Hey everyone! so sorry about the long wait. I had to finish up school and put all my attention on that. I am hoping i can start writing more now that I am out! well enough of my excuses, enioy! reviews and follows appreciated - An Unknown Stranger.
The bright morning sun broke through a slip in the drawn curtains to their bedroom. Aang groaned and sat up, he wondered what time it was. Katara was not asleep next to him which was an indication that he had overslept. He rarely did so since he was usually an early riser but that nightmare had made it difficult to drift back to sleep. The drowsy Avatar brought his legs to the side of the bed and stood with a stretch.
Before leaving the bedroom he slipped on tan trousers and a white shirt. When he opened the door he immediately noticed how quiet it was for a school. It seemed like no one but him stood on the grounds.
He wandered to the living area and found Katara drinking tea and looking over waterbending scrolls. "Where is everyone?" His voice must have startled her since she jumped.
"I sent them out on their own for the day. I told them you weren't feeling well." She placed her tea onto the table before walking over to her disoriented husband.
He wrapped his arms around her. "I feel fine...I was suppose to go to the next village with them today." Aang explained gently.
The waterbender looked up at him contently. "The village isn't far and no violence has been reported there. They will be fine, you need rest." She urged.
"If this is about my dream last night don't worry. It was just a dream." He assured her before casually stepping away.
"I'm worried about you. Ever since this trip you haven't been yourself." Katara sat back on the sofa while he poured tea for himself.
"I'm just a little stressed. Looking for these rebels has just brought back old memories that's all." He walked over to sit with her before setting his cup on the table. "I just wish I could live a normal life with you." He grasped her hand and squeezed it. She clasped his hand with both of hers and smiled, "I wish that too, but our lives have never been normal. I married the Avatar and you married the greatest water bender in the world." She joked with an amused grin. He gave a soft laugh as well, while she thought she was joking he knew it was true. His face went serious again so she held his cheek her hand and gently drew circles with her thumb. He held that hand and scooted closer to her, "I want to have a family Katara...I want to be around and not be out chasing rebels." He said softly.
"We will have plenty of time for that. I know you wish that you could stop saving the world after Ozai...but you can't. The world still needs its Avatar and I can't be selfish. I have to share you with the world and that is my burden." Katara stood and kissed his forehead.
Before she could step away he gently grasped her hand. "Maybe the world could spare a minuet?" He smiled mischievously. She rolled her eyes and kissed her husband passionately, content with the moments she could have all of him.
Meanwhile, Zuko, Sokka, and Toph landed Appa in the village of Plains. Toph jumped off of Appa's saddle and hit the ground. "What a graveyard." She scowled. Sokka and Zuko landed beside her and observed the empty town.
"I've been here once before years ago. This village hates firebenders. Even after I saved them from thugs, they couldn't accept me. Perhaps this was a bad idea." Zuko frowned as he relived those lonely times.
"Exactly why it's a great place to be. We need them to remember the peace you have brought." Sokka stated before walking toward the village.
Zuko sighed and looked to Toph. "For once I agree with boomerang guy." She shrugged and followed him. "It's sword guy now, come on I'm in my twenties now Toph." Sokka argued.
"Come on guys, I can hear something." Zuko motioned for them to follow. They approached a small gathering at the center of the village led by a man in a rugged military uniform.
"With the Avatar by Prince Zuko's side, what's to stop him from taking the other nations?!" The man yelled to the crowd. They all yelled in protest with him which made Zuko uneasy.
"Zuko...you're getting too close." Sokka whispered to him. Zuko ignored him and approached the crowd.
"That would never happen. As the Fire Lord I have respected the other nations independence and have even withdrawn from the earth kingdom!" Zuko argued. The man turned to him a bit shocked at first but then quickly composed himself.
"The Fire Lord himself. Come to silence me?" The rebel teased to which the crowd roared.
"No...only to replace your lies with truth. The Avatar and myself only wish for peace among the four nations." Zuko stated firmly at he stood beside the man.
"There are only three nations thanks to your families bloodline. You have already taken down one nation, what's to stop you from taking the rest?" He argued.
"You are wearing fire nation uniforms. That means you served under my fathers rule. A tyrant rule. You talk about my bloodline when you yourself supported it." Zuko scowled.
"Ozai still looked after his own nation and did not abandon it. You have been so focused on the other nations that you have failed to see the poverty of your own." The soldier frowned.
"What is your name?" Zuko asked gently. "Sen." he answered distastefully.
