Ok, sorry for the delay of this chapter, especially this one! Things are happening here but fortunately, I'm able to finally upload this chapter! What do you think? Would you like to read about Shaina's own story? Tell me on the comments!
And now, this is the finale… yes, after exactly 33 chapters, the end of this story has come, I hope that you have enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it, it meant a lot during these times
Without further to add, enjoy the finale of Avatar Book 4: Time!
….
Chapter 33: Invasion Part 5: Final Commitment
The shore was being destroyed at the same time as the avatar Shaina let the rage fill her, the power of the avatar state was enormous, and on that situation, was putting everyone in danger
-We have to escape now, everyone to the bisons! - Zuko ordered
The fire lord took his dragon while Aang, Katara and Toph went to Appa, meaning that Neera received the remaining ladies, Azula was carrying Milly's body with her and then, the team escaped, meanwhile, Ozai's body was just there, with his eyes open, maybe still alive, but he wouldn't be for so much as Shaina looked at him
-Die…
And opened a crack on the ground, making Ozai to fall on it, then closed it, that meant for sure his end, but it was not over, Shaina looked in front of her, Agni was there, her rage was not calmed and it was shown on her scream that produced a 10 meters tsunami
Now on the distance, getting close to the city's access, there they were, Jin and Sokka waiting for the team to arrive
-Go up!- Aang yelled
-What's going on?!- Sokka yelled
-Shaina activated her avatar state, everyone here is in danger! - Ty Lee explained -We have to get out of here and now!
Sokka went to Appa's loin, earning a hug from both Katara and Toph
-Brother, I'm so happy that you're alive.
-You got us very worried- Toph replied
-I'm happy to see you too, but now we have to escape!
Azula went off Neera's loin -Azula?- Ty Lee asked
-I have a pet too, I can't leave him alone.
-Right, Peeko, Flopsy and Momo are still downhill, let's move!
It didn't take both Azula and Jin to go for their animals as they were terrified and paralyzed, the ladies got to their loins
-Flopsy let's move out of here!
-Time to go to the earth kingdom ships!
And with Momo getting alongside the gaang, everyone was ready to leave Agni behind, as Shaina was letting her anger to destroy the whole island little by little, looking that made everyone that was living there, the refugees and the soldiers to feel their hopes getting crushed as they were escaping
Aang then decided to meditate, why exactly? Sokka would ask -What are you doing?
-Shaina is destroying the city, I can't let her to do it, so I'm trying to activate my own avatar state.
-That makes sense- Katara added
-Wait, why weren't you able to do that before?
-Because it is not easy and you know it- Aang replied -I't only worked once and it was by accident, and is not like I can activate it when I want, otherwise I would have done it before.
-Oh, Right… I don't understand those things about spirits- the earth bender said
-And now, time to see if they let me…
Finally Aang was able to contact Roku who knew how the situation was
-I've tried to do it on my own style, but everything gone wrong once more.
-Aang, now you are going to attempt to set free your full power, I know, you tried so much during this war…
-And lost friends due to that… the avatar state is still powerfull but only can be used as the very last resource, a tool only activated when my life is in danger or with pure rage but, what about a good purpose? I have to stop her before anyone else get hurt or die.
Then Roku disappeared to be replaced by Wan -I know that is not easy, for me it wasn't too
-Then I have to activate it, not by rage or with my life on risk, it is for me to save the world, to save my friends, my family, I have to show Shaina that her ways got wrong too.
-Don't worry, you will, is not easy to let the spirits to activate an avatar state unless the other 2 conditions are filled, but this time it is necessary- Wan touched Aang's head -Go Aang, and save the world once more…
The monk then stood up, and let himself fall on the sea to the shock of his friends -AANG!- Everone yelled
But then his eyes were opened, glowing in blue, he used his air bending to stop his fall, and then his fire bending as rockets to fly back to Agni, to the happiness of everyone that was watching him
-Go get her Aang!- Sokka yelled
Meanwhile, Shaina was still enraged, destroying the city with her earth bending and producing a hurricane so strong that sent houses flying
-Nothing matters, I will destroy everything…- But then a fire ball that she stopped, then Shaina was able to watch Aang, stopping near her, both flying in the middle of the city -You…
-Shaina, I have to top this madness once and for all, your spirit connection is weak, if you don't stop, your defeat is assured- But Aang received a rock on his face -So be it…
Avoiding her lightning, Aang approached to her and sent her against a rock wall with his airbending, but once she crashed, launched a powerful lightning against him, but the monk took it and sent it against the sky, the sound was spectacular, no time to get distracted, a massive fire barrage was launched against him as the avatar from the future charged with her punches filled with electricity, but as she tried to punch Aang, he protected from the two, and gave a strong head butt, then took all the water from the air as he could, throwing a huge water ball to Shaina, freezing it.
