand on the cap. "Seizon … I wish I could have gotten to know you better, Brother … thank you for all your help these past few weeks … thank you for saving Mom … all you wanted was a family … and now, you'll have one … may we all meet in the eternal …"

Azula wiped her eyes. She placed a trembling hand on Zuko's. "It's time …"

He sighed. "I know." There was a moment of reluctancy … and then Zuko fully twisted the cap off. Seizon's ashes flew out of the bottle. A sudden breeze gathered the ashes … they flew in spiral patterns … a sign from the beyond that Seizon knew they loved him, and that he was watching over them.

It was beautiful …

Iroh began singing … "Little Soldier Boy … come marching home … Brave Soldier Boy … comes marching home …"

And Azula intertwined her fingers with her brother's, watching Seizon's ashes vanish into the new horizon.

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The Team turned away from Seizon's funeral. They were met with a blinding light.

A bittersweet smile crossed Aang's face …

Yama had appeared … this time in her true form. She was beautiful.

"Aang … you have done it … Koh is gone … the Beast is defeated … the Four Nations are united …"

Aang bowed. "I couldn't have done it without your help, Yama."

"… but now, the time has come."

Aang wiped his eyes. "I know …"

Katara's eyes flashed. "Time? What time? For what?"

Yama gestured for him. "The life I gave back to you was a temporary gift. It is time … time for the Avatar Cycle to end and the mortals to stand on their own …"

"WHAT?!" Katara was infuriated. As were the rest of their friends. They were chattering amongst themselves.

Aang had a bittersweet smile. "I'm sorry, Katara … I couldn't tell you earlier … I didn't want to ruin your father or Seizon's funerals …"

"Aang … you're not leaving?!" Tears were filling for the millionth time in Katara's eyes. "Aang … you're staying right … right?!"

"I have to go, guys … Yama only gave me my life back for a day … now that my task is complete … it's time I return … home …"

"You can't mean that," Sokka sobbed.

"We need you," Toph said, playing with sand with her toes, not deigning to incline her head. The sand around her feet was dotted with tearstains.

Katara stood imploringly, hands clasped in front of her. "Aang, please … I've already lost too much … don't add another loss to me …" She looked up at Yama. "Your Highness … please …"

"Aang will always be with you," Yama said. "In all of you. In your love for each other. In the unity of this world. He is not leaving. No one ever truly does …"

"Aang!" Katara protested. "Aang please don't leave us! Don't leave me! I love you! I need you!"

"No," Aang said suddenly. He tossed his staff aside and took Katara's hands. "You don't need me … you never did. None of you did. You're all strong in your own rights, and you've all proved it this past day …" His eyes fell on all his friends. Katara, Sokka, Toph, Zuko, and all the rest. "You'll all go on to do great things … and … I'll be watching from the Spirit Realm. Cheering you all on …"

"You can't do this …" Katara was bawling.

Aang reached up and wiped her tears away. She pressed his hand to her cheek. "It wasn't enough time …"

"No," Aang agreed. "But the love we have for each other can fill a thousand lifetimes …"

Sokka stepped forward. He could barely keep back his tears. "Aang … it has been the absolute honor of my lifetime …" He extended his hand.

"Put that thing away," Aang laughed, drawing Sokka into a hug. "You have to be the leader now, Sokka, Chieftain of the Southern Water Tribe … you'll have to lead your people into this new era …" He patted Sokka on the back. Sokka backed away, no longer caring if anyone saw he was crying.

Aang turned. "Toph."

"That's Sifu Toph," she teased. She held her composure.

"It's okay to break, Toph. You don't always have to be strong."

Toph's hair was covering her eyes. She wiped her nose. "I just wish … I weren't blind … so that I could see your face one time …" And she reached out and hugged Aang. "I'm going to miss you, Twinkletoes …"

"You too, Sifu Toph."

Toph stood aside as Aang stood before Zuko. The Fire Lord bent down, embracing the Avatar. "Thank you for everything, Aang. You changed my whole life … if it weren't for you, I'd still be out there in the seas chasing after a lost dream … I chased you hoping to restore my honor … and you know something … the Avatar did restore my honor …"

"The honor was all mine, Zuko."

The line of his friends stood there. Words of kindness and love were exchanged for all of them. Haru. Jet. Even Mai and Ty Lee. Ursa and Iroh. Even Azula. The Fire Princess clasped his hand in a handshake. "That day in the catacombs of Ba Sing Se … I am glad I didn't kill you that day."

Aang laughed. "So am I, Azula … so am I …"

The Avatar turned. There was one final person.

Katara stood there, lip trembling, hands clasped tightly in front of her. Aang quickly bounded over to her, put his arm around her waist, drew her in, and gave her the most passionate kiss of his life. Katara's eyes widened, before she closed them, settling into the kiss, kissing him back.

Behind him, his friends all cheered.

Aang pressed his forehead into Katara's. "I will always love you," she said through the tears.