"Sen, I only ask that you tell the rebels to cease the violence. I don't want anymore blood spilt because of a vengeance for me." Zuko said gently.
"If there was no violence this would not have gained an ounce of your attention. Our message would have died with Fire Lord Ozai." Sen spat as he walked closer.
"Ozai is not dead, he is locked away where he cannot hurt anyone ever again. If you continue down this road of violence I fear all of your accomplices will suffer the same fate." Zuko's tone became stern and unrelenting. Sen simply grinned, "looks like the only one threatening lives here today, is you."
Sokka stepped forward to ease the brewing tension. "Who do you work for?" He asked firmly.
"No one, we are all equal just fighting the same fight. We all want the world how it was before." Sen scowled at Zuko before walking away.
Sokka shook his head. "Well, if there is no violence we should go back now." Toph chimed in. "I have a feeling we aren't seeing the big picture. There has to be someone organizing these..." Zuko pondered.
"Let's discuss it on the way." Sokka patted Zuko's shoulder before hopping on the bison.
Aang held Katara in his arms as they peacefully layed on the sofa. She listened intently to the sound of his heart and rhythmic breaths. She tilted her chin up on his chest to meet his eyes as she ran her hands through his hair. His eyes were closed but she could tell he was awake. "We should get up for the day. I'm sure the others will be back soon so we need to act like we did something productive." She said softly. "But we did..." he teased and earned a pinch from his wife.
The waterbender rolled off of him and stood to her feet. Right as she did, a loud rapid knocking came from the front door. They both jumped thinking they were alone before Aang composed himself. "What is it?" Aang called as he pulled his shirt on.
"The village is on fire! We need help right away!" A panic voice called.
"Ok I will be right there!" Aang yelled as he began walking. He saw Katara prepared to leave so he grasped her wrist. "You should stay here and wait for the others. Meet me down there when they get here." Aang kissed her cheek and ran out the door. She wanted to argue but decided against it.
When he arrived, many of the buildings were already engulfed in fire. He began bringing water forth out of the wells around to douse the fires but it didn't seem to do much. The Avatar continued to fight the flames as residents ran for their lives all around him. He only stopped when fames erupted inches in front of his face, causing him to stumble back. He could suddenly hear the sound of his own breath echoing in his ears as his eyes remained fixed on the fire before him.
The homes engulfed in flames were suddenly replaced by temples and the screaming earth benders beside him, replaced with monks. His people, his culture, his home reduced to ash and he was powerless to stop it. He wasn't there to save them because of his cowardice.
"Look familiar, Avatar..." An eerie voice echoed. Aang quickly turned but found no one that the voice belonged to. He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. His breath seemed caught in his throat and his heartbeat remained erratic.
"Avatar!" Kai yelled as he walked forward with two others. Aang turned with lungs now full of smoke and squinted fo focus on the one who called. "This will not end until Fire Lord Zuko abdicates!" He screamed and pointed at the flames.
Aang looked back to the rising flames and felt its temperature against his damp skin. "They cannot be stopped..." he breathed.
"Hey, Avatar! Anyone home?" Kai waved his hand and teased. Aang looked back to Kai and took a step forward before stopping again.
"You're weak! Your people did not deserve a place in this world, in my world!" Ozai's venomous words echoed in his mind.
The young Avatar fought to push Ozai's words from his mind but something within refused to deny them any longer. Searching for an answer more credible he remembered his predecessors words, "Remember Aang...be decisive."
Aang closed his eyes and clenched his fist. He brought his head up so his eyes could meet Kai's. "There you are, I thought I was talking to my-" Kai was cut off my a large boulder making contact with his body. Two firebenders ran forward bringing forth fire from their palms down at Aang.
Aang brought his hands together and split the wall of fire in two. He then kicked fire at one before punching air at the other. They both flew back across the dirt while Kai made his move again. "The fire nation did the rest of the world a favor. Your people were too weak to survive...they did not belong in Fire Lord Ozai's world." Kai scowled.
Aang heard Ozai's voice echo through Kai this time. He realized that taking away Ozai's power wasn't enough, he had to take his spirit.