But his opponent resisted, destroying the ice, and decided to manipulate the water from the sea, despite being far from them, she was able to do it, and transformed the whole liquid on ice shards, but then her body felt the pressure
-Blood bending…
The ice turned into rain that started to turn the fire on Agni off, but the rubbish was still there, now using his ability, Aang made Shaina to come near him
-Time to end this, don't make it more difficult…
But she will, shooting a fire ball from her mouth directly to Aang's chest, and tackling him, getting both outside of Agni, she sent Aang to the ground with an air barrage, but the monk landed perfectly to the ground, still, Shaina was getting ready to shot a massive thunder, by producing a storm that was noticeable from the distance in which all the ships already left the dock
Shaina was decided to kill her opponent -I won't let you to stop me!
-It has to be done!
Aang shoot a massive amount of rock pillars to her, but once Shaina shot her thunder, all that were coming for her were destroyed, the attack landed on Aang, but he was ready to receive it, but even if he struggled, he was able to keep the entire electricity on one hand
-Impossible...- Shaina said after witnessing that demonstration of pure power
-Don't make me do this…- It was useless, Shaina shoot a huge fire blast against Aang, who just sighed -I'm sorry
It was time to finish it, by blasting the same electricity that Shaina shoot to him, the lightning was able to penetrate the whole fire and while that went to Aang, he just manipulated it to not let the fire affect him, not the same for Shaina who for her surprise, received the whole lightning directly to her…
-Aaaaahhhhhhhh!
And while being a lightning master, such amount of electricity was too much for someone as her, the explosion sent her flying towards the city, but Aang decided to not let her to receive the whole impact, catching Shaina with a flying rock, he was able to stop her falling, and both went to the city, with Aang being victorious over the avatar from the future
Once on the floor, both avatar states were deactivated, Aang gasped and then looked at Shaina, despite all of the attacks she received, she was still concious, but just barely, what was noticeable was the tears on her eyes
-Why… why…?
Aang then put his hands on her head, but noticed that something was wrong, it made him very sad -You know, the monks taught me that every life is valuable, sadly, not everyone could follow those teachings…
-Then… why were your people able to kill mine…?
-I don't know…- Tears were appearing on his face -And I failed too, that last attack… I'm sorry.
He could feel it, Shaina's energy was fading away, her end was coming and both were sad for it, Shaina for failing on her mission, and Aang for not keeping his own law intact
-Don't feel bad, it had to be on this way- Shaina said -But I can't understand it, how can people so evil come from someone so noble as you?- then she started to cough
-Maybe something is going to happen in the future, something that I can't control…
-Then promise me… promise… that you will do something… please don't let your people… to lose your ways…
Aang gave Shaina his hand as a promise -Deal…
But she didn't want to die yet -Oh and… please… one more thing… Milly, please let me see her once more…
He had his own whistle on his pants, but it was partially destroyed, no issues, using some metal bending and it was like new, then he called Appa
Moments later, all of Aang friends were there alongside their animals, looking how everything ended, it was just silence, Aang was carrying Shaina on a shoulder
-What happened?- She asked
-Is over, but she wants to do one more thing- Aang looked at Ty Lee, who was carrying Milly's body -Let her.
While curious, Ty Lee took Milly near Shaina as she got on her knees, she hugged the body of someone who she can consider, her only friend on that time
-Milly, I'm sorry that I was unable to carry my promise… please forgive me…- only thing that could be heard was her sobbing, then Azula was the first one to notice some electricity on Shaina's hands as she said -But this is your time, not mine… take your own path for now, decide by yourself, as I wanted everyone to do it.
