Chapter 3, y'all! This chapter is a big part of the story, and honestly my career on this site. If you're reading this on the day I'm posting it, it has been exactly one year since I first made my account here. It's honestly an amazing journey, and I'll look back on this and smile. 2020-2021 have been really rough years for a lot of people, and I know I am extremely fortunate to have made it this far without getting sick or worrying about losing important things. And of course, all of the people who did get sick, all the people who did have to worry about losing important things, I always thought and still think of them, and it looks like we're coming to the light at the end of the tunnel. I started this solely for Miraculous, but now I've written a Power Rangers crossover (which was honestly my most consistent popular fic for a long time haha), a Black Panther story (Rest in Peace, Chadwick Boseman), and now this ATLA story. Thank you all who have walked with me on this journey, and to all those who just joined, hello! You're gonna love it.
Chapter 3
Fall
Aang leaned on a balcony rail overlooking the back courtyard of the palace, thinking. The past few days had been incredibly boring for him. A lot of meetings with the Earth Kingdom military, trying to help the king pick a new advisor, and other such things that made him wonder if any of the other Avatars had to deal with anything like this. The light of his days were when he was able to spend time with the rest of Team Avatar.
The thought of Team Avatar brought up Zuko. Aang had noticed Zuko wasn't one to get involved with the group that much, preferring to be off on his own doing spirits-knows-what. Aang thought about when Zuko rescued him from Zhao, how he had said the two could have been friends. Looks like I was right, he thought to himself.
He heard footsteps behind him and saw blue on the edge of his vision as Katara slid up next to him and leaned on the rail. "It's really pretty, isn't it?" she asked. Aang smiled. "Yeah, it is. But I wasn't looking at the garden. I was thinking… did I tell you about the time…" he trailed off. "Ok, you remember when you and Sokka were sick and it took me a while to get to you?"
Katara nodded. "I had been captured by Zhao," Aang continued. "When I was imprisoned, Zuko came and broke me out. I had asked if we could've been friends, and now look at us. Funny, right?" he finished. Katara laughed a little, making Aang's smile grow.
Katara's laugh died down after a little while. The two stood in silence for a moment, enjoying each other's company in the early evening light. Aang inched a little closer to Katara until their elbows were almost touching.
"Back in the Catacombs," Katara said suddenly. Aang perked up as Katara looked at him. "What really happened? Why did Kyoshi possess you?" she asked. Aang turned away for a moment, chewing his lip as he tried to remember. "I was mad," he replied. "Really mad, and I could sense a lot of the other Avatar spirits were unsettled, too. But Kyoshi's… I had sensed her anger at Long Feng a lot over the course of our time here, and it almost exploded when Long Feng revealed what he did in the Catacombs. I think that was why she possessed me, and I think it was a similar situation during Avatar Day."
"And with Roku? On the winter solstice?" Katara asked. Aang shrugged. "Not really. He offered to help me," he explained. Katara shrugged. "Makes sense. But why isn't Roku helping with the war?"
"The Avatar Spirit works in mysterious ways," Aang replied. "That's what the monks always taught me, and the more I learn about it, the more questions I have. So I just accept that it is how it is. If that means combining with spirits or having my past lives possess me, that's what happens."
"Well, have you unlocked the Avatar State yet? Can you control it?" Katara asked after a moment of silence. Aang sighed and turned away. "No. And I might have locked that chakra, and the Avatar State, completely," he replied. Katara, realizing the severity of the statement, pulled Aang into a hug. "You'll always have us to help you, Aang," she said. "Chakra or no chakra, we'll defeat the Fire Lord."
"WHAT!?" a voice squawked behind them. Aang and Katara turned to see Sokka and Toph, the former gaping in open-mouthed shock and the latter leaning on a column. Faster than seemed humanly possible, Sokka rushed over to Aang and gripped his shoulders. "You can't have locked it!" he yelled. "We need that!"
"Cool it, Squawka," Toph said as she slugged Sokka in the shoulder. "He was coming to save your sister, and we did end up getting rid of Long Feng for good. Can't you just, I don't know, unlock it now?" she asked Aang. Aang thought for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Maybe," he replied. "I'd need a minute, and it might take a good bit of energy to do it." He made sure to leave out the "let go of Katara" part of the process.
"Alright, we're fine, then!" Sokka exclaimed, then turned towards Toph. "'Squawka?' Really?" he asked. Toph shrugged. "Call it like I see it," she replied simply, then held up a finger to Sokka's lips. "It's a figure of speech, Squawka."