Kai brought his fist up causing a sharp edged rock to fly at Aang. Aang saw it fly towards him and quickly reacted. He brought his arms across it to snap the piece in half before twisting and launching the shard half back at Kai. Kai stumbled back and observed the large rock now impaling his chest. He fell to his knees and saw the Avatar tower over him. Aang held the back of his hair and shoved the shard deeper into his chest. "You will die... a traitor to your people." He whispered before pushing him back. Kai's lifeless form fell to the ground. Aang looked to the two firebenders who were unconscious before looking around the village for witnesses. Finding none he relaxed slightly before tensing up again at Ozai's voice.
"Good Avatar, show your power and none will dare to rebel." Ozai's voice tempted.
"Avatar Aang! This is not you." Avatar Yengchin's powerful voice rang in his ears.
Her voice brought him back to reality for a moment and in that instant he wished he could go back. Aang stared down at the life he had just taken and shook with terror. He fell to his knees and trembled as his hands observed the man he had just killed. "No...no." Tears fell down his cheeks as he shook his head in disbelief.
"Aang!" Katara's voice called out to him. His heart raced as he saw his family nearing him. They couldn't know. He quickly wiped his tears and buried any regret before standing to his feet.
He approached her quickly, face lack of any emotions. The group stopped and noticed his white shirt stained in red. "He was dead when I got here. Those two are unconscious." He quickly pointed to the two fire benders before looking back to the others. "Must've been a fight." He lied
Katara ignored the fallen men and hastily approached her husband, before grasping his bloodied hands. "There's blood all over you..." she looked up and noticed his bloodshot eyes. -"and your eyes are red." She added. He quickly pulled his hands from hers,"It's just the smoke. Help me extinguish the rest of the flames." Aang intentionally ignored the blood on him and proceeded past her.
Katara gave Sokka a concerned glance to which he replied with a shrug. Zuko and Toph shared their own knowing look. While they separated to help the villagers, Aang noticed the firebenders waking up.
He formed a wall between them and Kai so they could not see him. "Get out of here before I take you both into custody." Aang threatened. They nodded quickly before scurrying away.
He dropped the earth wall once they were out of sight and turned to find Toph hovered over Kai's body. She was feeling the shard and grimacing. "Whoever did this knows how to bend. This would have to be broken midair and thrown back..." she explained.
"So we are dealing with a skilled earth bender." Aang lied. She nodded, "one that knows water bending techniques as well." She added subtly before standing.
"How do you know that?" Aang questioned nervously.
"This is a water bending move, you should know that." The earth bender stated before stepping away. Aang frowned as he watched his friend walk away.
He placed a hand on his forehead and closed his eyes. "You cannot hide me forever, Avatar." Ozai's haunting voice cautioned.
Aang flinched at the sound of his brother in-laws voice. "Aang, the fires out. Let's find a resting place for Kai..." Sokka said as he approached him. Aang quickly composed himself before agreeing.
Sokka took the shard out before lifting the top half of his body. Aang hesitated. "Come on I need help." Sokka encouraged. Aang bent down and lifted his feet before following Sokka's lead.
They found a spot on a hill and placed him in a makeshift grave Toph had formed. "Does he have any family?" Katara asked.
"I don't know. I will tell the mayor of his death and hopefully he can reach out to his family." Zuko explained.
Their voices were drowned out as the young Avatar stared at the grave with guilt festering. He had never felt more torn in his life. If he had taken out Ozai he would not be in this position and Kai would be alive, yet since he hadn't the world saw him as the embodiment of peace.
Evening came and Zuko, Sokka, and Toph decided to fill Katara and Aang in on their day. "We have only been to two villages. It feels like we have gotten nowhere. We haven't found their leader or stopped the violence. It seems to have increased since we showed up with the death of Kai." Zuko explained with frustration.
"We don't know who killed Kai either. It has to be someone who opposes his message."Katara added.
"It couldn't have been the unconscious men beside him. I recognized them from the protest, they were with him. They must've been attacked by someone else." Sokka explained as he stroked his beard.
"Or they took out their own guy to make him a martyr. Pin it on us." Toph shrugged.
Aang felt uneasy with the conversation. "I think you should go back to the palace and make a statement Zuko." Aang suggested.
"Entailing what exactly?" Zuko leaned forward still slightly peeved the Aang's comment the previous day.
"Address their concerns. Listen to them and act on it." Aang stated matter-of-factly as he leaned back in his seat.
"Right because I haven't already done that the past six years." Zuko scowled at him.
"If you didn't want my help why did you ask me to come?" Aang furrowed his brows and questioned the fire lord firmly.
"You are suppose to be the symbol of peace and balance right? Maybe start looking like it. Quit running from your duties again Aang!" Zuko shouted as he stood.
