Aang found himself being violently aroused from his slumber when he got a boot in the stomach. His features tightened as he winced in pain as he held his abdomen that began to bruise and a single bead of moisture fell down on the broken and cracked limestone floor.
"Ahh! That hurt like a komodo rhino just impaled me! That if I was to tell the truth hurt me! Who did that!" he shrieked as he unintentionally active his Avatar's spirit which caused all the flames on the lifeless isle then to start flare up!
"Shh! You are going to give away this island location if you don't calm down Aang! Come you're education starts now! Come we have a long road ahead. Approach me Aang." whispered Akiko as she put her sword away in its sheath and helped him out of bed.
"Why did you kick me?" inquired the bewildered child as he began to pull on his boots and wipe the sleep out his eyes. He then become conscious it was still dark outside. "Akiko Why are we getting up in the early hours? Its not even crack of dawn yet!"
"Young Savior, do you really assume that the inevitable conflict which lies ahead will be to your convenience? No, it will not. You have to master Water, Earth and Fire. As well release the power of Rainbow winged Snake and Thunder Eagle. You will also have to become skilled at how to execute basic Mystic Arts. This will be easier said than done. This will be the hardest thing you have every done. You are our only hope. The pain you felt from that kick will seem very minute compare to full on ferocity of Lord Ozai! He is a cold-blooded, unpitying and beyond malevolence human fiend! He won't be honorable! You have to fight even when it pains you to get up. There is a proverb among the Dragons stating, "The most important lesson each of us must be taught is the true strength of heart and to have the strength of character by no means to give up no matter how fruitless things turn out to be." So no matter how you feel you have got to be able to fight even if you have not eaten or taken a drink in weeks you will fight. Now come! There is no further time for having this discussion, I have a little challenge for you so follow me." She said with a twinkle in her eyes as she positioned her mask on her face and showed him the way to the coastline.
She inhaled deeply the sea air, before turning to face the child who was paying more attention to the tiny silvery fish dance on the moonlit beach than her. Her body language becomes very aggravated. She glared at Aang for a moment then smacked him across the face.
"Bring to a halt striking me! It hurts!" bellyache Aang as he massaged his cheek.
"Listen, Avatar! I already told you the battle ahead would not be to your convenience! So don't begin howling like a child! You might be twelve but you don't have time to be a child any longer. So suck it up and listen carefully ok?" said Akiko in frenzy as she drew a line in the sand and turned to face Aang.
He looked like he was ready to shed tears. Behind her scarlet spirit mask her unsympathetic features soften to that of a concerned mother. She fell to her knees and held in her arms the child closely then raised her mask just enough to kiss him soothingly on his redden cheek.
"Please forgive me Avatar Aang, I'm acquainted with the fact you don't fully understand what lies ahead of you. I know deep inside you are skeptical that you can do what you were born to do. But I hope you become conscious to the fact that the Spirit of the Avatar chose you for a reason. And I'm positive the reason was not because you are brilliant at the art of bending but what your heart is more powerful then whatever malevolence is on this planet. What is in our hearts and souls are more powerful then abhorrence, ravenousness, lust, power and terror. You comprehend the value of love and friendship. You saw the good in Zuko that even he was unaware it even existed within him. You unchained Zara from her chains and given humankind more hope then even I dared to dream achievable. Your father would have been very swollen with pride because of you, what you have accomplished, and all you have yet to achieve." She whispered compassionately as she fondled his face.
"My father? I have no father. Airbenders never are acquainted with their biological parents. We have no knowledge of the ones who gave us existence. It is tradition that the boys and girls are raised apart. We are taken from our mothers not many days after we a born to our respected temples. So I really don't have a father." Aang put in plain words the details that surround his upbringing regretfully as his gaze wander to the moon in the inky blackish blue sky as a star fell down past it.