Kuei's new Grand Secretariat, a nervous man named Jiu, came rushing to get Aang and the rest of Team Avatar. "Dinner will be ready soon, Avatar Aang," Jiu said, bowing low to the boy. Aang blinked. "Uh, okay," he replied, not used to being bowed to. "Tell his Majesty we'll be there soon, we just need to wash up." Jiu bowed again. "Of course, Avatar. I will let him know immediately." Jiu rushed out of their sight.
"That guy is a bundle of nerves," Sokka commented. Toph shrugged, arms crossed. "Can you blame him? The previous one got choked and banished," she replied. "Personally, I would have liked to earthbend him off the outer wall."
"Well, we shouldn't keep the Earth King waiting, now should we?" Katara asked a little loudly. Aang nodded. "Yeah, let's go."
Azula felt herself go weightless as the Dai Li agents grabbed her with their earthbending and rose her into the air. Long Feng was laughing at her, a laugh that slipped further and further into insanity. When Mai and Ty Lee tried to save her, Long Feng ordered the Dai Li to break her arms. The brainwashed agents started bending her arms in an unnatural direction, and Azula could feel her bones threatening to snap. She screamed…
And bolted upright in a hospital bed. For a moment, Azula thought she was home in the Fire Nation after being rescued, but a quick look around crushed that hope. For one thing, the walls were covered in green banners with a gold circle. The Earth Kingdom insignia. The nurses looked like Earth Kingdom citizens, and there were a few guards at the entrance. Likely for her.
"So you're awake," a familiar voice said. Azula hadn't noticed him when she looked around, but there was no denying who was with her. The dark hair, the amber eyes, and the handprint scar. Zuko looked over his sister, and she could tell there was an emotion he'd last had for her when she was two and had accidentally antagonized a mother turtle-duck. Concern.
"What are you doing here?" she questioned, trying to fill her voice with as much venom as possible. Zuko raised his remaining eyebrow. "I was making sure my baby sister was okay," he replied, emphasizing the baby part of it. Azula scowled. "You're enjoying this," she accused. "Seeing me injured, powerless, not able to retaliate when you call me that."
Zuko shrugged. "One out of three. You're getting sloppy," he answered. "Believe it or not, I don't like seeing you injured or powerless. But I do like the fact I can call you my baby sister without you being able to hit back or firebend at me. It's been a long time, Lala."
Azula's scowl grew bigger. "You don't get to use nicknames with me, Zuzu. Once I recover, I'm going to burn your other eye," she snapped. Zuko shrugged again. "Not anytime soon. For one thing, once the war is over, I'm outlawing Agni Kais. For another, try firebending at me," he challenged. Azula was more than happy to oblige, only to find her arms and legs were shackled above and to the bed, and she couldn't manage more than a cough of sparks.
The realization dawned on her. "Chi blocking… Ty Lee would never!" she yelled. Zuko nodded. "Ty Lee didn't. She's not the only one who knows chi blocking. A lot of Earth Kingdom nurses are trained in it in case they need to fight off our nation's soldiers to get to their troops."
"Look at you, Zuzu," Azula said mockingly. "Prince of the Fire Nation, siding with the enemy. I suppose it was only a matter of time before you turned traitor. What's it going to be next? Kill our father to surrender the Fire Nation to the rest of the world? Have our homeland be ripped apart? If you think people will side with you, you are sorely mistaken. We are the strongest nation in the world! It is our right to rule!"
"Really? Is that how you think it is?" Zuko asked. "This is hubris, Azula. The Fire Nation isn't any stronger or more special than other nations. We spread hate and fear in the world, when we should have spread love and peace. The other nations hate us because of what we've done. I'm not going to kill Father. That's not my destiny, it's the Avatar's. If I decide to become Fire Lord, I'm going to try to undo what has happened. Or at least try to help heal what can't be replaced."
Zuko turned away from Azula. "Father won't restore your honor if you keep going down the path you're on!" she yelled. Zuko looked back at her. "No, he won't. Because a wise man told me he never took it from me. Honor isn't something you can take. It's something you find. Find your honor, Azula, and you can help us stop him."
Azula bared her teeth at Zuko. "Never," she hissed. Zuko sighed. "I was afraid you would say that. Try not to kill the healer when she comes in here, or those arms will never get better. Goodbye, Azula." With that, he left the hospital, Azula glaring at his back. Tell me what to do all you want, brother, she thought. But I'm not going down so easily. And when I kill the Avatar, Father will make me the new Fire Lord. And my first act will be your execution for treason.
