AN: I sincerely considered keeping this chapter back and letting you all suffer, just to piss you off, but I decided to be nice and go ahead and post it. I hope you enjoy.

Chapter 28: The Dead

Zula backed away from the cold body in the cell, and she turned and met the Avatar's asking eyes. They glared at each other for a moment.

"They're here to rescue you and Zuko boy. They won't get past your guards, and they can't rescue a corpse can they?"

The child's eyes widened and turned to Zuko's body, full of tears. Zula ran out and up to the main deck to hide her own.

Hessair felt his Bond pass, and fought against the ties threatening to pull him into the same abyss. As long as he could hold on, perhaps Zuko would still have a chance.
Katara was the first one to leap onto Zula's ship when the two ships drew side by side. The thick rain made fire-bending useless, but she was in her element, literally. Combining bending and sword-play, she was a deadly force to be reckoned with.
Iroh fought side by side with Jet and Sokka, and they worked together to bring down the hordes of soldiers. Neither Zula nor Zhao were anywhere to be seen.
Saiza led a group of soldiers from the main battle below deck to search for the Avatar and the Prince.
Zula ran into the meeting hall, and met a large group of Guerriers Réels. She drew a sword and raised a hand in a universal bending stance, and the bloody battle began.
Saiza's men managed to get by unseen and found Aang in his cell. The odds were 2 to 1, ten versus five, but Saiza's men were better trained and were fighting for a reason beyond the fact that they were told to.

After the guards were dispatched, Saiza found the keys on a soldier's hip and unlocked Aang's cell. The Avatar burst through the door and buried his tear-streaked face in Saiza's chest and sobbed. Saiza looked stricken, but picked the child up and held him as Aang hid his face in Saiza's shoulder.

"Where's Zuko?"

Aang pointed to the cell next to his, and Saiza went in. He didn't even have to check the pulse of the Prince to know it wasn't there, but he had one of the soldiers do so anyway. When the man shook his head in denial, Saiza's heart crumbled. He turned to the rest of his men.

"Not a word to anyone until after the battle. Now go above deck."

They complied, and Saiza set Aang down gently, and then knelt before him to look the young Avatar in the eyes.

"Listen to me Aang. I know this will be hard, but we have to be strong right now, especially for Katara and Iroh. They'll be devastated. So dry your eyes, and help us fight. They are some other air-benders up there as well."

Aang brightened somewhat at this announcement, but it was overwhelmed by the grief in his heart.

Straightening, Saiza led Aang up to the main battle once more.

Akierin swirled around the battle, using teeth and claws to create gaps in the enemy soldiers' numbers. Below her, she felt Hessair fighting against the death of his bond.
Zuko sat on the grassy field where he'd last seen Ediera, and he was thinking about her as he ran his hands through the silken grass. He heard a sound behind him and turned. The first person he saw was Ediera, the second was Avatar Roku. There was a woman next to him in Earth Kingdom dress, and thousands more behind them. A woman stood next to Ediera with her arm around the girl's shoulders.

"Who are all you people?"

The woman next to Ediera smiled. "You don't recognize us Zuko?"

He stood up. "Mother? Why are you here?" Suddenly, the memory of the Great Hall Fire sprung up in his mind.

"The fire…you didn't…I didn't…" She shook her head, still smiling.

"I took my own life, preferring death to a life with Ozai. And since, I've been very happy."

Ediera laughed and hugged her mother. Zuko couldn't stand it, he ran into his mother's arms.

"My babies." She murmured in his ear.

Tears were in Zuko's eyes when he pulled away and looked at Avatar Roku.

"I suppose you're going to tell me I should go back."

Avatar Roku smiled fondly at him, and the Avatars behind him mimicked his smile.

"I know it will be hard for you to return Prince Zuko, but your tasks are not yet done."

Zuko glared at the Avatar. "Again you make me leave."

Ediera left their mother's arms to go to him. "What about Katara? Imagine how she'd feel."

Zuko hung his head. "I'd forgotten about Katara. Perhaps there is something left for me in life."

Ediera nodded. "And Aang, Sokka, Iroh, and Saiza? They love you too."

Zuko smiled and nodded. "All right. I'll return."

Roku placed a hand on his shoulder. "Young prince, your body is weak. We will remain with you in spirit to give you strength, for a battle is raging in the world of the living, and you must fight. Now quickly, return before your Bond joins us and there is no hope for your life."

Zuko nodded and let the grassy field slip away.

In the cell, golden eyes flashed open. It was the presence of the Oath that pulled Zuko slowly to his feet. His eyes were sunken, and all in all, he looked starved. He blinked and his vision cleared from its original blur. His hair was beyond disheveled. His clothes hung loose and bloodstained. Flecks of dirt and blood were evident on his too pale cheeks. He looked like death walking, but his steps were firm, guided by the spirits of those he loved most.