And then everyone witnessed how soft amount of electricity passed from the avatar to her friend for some seconds, a last technique, she truly was a lightning master… then Milly opened her eyes, still really hurt as she coughed
-What… Shaina?- Little would Milly be able to say before noticing how Shaina coughed a lot of blood from her mouth -No… please no…
-I'm sorry my friend… but thank you…
And let her head to rest on Milly's shoulder, everyone watching knew what happened, Shaina took the last remaining of her energy to give her only friend one more chance to live, maybe that wasn't enough to make them cry due to what happened on the past, but what the soldier did after that, for sure would do, Milly hugged Shaina with tears on her eyes, confused, heart broken and crying so much that could be heard on a long distance
-No, thanks to you, you gave me a purpose, I will miss you so much…!- and hugged her a little stronger -Goddbye Shaina!
….
Days later on Ba Sing Se Palace, reuniting alongside Kuei, Hakoda and Zuko, Aang took seat with them on a round table
-Which were the results? - he asked
Kuei nodded -Well, the Earth Kingdom didn't suffer any downs or destruction, aside of what happened on Ba Sing Se thanks to Ozai.
-Neither did Agna Qel'A, unfortunately Master Paku was down… It was heartbreaking for my mother…- Then Hakoda pressed a punch –And Hama…
-What happened with her?- the avatar asked
-She escaped, we were not able to notice her after leaving the city, I'm sorry Aang- the water tribe leader said
-Damn!- Aang just resigned –Not all problems were solved
-And Agni was destroyed, my whole city on ruins- Zuko sighed -We had to move all of our citizens to the other towns until we can re-construct everything
Kuei took the word -Count with the earth kingdom for that, the fire nation saved the world this time, so we have to return something.
-And speaking about Shaina, the avatar from the future, what we will do? - Hakoda was analyzing
Aang analyzed it -Shaina was without a doubt the most powerful enemy that we had to fight against, and left a mark on the world, something that we will never forget- then he continued after taking some time -What she tried to do was right on her point of view, she didn't take any innocent lives and after what I've heard, treated the soldiers very well, she wasn't evil, but had her purpose twisted, she committed a mistake, hopefully she will correct it on the future.
-What, on the future? - Kuei asked
-Yes, I promised her that I will do as much as I could to not let whatever is going to happen, to happen again, maybe I'm not sure exactly what it was but it is going to involve both the fire nation and my descendants, we have to make sure that is not going to occur.
Zuko nodded -Of course.
-Then it is a deal- Hakoda said -I will take the engineers of the north pole to help too.
-I suppose now that our little meeting is over, so excuse me gentlemen- Kuei left first
And Hakoda did the same, then Zuko talked to Aang -Somehow after this war finished, it feels so different and how it was 4 years ago.
-I know, on the past we thought that it would be so simple, we are the good guys and fought the bad guys, but now I can see that things are not like that, all of us have a different point of view, and believe that what we do is the right thing, even if it is not.
-We have to make sure then to make what is right for the majority- Aang nodded, then the fire lord asked -What did you know about Shaina?
That caught Aang by surprise, not sure if he had to answer -Well… she is going to be like your grand, grand, grand-daughter…- that took Zuko by surprise -And hated the fact of being the avatar, that's why she wanted to do all of that, it wasn't only because of doing the right thing on her view, she was tired of what happened to her.
-Depression… I can't let something like that to happen to a relative then, despite of what she did.
-Is not gonna be the same person Zuko, the Shaina that is going to turn on the avatar of this timeline, is going to be a different person than the one we fought.
Zuko nodded -Of course, and we have to be different too, but on a good way-
Both gave a friendly fist bump to the other
….
Months later, and in front of Gaoling, Sokka and Toph arrived to the Beifong's house, the girl was a little nervous
-I don't know; it was a long time.
-You will do fine Toph- Sokka took a scroll and a brush with him -Let's go.
Once inside, and after trespassing the front yard, Toph entered on the house, there they were, both of her parents were taking the tea, but once they saw her, were really happy
-Toph!- and went to hug her
-Mom, Dad!- and she corresponded
-I'm so happy to see that you're fine! - her mother said
-Thanks- she answered, Sokka gave a reverence to Toph parents, but then she took the brush and the scroll, Soka gave her also an ink bottle -I want to show you this.
It didn't take too much time, but her parents realized something after watching her writing a message on the paper, once finished the little message said
"I love you both, thanks for everything"
-Wha…what? - her father was speechless
-I can see now, and I can see you two… and I want to tell you that I love you.