"So you're saying you need time to properly awaken the Avatar State?" Kuei asked Aang. The Earth King and Team Avatar, including Zuko, were sitting along one of the many tables in his dining room. Aang nodded. "It's not really 'awakening' as it is 'controlling it,'" he replied, poking his food. "The past times I've gone into the Avatar State, I've had little control, and I've almost hurt the people I love. Before you ask, your Highness, it's not really a weapon to control. General Fong learned that, as did I."
"I was never going to even entertain the thought," Kuei replied. "You are a strong young man and I would never, ever want you to be controlled in any way." Aang smiled and bowed his head. "Thank you, your Highness."
"There is the matter of the invasion," Sokka said through a mouthful of meat. "When we get there, how much of the army can we have?" His question gave Kuei pause as the king thought. "I've been to a few war meetings, and the generals say about half of the entire army. Two-thirds, if we're lucky. More than enough of an invasion force, in my opinion," Kuei replied.
"And we should have support from our Water Tribe," Sokka added. "Probably enough, but the Fire Nation has a technological edge. I wouldn't be surprised if they figured out a way to put their firebending into swords during the eclipse."
"Not since I left," Zuko said, lightly sipping his soup. "Not many firebenders fight with other weapons. I only learned how to use swords as a bit of a side hobby." Toph raised an eyebrow. "So they don't know, then?" she asked. Zuko shook his head. "No. Even if they did prepare for an eclipse, only we know when the next one is. This plan should work. My uncle said if he had time, he was going to get extra help."
"We still have a long time before the eclipse actually comes," Katara said, steepling her fingers. "Enough time for Aang to begin firebending training." She threw a look at Zuko, the only firebender at the table. Zuko blanched. "Oh! Uh… I don't think I'd be- I mean, I don't know if- I think my uncle would be a better teacher," he stammered. Toph chuckled. "I thought you said he left yesterday," she replied.
Zuko sighed. "There's a technique Aang would need against my father, but I'm not sure if I could properly teach it to him… I've never used it myself against a firebender who was trying to hurt me. At least, not before I was banished," he said, a slight tinge of sadness on his voice.
"Well, it's okay, Zuko!" Aang replied, a little too loudly. "Since it'll be an eclipse, I won't be able to firebend to begin with! So it doesn't matter if I don't know any firebending!" He chuckled awkwardly before digging back into his meal. Almost a minute later, Aang finished and excused himself, racing away from the dining room.
Everyone glanced at each other. "Did anyone else see that? Or did I just imagine things?" Sokka asked. Toph snorted. "I have a feeling any answer I give will be the wrong one, but I think Twinkle Toes is afraid of firebending." Zuko looked down at his food. "My fault, I would assume," he said dejectedly. Katara shook her head. "Mine, really," she admitted. "I got a little too close to Aang when he was learning firebending from Jeong Jeong, and he accidentally burned me. I think that's why he's afraid."
"That's good, believe it or not," Zuko said softly. "Understanding the power of fire is the first step of learning firebending. That's what Uncle taught me, at least." Sokka shrugged. "Makes sense," he replied. "I mean, I would have thought it would have been learning the moves, like HYAAA! Or, TCHU-TCHU TCHYAA!" Sokka gestured wildly, attempting to mimic firebending motions.
"No," Zuko replied flatly. "Not in the slightest." He threw a glance at Katara. "How has he not learned by now?" he asked. Katara shrugged. "Personally, I'm going to assume willful ignorance." The sound of the king clearing his throat caught their attention. "Well, it was lovely to talk with all of you," he began. "But I'm going to turn in. I have other kingly things to do tomorrow." Kuei stood and bid his guests good evening as he turned and headed for his bedchambers.
"Well… should we talk to Aang about getting him into the Avatar state?" Toph asked, propping her feet up on the table, no longer bound to politeness by the Earth King's presence. "Or does the Angst Lord and General Meat-Eater want to stay and do what they do?"
"I'll go talk to Aang," Katara volunteered. Zuko set his jaw and nodded. "I'm going to the infirmary," he said. Sokka looked at him. "Checking on Azula?" he asked. Zuko sighed. "Yeah. She's the enemy, but…"
"Zuko, I don't blame you for being concerned about her," Sokka said, crossing his arms. "If the same thing happened to Katara, I would be doing the exact same thing. Big brother instinct, y'know?" Zuko bit his tongue a little. "It's not just that. I'm trying to see if I can convince her to… change. Join up with us. I mean, I think I could do the same with Mai and Ty Lee, but apparently the brainwashing takes longer to recuperate from than I thought."