Out in the hall, a weapons stand fell in front of him. He selected a spear and a sword, and continued on. Up a few decks, and he ran into several of Zhao's soldiers. They sprang at him, and his body responded before his slowed mind did. His body hadn't forgotten the training of years past, and the soldiers became prey to his sword. Instead of knocking them out as he normally did, Zuko heard the spirits around him murmur that now was not a time for mercy. The soldiers were killed.

Zuko stared at the corpses before him, and felt their spirits join the ones around him. A scream jerked him from his reverie, and he sprinted down the hall. A stairway loomed before him, but instead of going down them, he leapt over the steps, and landed hard on the metal floor. He felt and heard something crack in his ankle, but it didn't register in his mind. He continued on.

Zula stared at the spear protruding from her stomach. It was jerked back roughly and she fell to her knees. It had been her who screamed.

The soldier drew the spear back, preparing to end her life, when a strong too familiar voice rolled out.

"Stop."

Every head turned, and Zuko strolled into the hall. Zula's eyes widened, and the soldiers bowed. The one who'd struck her met his prince's gaze questioningly.

"But sir,"

"You are needed above deck. Go." No one moved and Zuko began to shout. "Didn't you hear me? Go now!" They bowed and headed above deck.

Zuko went to Zula, knelt beside her, and with a gentle hand, pressed her down, letting her lie down and rest her head in his lap.

The moment he felt life spring back into his Bond, Hessair lunged against the feeble chains keeping him confined. They broke like glass, and the guards ran screaming from his rage. A burst of fire opened a hole in the ship's wall, and Hessair burst through it, opening his wings and soaring to the sky. He saw Akierin, and joined her. Together, they dived down towards the battle.
When Katara saw the emerald dragon dive from the skies, she screamed out his name joyfully, for that meant Zuko was still alive. Hessair sent a burst of flame through the rain-sodden air, his fire unhampered by the moisture. She cheered, and the other Guerriers Réels took up her cry.
Zula stared up into her brother's softened eyes. "Zuko," she whispered.

"Hush now." He brushed a hand over her hair, his voice the same as the hundreds of times he'd quieted Ediera's tears. It tore Zula to hear it.

"Zuko, please, let me finish. I'm sorry, for everything. I really am. I was just jealous, always jealous, of you. I wanted so much for Father to see me as he saw you. I'm so sorry. I don't ask for forgiveness, and I can't expect you to feel anything for me other than hatred, but just…think better of me?"

He smiled, and kissed her forehead. "I love you Zula, and I forgive you. I've always loved you."

She held up her hands, and he gathered her up, holding her close as she wrapped her arms around him feebly, her tears wetting his neck. "Oh, Zuko, I love you too. I'm sorry we couldn't have had longer."

"We'll see each other again, and Ediera and you can catch up."

She smiled. "I'd like that."

A shout came from down the hall, and they both recognized it as Zhao. Zula hissed in anger.

"Help me up."

Zuko helped her into a standing position and handed her the spear when she asked for it.

"Now go, and live a…"

"…full and happy life?"

"Promise me."

"You'd be surprised how much you and Ediera are alike. I promise, just as I did to her."

She smiled, and he kissed her cheek.

"Love you sis."

"GO!"

He turned and ran to the door, turning back a last moment to look at his last living sister. She smiled at him and blew a kiss. He made a motion as if catching it, and placed the closed fist over his heart, and then ran.

Zula turned as soldiers rushed in, Zhao at their head.

"Zula, what are you doing? Zuko just came in here! Why didn't you stop him?"

Her eyes and words were for them all.

"If Zuko is your enemy, then so am I!" she shouted, and the hall echoed her words. Zhao screamed in anger, and the soldiers attacked. Zula never knew the moment when life became death, for her spirit kept fighting. She only noticed that a very familiar little girl joined her battle.

Zuko rushed above deck, and the winds and rain nearly shoved him back into the hall. He forced himself into the battling crowd, fighting his way to the one familiar face he could see.

Sokka fought bravely against the five fire-benders. Zuko hadn't taught him how to fight against multiple enemies, but he was improvising. He managed to defeat them but wasn't ready for the one behind him. He turned at the last moment, only to find the blade blocked already.

"Zuko!" he breathed, as the soldier fell to Zuko's sword. The prince smiled at him weakly, managing to have a conversation as they fought back to back.

"Hey Sokka."

"Damn you look awful."

"I can only imagine."

"We thought you were dead."

"I was there for a minute."

Sokka stared at him incredulously, but Zuko shook his head.

"Where's Aang?"

"Saiza came up from below with him a few minutes ago." Zuko nodded. He must have still been gone then.

Suddenly Iroh spotted them, and he knew Aang was with Saiza. Their battle was done.

"Guerriers Réels! Back to the ships!" All were eager to heed his call, and their enemies were glad to let them go. Despite their allegiances, it hurt to see fire-bender versus fire-bender.