That new made the Beifong family to hug again in tears of pure joy…
Moments later and now walking outside the house, Sokka asked -Now what?
-I have to re-open my metal bending school, too much time lost you know… and what about you?
-Well…- he stopped -I was able to beat my father on a fight; he wants me to take the leadership of the south pole as I proved myself worthy…
-So, it means that we won't see each other soon- Toph sighed -That's... pretty bad.
-And I rejected it.
That took Toph by surprise -What, are you nuts?!
-My father understood, I told him that I had someone waiting for me, and I had to ask her first because I made a promise.
Realizing what it meant, Toph started to cry a little -You fool!- But then took Sokka by surprise by kissing him, he corresponded for some seconds before separating -Well, it means that you have to help me on the school.
-Sounds fine to me, I can draw some advertisements if you want.
-Ja ja ja, better if you ask someone else to help you.
-Hey!
….
With Agni still being reconstructed, but more advanced than before, on Noren and Ursa's house, someone was leaving the place, Azula was taking Peeko alongside her, but her mother was preparing a bag with resources for her travel, then Noren gave her some money
-Are you sure of doing this? - Ursa asked and her daughter nodded -Oh my dear.
-There is so much that I want to learn now, before I was so tied with the ways of the fire nation, but after being on the Earth Kingdom and traveling, I knew that there was a lot to explore, so I have to do this- then she saw Noren hugging a sad Ursa -Don't worry, I plan to be back.
-Sis, wait! - Kiyi arrived in time with a doll on her hands -Please take it with you, I made it by myself.
Somehow, that doll reminded her of her past, the first doll that she had was burned, this time Azula would keep it with her
-Thank you Kiyi- then she went to Peeko's loin -I will go to the palace before leaving, I have to say goodbye to Zuko.
With a hand movement, Azula left the house that gave her a home for some time, moments later on the palace, this time the guards would let her in, and once inside he met with Jin, who was now wearing clothes from the fire nation
-Hello Jin, where are you going?
-To visit my mom, Zuko gave her a space to construct a new restaurant- she said happily
-That's great but, can you stay for some moments? I want to talk with you and my brother, please.
-Oh, sure, I will call him.
Azula didn't have to wait for so long even after Jin went to find Zuko, he was already going outside
-Azula, what are you doing? - Zuko asked
The princess sighed -I'm here to tell you that I'm leaving the fire nation, temporarily of course.
The fire lord was surprised, Jin then asked -What…why?
-Because I want to explore the world, there is so much that I don't know and I want to learn about it- then she sighed -So yeah, that's why.
Zuko just smiled -Is there something that I can do to make your travel a little easier?
Azula had a little evil idea -Maybe something, Noren gave me money but I would like to have some accommodation.
Both Zuko and Jin laughed -I will sign a document, just wait some seconds.
Leaving the ladies alone, Jin then talked to Azula -Hopefully you can find something interesting on the travel, and please, take care of Peeko on your new adventure.
-I will- then she wanted to ask one more thing -By the way, when is going to be the marriage?
That caught her by surprise -Well, maybe we have to wait, Agni is still on a reconstruction process and Zuko wants to start the creation of the united republic of nations, after what happened with Shaina, it is clear that we need a place in which we can interact more directly.
-I know, hopefully it is a sign of good things coming in the future, but we have to be realistic, maybe not as huge as those 2 wars, but mean people will always be there.
-And here we are to fight them.
Zuko arrived with the signed paper -Show this on any place and they will know that the fire lord will pay for the time you stay.
-What if I stay indefinitely? - that was a joke and Zuko knew it, everyone there laughed and the siblings hugged each other -I will miss you Zuzu.
-I will miss you too, take care on your adventure.
Azula nodded and she was ready to leave, got outside of the palace but, with Peeko getting just some steps, the princess had to stop after hearing a voice
-Leaving already?
It was Mai, alongside Ty Lee -Well, I was going to visit you eventually… how did you know that I was leaving?
-You look prepared for a trip, so I supposed that.
-What a stupid question from my part- Azula hit her head and then got off her bird -So, what now?
Ty Lee took the word -Well, I asked Mai if she wants to join the Kyoshi warriors but she declined.