"I will always love you too … I always have … and no time or distance or even life or death will ever sever our love …"

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Yama cleared her throat. "Aang … it is time …"

Katara stared into Aang's eyes. "My only regret is that we didn't have longer …" Aang drew her in to one final kiss.

Yama opened a portal into the Spirit World and stepped through. Aang stepped up to it. He turned his gaze upon his friends, fixing their faces deep into his memory.

"I love you all," he proclaimed.

And with a final wave, he stepped through the portal and vanished from sight …

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Katara stood at that spot. She didn't move all day or night, not wanting to forget that final, fateful kiss …

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"Leaves from the vine … falling so slow …"

Several boats depart from Whaletail Island. Team Avatar says their goodbyes to each other, hugging each other, crying … and going their separate ways.

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"Like tiny fragile shells … drifting in the foam …"

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Zuko stands on a platform at the Fire Nation. Representatives from all Four Nations stand there. Behind him, Mai, Lu Ten and Ursa stand there with Iroh and Ty Lee, watching. Azula has her arms folded.

Behind Zuko, the Fire Sage Shyu lifts the Fire Nation golden headpiece … and crowns Zuko Fire Lord once again.

The Nations bow to him, including his friends and family.

He locks eyes with Azula … the Princess smiles, before kneeling down too …

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Across the world, the leaders of the World Peace Coalition are marched into courts. Judgment is set upon them for their crimes against humanity. The remaining Prophets From the Sky are hauled away.

From city to city, town to town, the Coalition banner is removed, to be replaced with the flags and banners of each individual nation.

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Ozai sits in an underground lair at a feast. But he is alone. He takes a drink from a goblet and looks at the empty chairs.

And a sinking feeling starts to set in as he realizes, for the first time, that he has alienated everyone who had ever cared for him.

Banished from his own Nation … as he once banished his son.

And he lowers his gaze as he is now, by his own hand, completely and truly alone …

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A celebratory banquet is held in the Fire Nation. Mai sidles up to Zuko. He embraces her, and the two kiss.

Azula stands there, watching. Jet comes up behind her, putting his arms around her waist. She turns her head and locks lips with him.

Iroh holds hands with Ursa, who puts her head on his shoulder, watching her two children and their love.

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"Little Soldier Boy … come marching home …"

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Iroh stands at the outside of a larger building in Ba Sing Se. It is labeled Jasmine Dragon 2. Down the street, Shumi and his twin daughters Misty and Twisty protest as their ownership of the original Jasmine Dragon has been revoked, having gone into foreclosure.

Iroh smiles, entering the tea shop. His premier waiter, Lu Ten, is waiting for him. His son slips on an apron. Iroh flips the sign to OPEN and joins his son in making a fresh batch of tea …

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Earth King Keui sits once more on his throne, Bosco at his feet. Mr. Beifong stands at his side as the new Secretariat. His wife is beside him.

A group of new Earth Kingdom soldiers marches in. Leading them is Toph, who has now joined the junior division police force. She beams proudly at her parents who couldn't be prouder of their daughter if they tried.

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In the Air Nomad Monastery, Siena walks with Amaya in her arms, admiring the handiwork of restoring the beauty of this once glorious place.

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Appa flies into the South Pole. Gran Gran is waiting for them. Pakku, Yagoda and Hama are among the crowd as Sokka, Suki and Katara descend from the great bison. Momo is on Sokka's shoulder.

They embrace Gran Gran, who places the ceremonial Chieftain headdress on Sokka. Sokka turns to the entire tribe … he has an announcement.

He reaches into his pocket and produces a betrothal necklace. He offers it to Suki who bursts into tears of joy and happily accepts it. She jumps into Sokka's arms, kissing him passionately as the Southern Water Tribe applauds.

Katara smiles, happy for her brother and Suki …

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"Little Soldier Boy … Come Marching Home …"

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South Pole – Afternoon - Five Years Later

"It's not getting away from me this time!"

An older Sokka, sporting a beard, was sitting in a canoe, holding a spear. A fish was bouncing along around his canoe.

Katara, now having grown into a beautiful young woman, sported her furs around her body. Her arms were folded and she was bored. "Your skills are truly amazing …"

"Ssshh! You're gonna scare away all the fish!"

"Sokka … it's nearly evening. If you haven't caught one by now, it's not going to happen! Let's just return to the tribe. Suki and Gran-Gran will be worried about us and after Suki only took home the silver from that martial arts tournament in the Earth Kingdom, she's probably moody by now."

"Yeah, well, you would know all about moody!"

Katara's eye twitched. With a wave of her gloved hand, a spray of water shot up into Sokka face. "Bleh! It went up my nose! Seawater – in the nostril! You know how much I hate that! Didn't I order you to stop doing that!"

"Since when have I ever followed your orders, Mr. Chieftain?"

Sokka shook his head. "Boy, you could do with a man or something."

At this, Katara got quiet.

Sokka realized what he said. "Hey – I'm sorry …"

"It's been five years, Sokka. I've had plenty of handsome suitors from the North try to win my hand …"

"You're going to have to move on sooner or later, Katara."