Sokka walked towards the nearest ship, and Zuko started to follow, but the inhuman strength that had so helped him before suddenly abandoned him and he fell to his knees. Sokka turned back and struggled to bear his weight, but weakened and tired as he was, he couldn't manage it. Jet showed up, and together, they half-dragged/half-carried Zuko to the nearest ship.
Katara allowed Aang and Saiza to guide her to the nearest ship. None of the saw the three boys get onto another ship nearby.
Hessair and Akierin landed on the largest ship they could find, both abandoning their bonds in search of shelter, water, and warm food. The Guerriers Réels were happy to accommodate them.
The sun rose on a defeated Fire Nation ship limping back home and a victorious Guerriers Réel fleet.
Katara flitted through the infirmary. She'd spent the entire night up searching for Zuko, Sokka, and Jet until someone informed her that they could well have gotten on another ship. So she'd headed down the hospital wing and helped with the injured. Her water-bending was a gift to the wounded. It cut down on skin-to-skin contact, and prevented infection, so her main job was cleaning the wounds, and then others would go behind her and wrap the soldiers up. Even the worst-injured worst-tempered fire-bender had a kind word and a smile for her. Whether this was due to the fact that she was their future princess, or just a kind-hearted soul, Katara didn't know…or care. Working with the wounded pressed her worry for her boys down to a dull ache.
But she shouldn't have worried, because at the moment, every one of them was asleep. Zuko's injuries had been carefully attended to, and the healer had given him a strong bitter potion to help him regain his strength. It had also made him pass out. Sokka and Jet got something to eat, bathed, and then followed his example.
The Guerriers Réel fleet docked at the nearest island, which happened to be Kyoshi. The villagers were happy to help, and many donated any available space in their homes to the wounded soldiers. Suki met up with Sokka and Jet first, and guided them, carrying Zuko on a stretcher, to her own home.

Katara ran from house to house, desperate to find them. Finally she made it to Suki's house, her worry turning frantic. But it all faded when the first thing she heard was Zuko's heavenly laugh. She burst into the room, and there they were, happily eating stew. After a moment of stunned silence at her appearance, she flew across the room to where Zuko was laying on a bed, propped up by many pillows, and began kissing him like tomorrow would never come. He wrapped his arms around her, and Suki, Jet, and Sokka silently filed out, shutting the door behind them.

The villagers and unhurt soldiers danced through the town, cheering, singing, dancing, and feasting. Things were beginning to look up with their first direct attack on the Fire Nation.
Iroh and Saiza had purposely planned to the let Zhao and Zula get away. They were messengers to the Fire Lord that the Guerriers Réels were a force to be reckoned with. After making sure that the wounded would be cared for, and after the night's celebrations, they took their unhurt soldiers to their nearest headquarters, preparing for the next leap of the war. Jet and his Freedom Fighters went with them.

Before they left, Iroh and Saiza had spoken briefly with Zuko, telling him of the declaration of war, and their plans to put him on the throne. In return, Zuko told them of his last conversation with Zula. The general and commander promised to spread the word of her last-minute change of heart, so that the world would think better of her, in accordance with her last request.

As the sun set on the second day after the battle, Aang stood on a cliff overlooking the sea, the Captain Canace by his side. The look in his eyes had changed, and he had matured, a step further towards becoming the Avatar. This was helped by the fact that he'd just received his first kiss.

But now, his eyes were turned towards the trio of women on the shore of the island, visible only to his eyes. A young girl, maybe nine, looked up at her older sister, who smiled down at her and then up at their mother. Their mother held them both close, looked up and met the young Avatar's eyes, and all three waved. He waved back.

"Who are you waving at Aang?" He smiled.

"Just the Fire Lady and her two daughters."

"But Aang, they're dead."

"I know."

Canace shrugged, and pulled the young Avatar back towards the village.

The Ladies of the Fire Nation watched him go, and then turned and walked into their heaven to await their Prince, but only when it was his time would they allow him to come.

He had promises to fulfill.

THIS STORY IS NOT OVER! REPEAT! THIS STORY IS NOT OVER!

Several attempts at randomness...

Scene: Zuko walking through hall after just returning to life...

(Zuko is walking down the hall and the weapon stand is supposed to fall down in front of him, but instead it falls on him. He curses.)

Zuko: God Dammit! That hurt!

Director: CUT! Fetch the first-aid kit!

Stage hand: Prepared! Do I get a raise?

Scene: Right before this chapter...characters preparing.

(Katara comes screaming out of her trailer. her hair is pink.)

Katara: WHO THE FUCK MESSED WITH MY SHAMPOO?

Zuko: (after running up after she screamed) Well, Katara, when I said you'd make a good fire-bender I didn't think you'd take it to heart.

Zula: (runs up. freezes. bursts into laughter)

Stage Hand: (runs up) I'll get the hair stylist.

Scene: Before chapter...

Iroh: (sitting in trailer with Jet and Zhao, sipping tea. Suddenly, all jump up and start waving hands in front of mouth)

Zhao: HOT! HOT!

Iroh: WHO PUT VOLCANO HOT SAUCE IN MY TEA?

Jet: WHO GIVES A DAMN ABOUT YOUR TEA? MY MOUTH IS ON FIRE!

(Sokka walks by each time, whistling innocently)