-I couldn't accept, my mother is gone and my brother needs someone alongside my father to take care of him, Tom Tom is still a kid- but then she turned her attention to the acrobat -But once he grows I will join, time flies.
Ty Lee smiled, but then she asked -And well, I don't know, I wanted to ask you if you're interested too Azula, we will look like that time when we got inside Ba Sing Se.
That was a strange memory, mostly because it happened when she was still evil, still, Azula smiled
-I have to do things first, Mai is right, I'm travelling.
-Where? - the acrobat asked again
-Around the world.
That meant one thing, Azula would be gone for a long time, that somehow made Ty Lee pretty sad -Oh I see well, I hope that you do a good job on that adventure.
-I will, don't worry- Azula said with a smile
-It is just that… I don't know… I made a promise to myself, I have to revive the Kyoshi Warriors, the group got weakened after the war, but I don't know if I can do it alone.
Azula took her from a hand -You will do it fine, don't you see? Besides, you were the one that took care of me on the earth kingdom and to top things, you are an air bender, you will do a good job as a leader, trust me.
Those words meant a lot for her -Thanks Azula, and thanks for everything, you showed me that sweet side of yours after all and I'm so happy of being part of that process…
It was enough for Azula, as she took Ty Lee's face to give her a kiss that lasted some seconds, once she gave her the chance to reply, the acrobat was in shock and Mai just smiled
-Somehow, I knew that something was happening.
The princess then said -What I wanted to say on the fight, is that I'm in love with you, and I don't know if you feel the same for me… but at least give me one more chance before leaving.
-A…Azula…
And again both kissed each other, with a little more of passion and more time before both separated, then Azula went to Peeko's loin now totally happy, but giggled once she saw both Jin and Zuko looking everything, her brother was shocked and Jin just smiled
-At least she is happy- Jin said
-I have to process this.
Azula then gave a farewell -See you soon! - and left the place now with no clear destiny on where to go
But behind her, Mai asked Ty Lee, as she was still on silence and processing everything -Well, she was honest, what about you?
-I'm… I'm so confused now, I'm still really happy to see the real Azula but… love… I don't know…
-Maybe with the time you will organize your own ideas, until then you can give priority to something else.
Ty Lee nodded -I know, I have to reunite the Kyoshi Warriors, but first I have to finish my air bending training, hopefully it doesn't take too much time…
….
2 years later
It was at night on the fire palace and on the exteriors a huge amount of people was gathering, everyone wearing elegant clothes, what was happening? Well, inside our favorite teenagers, now as adults were talking to each other as, for the surprise of Sokka, he looked how his sister was developing her belly
-I can't believe that I'm gonna be an uncle, I'm so happy!
Both Aang and Katara giggled, Toph gave a friendly punch to Aang -Good job Twinkle Toes.
Hopefully we can raise our kid on a peaceful environment- Katara said
-And which is going to be his or her name? - Sokka asked
Aang replied -If it's a boy, his name will be Bumi, in honor of my late friend.
-And if it's a girl, her name will be Kya, in honor of our mom, Sokka.
Hearing that made Sokka happy, then Aang asked -And when are we going to have our nephews?
Toph looked at Sokka with an evil grin, he just looked worried but smiled with some nerves, the earth bender then said
-Soon, I promise.
-Look what we have here- Azula arrived to the party
-Hello!- Ty Lee did the same
Silence for some seconds but then smiles, laughs and hugs -Nice to see you again Azula- Katara said
The princess then looked at her belly -Well, I see than we have the first mother of our group.
-Oh my god I can't believe it! - Ty Lee was especially happy for watching that -Congratulations uncle Aang!
Both him and Katara laughed, then Toph asked -How is your air bending training going?
Ty Lee just smiled -Not finished sadly, but I'm waiting for my father to finish his own.
-And he will, So ren is doing a good job despite still not being used to the air bending style- Aang said -Besides, all help to create the united republic of nations is welcome.
Then Toph crossed arms -Wait a second, if you are here, who is in charge of the Kyoshi Warriors?
Ty Lee smiled -My new apprentice!
….
-Come on ladies, time to test your strength!
That apprentice was no other than Milly, she was now on the island alongside the Kyoshi Warriors, now dressed as one of them, and practicing with them how to fight, she sent one to the ground, but then helped her to get up.