"So they actually did it? I thought Long Feng was only in control for an hour or so at most," Katara said breathlessly. Zuko shrugged. "Either that, or the Dai Li worked quickly. And a rushed job is harder to fix, I would assume."
"Hey, are we still talking about depressing Dai Li and brainwashing, or are we going and checking on people?" Toph asked impatiently, earthbending two slabs of rock under Katara and Zuko, moving them to the exit. "Now SHOO!" Toph shoved the slabs, with Katara and Zuko on them, out of the room. Now out of her earshot, Zuko couldn't help but ask, "Is she always like that?"
Katara chuckled. "Not always. Sometimes she's even more temperamental."
Azula fumed in the hospital bed. Not only did it turn out she was essentially a prisoner, she was being cared for by a Water Tribe peasant! Not the ones traveling with the Avatar, thankfully, but a different one from the North who had come to the Earth Kingdom as support during the war.
The fact her arms were still sore after the breaking was also a touchy point. The healer had come to Azula three times a day and used her waterbending healing on the Fire Princess's arms, and Azula grudgingly admitted that the healer had a knack for what she did, as the bones seemed to have fully healed only two or three days after they had been broken. Azula barely got the chance to test her arms, and her firebending, as the healer had two chi-blocker guards with her, and if it looked like Azula was going to use her firebending or even spread her arms too wide, they'd strike like cobra-skinks and chi-block her. Azula learned that the hard way at that evening's healing session.
Azula had also learned, to her alarm, she had been unconscious for two days. Who knew what her father was doing in her absence, what he was plotting. Azula had to suppress a smirk, though. It would likely be devastating for Ba Sing Se, for their crimes against the Fire Nation Royal Family.
Azula looked around the infirmary, and noticed Zuko walking in. She rolled her eyes as Zuko pulled up a chair and sat down next to her. "Could you stop with the 'caring older brother' act? You can't lie to save your life," she spat. Zuko shook his head, more tired than anything. "It's not an act, Azula," he replied. "I'm honestly concerned about you. I've known you for your whole life, and you've never responded well to being outsmarted or outmaneuvered. I just want you to know I am here for you, and there is still time to stop our father. You just need to choose the right side."
Azula felt tears prick her eyes and she let out a sob. "It's… been so long… since anyone said anything that kind to me," she said, letting tears drip down her face. Zuko, feeling his big brother instincts take over, wiped a tear off of her face. "It's ok, Azula," he replied softly. "I'll give you time to think it over. Just… don't do anything rash." Zuko stood and left his sister in the infirmary.
Once she was sure he was gone, Azula smirked. A few tears and a good lie was all it took. Zuko was still so gullible. Azula could feel the strength in her limbs, feeling stronger, almost, after the pain. Azula made up her mind. She was getting out of there. And her exit ticket was too nice for her own good.
Katara found Aang at the same balcony he was standing on during the afternoon. "Aang," she said quietly. Aang turned to her voice. "Oh, hey, Katara," he replied tiredly. Katara moved closer to him, a mask of concern on her face. "I know you're feeling a little apprehensive about learning firebending, but you should learn it. It's the Avatar's duty to master all four elements and balance the world," she said.
Aang sighed. "I know, but I already hurt you once with firebending. If an accident like that happens again, I don't know how I could live with myself. And then there's… it's too terrible to think about, really," he said. Katara now was intrigued. "What is it?" she asked.
"Guru Pathik said if I wanted to access all of the cosmic energy, I would have to give up what I love most. I don't want to do that," Aang confessed. "Especially if it's you." Katara realized the turmoil Aang was going through and pulled him into a hug. "Aang, I'll be here for you. Always. Besides, even Avatars find love, don't they? I read about Avatar Roku having a wife and children of his own," she said. "Everything will work out fine in the end."
Aang smiled a little. "I guess so," he replied. The two broke apart a moment later. "Sorry if it seemed I was sad. I was just thinking about… things." He waved his hand vaguely in the air, leaving a small breeze behind. Now Katara was very intrigued. "What kind of things?"