Aang stood and forced Zuko back in his seat with a quick gust of air. It shocked Zuko slightly but then he regained his composure. He brought a flaming fist toward the Avatar but Aang simply gripped it and pushed him back. Katara, Sokka, and Toph sat there in shock. Zuko seemed slightly shook as well by his quick display of power before returning to a blank expression.
Aang backed away and pinched the bridge of his nose. "You cannot let another Fire Lord treat the Avatar with such disrespect." Roku warned.
"Relax Avatar Aang, do not throw away years of friendship over heated words." Avatar Yengchin advised.
Aang decided this time to heed Yengchin's wisdom. "I'm sorry Zuko...I don't want to fight you. I'm just...conflicted." Aang said sincerely. One could almost feel the air lighten in the room and the heat cool. "I don't want to fight either. We need each other." Zuko said as he stood in front of Aang.
Aang gave a gentle nod before looking to the map on the table. "We should head to Ba Sing Se next." He pointed to the earth empire.
"Not Omashu?" Sokka questioned.
"It would be best hit the centers of each kingdom to spread our message quicker. Jumping from city to city isn't enough, we need to go to kingdoms." Aang explained.
"Okay, I guess it's settled then. We will skip Omashu and head to Ba Sing Se. While we are there we can update the earth king." Sokka summed up and he stood to his feet.
The group nodded before departing to their separate chambers. Aang stayed hovered over the map observing it, Katara looped her arm around his.
"I can tell Kai's death has been bothering you." She said gently.
"I barely knew him, I'm more concerned about the rebels next move." His reply seemed a bit colder than she anticipated. She observed the husband with careful eyes before placing a hand on his forehead. "You're very warm, you should get some rest. Dealing with that village seemed very tough on you." She said with concern.
He gently grasped her hand and pulled it away. The airbender looked at her carefully, "I'm okay...I promise." He assured gently. She gave a hesitant nod before stepping away.
Aang decided to get some space from the rest of the gang and cleans himself of the blood that stained his pale skin. It made him ill at the sight of it, knowing for a moment he had no control.
He slid into the tub and let the water completely submerge him. Despite being an airbender he could only hold his breath for as long as his lungs would will it.
The images of Kai's lifeless form entered his mind. How could he slip so easy into a violent nature when he had fought so hard to avoid it previously. Even a soul as vile as Ozai did not have to endure the Avatar's brutality. Yet, a simple earth bending rebel had caused the airbender to stop all moral and do the very thing he sought to deny. Kill.
Feeling a sense of urgency for air, he allowed himself to breath and breached the surface gasping. The avatar looked to his hands and began to rub the blood off viciously. There had to be more, it couldn't have been him. A peaceful monk could not have taken a life so carelessly. There has to be something or someone else to blame.
The air bender was brought out of his inner turmoil by the sound of his wife's voice. He relaxed, "Katara...it's just you." Aang gave a gentle sigh of relief. She knelt down beside the tub and grasped his hand. "You don't need to say it again...I know you're worried about me." Aang rolled his eyes.
"I'm always worried about you...but this time it's different." The waterbender said gently as she helped scrub the red from his palms. He listened intently and watched her carefully wash away the stains he had failed to himself. "You are different now...I know something greater is troubling you. You have always had this habit of keeping burdens to yourself and running when you have to face them." His wife explained. Her confession hurt to hear but he couldn't deny its truth.
"Perhaps it's a trait all Avatar's carry." She shrugged gently before continuing. "but I believe while your burdens will always be there Aang, you can make them lighter by sharing." Her eyes were now on his piercing his very soul.
"I don't think you could lighten this burden even if you tried, Katara. I have been carrying it for almost my entire life." His mind went back to the air nomads tragic fate. The airbender stood and grabbed a towel before wrapping it around his waist.
He began to walk away which only frustrated her more. "Then tell me how I can help because the man I am looking at right now...I don't know him!" She yelled furiously as tears began to fall to her cheeks.
The young avatar turned to her slightly shocked by her outburst. "Just a couple weeks ago I married a completely different man. You've changed and I don't know what to do and I fear there is nothing I can." Katara confessed.
"I don't know what to do either Katara!" Aang yelled with frustration. She stood still waiting for something more. "Something is terribly wrong with me and I don't know what to do." He confessed brokenly.
She walked forward and grasped his hands as he turned away in shame. "I killed him...and I fear he won't be the last."