-Good job- and talked to the others -Now is time to rest.
As the group disbanded, Milly sighed and talked to herself -Well, it is not easy, but being a leader is cool, hopefully one day I will be like Azula and Ty Lee, and Shaina hopefully…
….
-Who thought that a punishment could lead to a new recruit for the Kyoshi's? - Toph crossed arms –If everything goes right, she is not going to be troublesome.
-I hope so, besides, after this ceremony, I will go to the island too- after what Azula said, Ty Lee smiled
A master of ceremonies appeared behind a lectern and then said -To all of our guests please take seats, we call the mother of the husband to come.
Zuko came to the ceremony already on costumes specially prepared for the occasion, Ursa approached to her son
-How do I look, is everything in place?
-Calm down my dear son.
-I know, but what if I'm not as elegant as I should?
Looking at him reminded her of her own marriage with the late Ozai, it was so different but that what was making her so happy
-You will do fine, and raise a beautiful family, you will see- He sighed, and then the trumpets and music signaling the arrival of the bride started to sound -I leave now, you will do it.
Everyone then looked how Jin, alongside her mother that was taking her to the center was arriving, she looked radiant and elegant on her dress, once she arrived in front of Zuko, he took her veil to reveal her face
-You look so beautiful today my dear.
-Thank you…
But while looking to all of this, Mai sighed, remembering her time with Zuko so it was hard for her to watching him marring another girl, but then took a piece of paper from a pocket
-Thanks for giving me another chance Mai, I promise that I won't waste it this time
Kei Lo-
-Maybe it was not a bad thing to happen- at least she would be calmed, there was someone else for her to be with
The master of the ceremony then called -Please for the best man and woman for the husband and bride to arrive.
Aang went alongside Zuko and both gave a bro fist, Azula went alongside Jin, both just smiled, then the ceremony started
-Long time ago, on this very place in which Agni started its creation, the very first fire benders tied their bonds forever to give birth of the fire nation, time later the remaining masters of the fire, Ran and Shaw gave us a lesson, no matter how much time can pass, the ties that are together by love, cannot be broken… ladies and gentleman, today we are here to celebrate once more the union of two lives on one, two heroes that now want to formalize their lives, out fire lord Zuko, and our fire lady Jin.
The ceremony continued for some moments, as everyone was watching with happiness how the ceremony was a turning point on their stories, not only for those in front of them all, but for the fire nation itself, one that would be a positive turn for sure, the master of the ceremony at one moment, called both Aang and Azula
-Please, for the best man and woman to give the rings, now they can leave.
Both did it, Zuko was the first one to give the ring -With this ring, I promise to you Jin, that I will ever protect you, love you and the family that we will create.
And then Jin did the same -And with this ring, I promise to you Zuko that I will ever care for you, love you and our future family that we will rise.
The master continued -Fire lord Zuko, do you accept Jin as your legitimate wife, to be alongside her on health and illness, on richness and poverty, until death separate both of you?
-Accept.
And one more line -and Fire lady Jin, do you accept Zuko as your legitimate husband, to be alongside him on health and illness, on richness and poverty, until death separate both of you?
With a smile she said -I accept.
-Then what it has been sealed on the blessing of the fire, that no one can never break it I declare you husband and wife, now you can kiss.
It was the moment that everyone celebrated with claps and happiness as the new couple formalized their relationship with a kiss filled with love, then after that happened, Jin threw the bouqet of flower she had on her hands, It landed on Ty Lee's head as she was at one side of Azula but then the bouqet went down, directly on Sokka's hands
-Looks like we have a lucky one- Ty Lee said
Sokka just smiled as Toph hugged him.
The new wife and husband then went outside alongside their friends, the spectacle of fireworks started on the moment that all of them went outside
-Look at that!- Aang said to Katara
-How beautiful- Jin said to Zuko
-It is, not as much as you- that made Jin giggle
Peace and happiness, nothing could ruin something that perfect, Katara then said something to Aang
-We have to work for more moments like this to happen, right?
-Of course, I'm sure of that.
The war was over 2 years ago, but it was on that ceremony that the lives of the 8 young ones: Aang, Katara, Sokka, Toph, Zuko, Jin, Azula and Ty Lee turned on a better direction, the fireworks were the signal, their lives changed, and for the best…
The End