"Well, rebuilding the Air Nation, for one thing," Aang said. "Once the war is over, the world is going to be very different from what I was raised in. Then there's also repairing the rest of the world. The cuts are deep, Katara. The scars won't heal easily." Katara nodded. "There's going to be adjustments, yes, but we'll work through them together. You, me, and the rest of the team."
"You bet!" Sokka's voice rang out as he and Toph walked onto the balcony. "We're all going to do this. Rebuilding isn't a one-Avatar job, right?" Sokka asked. Toph elbowed him. "Don't get too enthusiastic, Sokka. We don't want Twinkle Toes thinking we're gonna do all the work," she said. "But of course we're going to help."
"Thanks, guys," Aang said gratefully and he pulled the other three into a bear hug. "You're the best friends an Avatar could ask for." Sokka chuckled weakly. "Great! Now, could you please let go? I have ribs to preserve!" he squeaked. Aang laughed and let his friends go. "Alright, guys. I think I'm going to go to bed. Then tomorrow," he took a deep breath. "I'm going to unlock the cosmic energy. Wish me luck."
Aang threw a longing glance at Katara, then turned away. "I hope she's right," he whispered to himself as he left the balcony. "Because I don't know how I would live if she's not there with me."
Azula awoke, feeling her arms chafe in the restraints. At least she could actually feel them now, after they were chi-blocked before she went to sleep. She knew her plan was hazardous, and she barely knew the healer enough to see if she could manipulate the girl. But Azula had an innate sense for reading people, something she prided herself on. This girl was obviously kind-hearted, even to a supposed enemy. It would be a simple matter.
Azula risked lighting a flame in her hand. All she needed was a small blue flame, and she'd know her plan would work. Her restraints were elevated away from the actual bed, so she wouldn't light herself on fire. Azula concentrated, and when she opened her eyes a second later, she smirked. A small blue flame danced at her fingertips. Perfect.
Now for the next phase. Waiting. If yesterday was any indication, the nurse arrived a little before the chi-blockers. Those few precious moments were essential to her plan. Azula had counted roughly ten or fifteen minutes between the nurse's arrival and the chi-blockers. If her plan was to succeed, ten was all she would need.
Azula could barely see the nurse make her way to the hospital wing. When she first saw her, Azula mistook her for the peasant the Avatar traveled with. Same tanned skin tone, similar hair, even a similar eye color. But upon closer examination, she'd noticed the differences. The Avatar's friend was a fighter. This girl was a healer only.
A weakness, really. She would leap blindly if her patients needed her. Which was exactly how Azula would escape.
Now for the tricky part. Azula was the only one in the hospital wing, so she'd likely have no witnesses. But that was why the nurse didn't like coming in without backup, because she was afraid Azula might attack her. A reasonable fear, but one easily overcome with the right moves.
Azula screamed, pretending to be in tortured agony. She'd had some practice, thanks to that horrible Long Feng. The nurse almost jumped out of her seat when she heard the sound, then peered around the corner at Azula.
"Is everything alright?" the nurse asked hesitantly. Azula screamed some more. "NO!" she yelled. "It hurts!" Azula could tell the nurse was battling with her instincts and the rules. On one hand, the Fire Nation princess might be faking. On the other, she really did sound like she was in pain.
But the nurse's kind nature won out in the end. She moved slowly towards Azula like she was approaching a wounded animal. Azula let her tears fall freely as the nurse approached. "What's wrong?" she asked. Azula clenched her teeth. "My arm! It hurts! I'm not sure why, but it hurts so much!" she yelled. The nurse flinched a little, then fished out a key from her pocket. "Promise me that you won't lash out when I unlock your restraints," she said.
Azula nodded. She watched as the nurse stretched up, inserting the key into the lock and twisted. The restraint unlocked and Azula's arm fell out. Azula flinched, for real this time. Her arm was still sore.
The nurse took her wrist cautiously. "Where does it hurt?" she asked slowly. Azula whimpered a little. "Right by the shoulder," she replied. The nurse readied some healing water on her hands, so focused on her bending that she didn't hear the flames ignite. Azula grinned madly as she lashed out like a black widow spider-rat.
The nurse screamed when the flames licked her face, burning her flesh and setting part of her hair on fire. In the chaos, Azula snatched the key with her free hand and firebent at the nurse, burning the Water Tribe girl more and sending her back. Just as quickly, she unlocked her leg restraints and the remaining arm restraint. Standing up for what had to be the first time in days, Azula wasted no time in running out of the infirmary, blasting the nurse with one more fire blast. Petty, she knew, but so worth it.