Katara stared up at the evening sky. "I know that … it's just …"

Sokka sighed. "I miss him too … not a day goes by that I don't think of him …"

As they were speaking, the canoe suddenly shuttered. Katara and Sokka screamed as a strong current began pulling them through the broken sheets of ice. The canoe was out of control!

Sokka squealed as he desperately tried to paddle. Katara was barking orders. "Left! Right! No, the other right!"

"Do you want to steer?!"

Katara stood up. She felt the push and pull of the water and the canoe surged forward, landing on a giant sheet of ice.

Katara helped her brother to his feet. "Nice going, Sokka! Welp, you got us lost again! Great job, Mr. Chieftain!"

"I'm not the one who Waterbended us into the middle of nowhere!"

"Oh, so you're saying it's my fault?!"

"Like everything else!"

The two siblings were nearly face to face, electricity practically flowing from their eyes. Sokka peered past Katara's furious face and his mouth hung open. "Katara … look …"

Katara spun around. A giant iceberg was bobbing right behind them.

"This seems familiar …" Katara said.

Sokka looked at her. His anger had completely vanished away. "You don't think …?"

Katara aimed her hands and began bending. "Only one way to find out!"

The top of the iceberg began melting away, layer after layer. A puff of smoke issued out of it.

Sokka and Katara waited with bated breath as a figure emerged.

.

.

It was a wriggling fish, flopping around on the ice.

Katara's face was downcast. "I knew it was too good to be true …"

"I know," Sokka agreed. "For a moment there … somehow … I thought it would be him …" Sokka sighed and headed for their busted-up canoe. He began rubbing his chin.

Above them, Katara noticed a series of lights buzzing above their heads. "Uh … Sokka …"

"Not now … fixing boat …"

Katara's eyes never left the lights. It wasn't the right time of day for the celestial lights. "Sokka …"

"What? What is so important?! Oh." He followed Katara's arm above.

There was a flash of light, and a gale force wind that rocked the oceans of the South Pole. The two looked at each other.

What was going on?

There, in the midst of the ice, was the shape of a man meditating. The ice melted around them, and the man rose to his full height.

Katara hardly dared to believe it.

A handsome young man emerged, tall, powerfully built. He was wearing orange and yellow clothes with a red cape. He was bald, save for the blue arrow tattooed on his head.

Katara didn't dare to believe it.

An adult Aang emerged from the ice, sliding down to greet them.

"Aang … ?" Katara asked. "Is it you …?"

Aang smiled down at her. It was a surreal experience to now be taller than her. "Yes," and his voice had deepened.

Katara couldn't help herself. She jumped into Aang's arms and he spun her. The two laughed. And then, Aang drew her into a passionate kiss.

Aang turned. "Sokka … the beard looks good …"

"You … you leave us … and then come barging in here unannounced …!" Sokka checked out his cape. "Do you have one in blue?"

Aang laughed. "Come here." And he and Sokka embraced.

"I don't understand," Katara said. "Yama only temporarily gave you your life back … she said you had to leave with her … how are you here?"

"Yama is pleased that the Four Nations were now full cooperating … no war, but peace … but it didn't sit right with some of the other spirits – especially the Lion-Turtles … they didn't think the Avatar Spirit should really come to an end. Not that the Avatar is really needed anymore … but after Hei Bai blasted her with halitosis, Yama reconsidered allowing the Avatar to return … in a non-official capacity. I'm to only intervene if the situation is desperate. Otherwise … " he laughed. "My life is my own!"

Katara wiped her eyes. "Well then … there's someone else who should know you're back …" She blew into a bison whistle.

Aang's eyes twinkled.

And he was met with a mass of fur and a giant pink tongue. "Appa! I've missed you too, buddy!" A small creature landed on his shoulder and threw its arms around him. "Momo!"

Sokka smiled. "So … now that you're back … what are your plans …?"

Aang smiled down at Katara. ''Well ... I was kinda hoping Katara and I could pick up where we left off ... that is ... if it's not too late ...?"

Katara bit her lip. "Of course it's not too late! Aang … we promised that we would love each other into eternity … and we have!"

Aang grinned as he kissed Katara. He picked her up and spun her around. The two warmly embraced.

"Ugh … do not tell me Suki and I are that disgusting." Sokka waved them. "Alright, well, now that Appa's here, let's get back to the Tribe. We'll tell Gran Gran to set an extra placemat … she and Pakku will be pleased to see you …"

"Actually," Aang was saying. "I was hoping Katara and I could … go on a date."

Katara smiled up at him. "What did you have in mind?"

Aang rubbed the back of his head. "Well … would you go penguin sledding with me?"

Katara laughed. "Of course, Aang. Of course."

And this time, Aang and Katara leaned and kissed slowly. He drew her in around her waist and she threw her arms around his neck.

Snow began to fall around them.

Their kiss seemed to go on for eternity …

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THE END

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Author's Note: Thank you so much for your reviews, favs and subscriptions! Thank you again and I truly hope you all enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Feel free to reach out anytime!