A few moments later, she found her way into an empty armory. Azula realized the bedclothes would give her away, so she quickly changed into a guard uniform. It was a little big on her, but it suited her needs. Azula set her jaw. Now for the next part. Killing the Earth King. And Long Feng, if she could find him.
Aang took a deep breath as he entered the throne room. All his friends and Zuko were there with the Earth King, deep in conversation. Aang could barely pick out some words, with Zuko in particular saying, "It's too dangerous. If we get caught…" His sentence died when he saw Aang enter.
"So what's up?" the young Avatar asked. Katara walked over to him and put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Nothing, really. We can tell you after you've unlocked that chakra of yours," she replied. Aang could sense Katara was holding back some details from him, but he didn't press. Now wasn't the right time.
Sokka came over and clapped him on the back. "You'll do great, Aang!" he said enthusiastically. Toph chuckled. "Those toes better twinkle, Twinkle Toes," she added with a light slug in the arm. Zuko grunted. "It's gonna be good not being on the receiving end of the Avatar's power."
"Thanks, guys," Aang said gratefully. "And after I unlock it, the invasion is going to be much smoother. Now, I kinda need some quiet. And a place to sit." Kuei gestured to the throne. "Go right ahead, my friend," he said. "You've earned it."
Aang walked to the throne and sat cross-legged on it, pointing his pinkies out. He remembered a small snippet of the conversation he had with Guru Pathik. "You need to let her go," he said. Aang felt a tear trickle down his cheek, but another snippet of a conversation he had with Katara surfaced. "Everything will work out fine in the end."
In his mind, Aang entered the sphere of energy held by the Avatar Spirit. In the real world, Aang's eyes and tattoos began to glow as he rose in a pillar of light, wind blowing around him. He could barely make out his friends, Zuko, and the Earth King standing below him, gazing up in shock and awe.
"His transformation is almost complete," Katara said, mystified. Zuko nodded. "It's beau…" His sentence died in his throat as he heard a creaking sound, then a crackle. Like…
Lightning.
Time slowed. Zuko shouted and pointed at the door, the others turned to see what he was looking at, their eyes' widening as a fork of lightning leapt out hungrily at Aang.
There was nothing anyone could do. The bolt wrapped around him, entering through his back and exiting through his foot, blowing off his shoe. Azula smirked; she'd changed her target, but was satisfied with the results.
Aang's body began to fall, and everyone shook out of their stupor. Kuei shouted for guards, Zuko blasted crimson flames and Sokka threw his boomerang at Azula, Toph wordlessly launched Katara into the air to catch Aang, then made another ramp for the two to slide safely to the ground on.
"She's getting away!" Sokka yelled as Azula danced away from Zuko's fire and Sokka's boomerang. Kuei raced over to his side. "Not for long, I would imagine," he said. "I already handed out orders to the guards to find her, and the Dai Li are sweeping the palace. If she tries to leave, we'll catch her."
Sokka nodded, then he and Zuko ran over to where Katara was cradling Aang's body, sobbing a little. "He took that bolt, and none of us saw it coming," she said through her tears. A sudden thought crossed Zuko. "What about the spirit water? Can't you use that?" he asked urgently. Katara's eyes lit up, then narrowed as she focused on the vial, drawing the water out of it. She bent the water around her hand, then pressed the now-glowing liquid on Aang's wound. His skin was still hot from the lightning burn.
A few moments later, Aang's eyes fluttered open, and he weakly said one word. "Katara…" His eyes closed again, and Katara pulled him into a closer hug. "It's going to be a while before he's fully healed," she warned. Sokka put a hand on her shoulder. "Let's hope nothing happens until then."
A few hours after the news that the Avatar had been killed spread through the streets, a dark-haired noblewoman in full makeup entered her cart and began her journey out of Ba Sing Se. Azula smirked psychotically. Now the Fire Nation would have no trouble winning this war, as the Earth Kingdom's hope died with the Avatar.
Well... Things escalated. I'm not gonna do all of Book 3, just a few specific chapters where I think Zuko's presence will change things dramatically, and this story will go until the Day of Black Sun, where it will ignore the Western Air Temple and continue with canon (with a little less Katara-mad-at-Zuko)... and maybe a life-changing Zuko field trip for Toph?
Like I said above, thank you all for walking with me on this journey the past year, and I hope you continue to enjoy my work for a long time coming. As always, stay safe, healthy, and keep calm and carry on. The pandemic's nearly over, people. Let's hope nothing else happens.