"In that case why do you show off his beads around your neck, if the were not a gift of love and a token of his affection for you? Make a note of this piece of advise of ancient knowledge, Aang a parent is more then one who bestow the gift of existence; a true parent is one who is a part of one existence. You think Zhao is my father or Ozai is Zuko and Zara's? They each gave us life but they both haven't been a part of that life. A father would not destroyed by fire his own son face and would not used his daughter to be an instrument, an advantage to be triumphant in a blood-spattered and nonsensical confrontation that should not even been permitted to go on this long, or leave his only child to be on their own with no one else and abandoned them forever. Kin is not just about blood that flows through our veins, as it is about love. You, Katara, Sokka, Momo, Appa, Zuko, Zara, Iroh, Luke, Crimson, Suki, Haru and me? We are all family and that means till the day we draw our last breath we will each other and do all we can to protect and be concerned for one another. Monk Gyasto loved you like a son, so in everyway that beyond doubt mattered he was your father. You saw him in Heaven Light and he gave you something to give you strength and comforted you in your darkest hours. Now are you ready for you challenge?" she inquired him as her words of wisdom wisped through out his mind and into his heart and soul.
"Why not? I'm ready!" he shouted
"Alright I want you to run from this line here around the perimeter of the island ten times." She started to explain before he interrupted her
" No problem! That will be a piece of cake! I'll be done in less then ten secs!" he was just about to run when she pressed her sword against his chest.
"Let me draw to a close, Avatar. You have to run around the island ten times prior to daybreak on an empty stomach, that means no food or water, devoid of the means of any extraordinary powers. And you have till dawn to completed this task. Do you comprehend?"
" I beg your pardon? But that unattainable! I'll by no means make it! The island itself has to at least be three miles long!" he howled taken aback to the core of what she was requesting.
"Three and half miles long through some of the most riggers and dangerous terrine you can possible image. Crack of dawn is in four and half hours you better get going. I know I seem malicious, but I'm only being malicious to be kind. There is an important lesson here to be learn hopeful when you complete this you will have learn it and if not you will repeat this exercise in till you do get it. So go now!" she ordered him and he started to run.
Sighing she went to her sanctuary. She looked at the floor at what become her meditation areas. It was a huge circle with different colored candles arranged in the Avatar cycle. Each color repented the nation for it had its element symbol and season. The tiles were also arranged as the symbol of the elements, season, and Animal Spirits.
With a wave of her hand she lit the candles and began to meditate in front of an ancient alter. She was so deep in focus she didn't realize someone had come in.
"Akiko?" called out a voice quietly
She screamed and turned to face Zuko giving him the impression of being an annoyed and flabbergasted.
"Zuky! Make somebody's day and don't do that! Meditation is the only thing that can tame my irritability! Uh would you care to join me? It would make the next two hours fly right by!" she chuckled lightly as her cheeks flushed as crimson as Zara's locks.
"Is there a explanation for you being up in the early hours? I like meditating myself. But still we both need to sleep occasionally. Is there something bothering you? Talk to me Akiko. We have not kill time for two years of separation from each other to mess up the best thing in each of our lives. So tell me what is bothering you, my Fire Lily?" he asked quietly as he fondled her face tenderly.
"Zuko. I just sent Aang on his earliest of scores of challenges. He must be experienced. His buddy Bumi educated him that he must always open his brain to the possibilities. I'm setting up to train his whole mind, body and soul. I have training exercise for all the others. But first we must compose ourselves. Did you sleep alright, my love?" she asked innocently as she began her deep breathing exercises.
"I'd slept very well, thank you for asking. But you give the impression of being, like you have not slept in months. This war has taken a heavier toll on you and the rest of humanity then anticipated has it not? When I was original cast out of the Fire Nation homeland I couldn't sleep for a long time. I had an even harder time sleeping after assuming the guise of the legendary Blue Spirit to liberate Aang. I commit to memory with absolute clarity what Ozai said to me before he charbroiled my face. He said, "You will learn respect and suffering will be your teacher." I've learned it all right, but not what he was thinking. I've learned to respect others and myself. I have also gain knowledge and wisdom from my suffering the true values and treasures of life and was finally able to learn by heart what my mother had tried to teach me." He smiled a small smile as he touched her face with his right hand and they held in each other's arms.
She smiled affectedly as they kissed and she began her daily ritual of praying to the Spirits and Dragons. After an hour she and Zuko walked hand in hand to see the others.
They were all-dead to the world completely and with the crack of dawn still far off gave no signs of waking in a little while. Akiko strolled over to Sokka and plugged up his nose and covered his mouth and after a moment he woke wheezing for a lungful of air.
"What… was … that… for!" he said furiously he as struggled to breath correctly
"Delighted to see you, wide awake and able-bodied Warrior of Water. Now follow me and I will give you your assement. It is quite challenging! Come we're are wasting precious daylight." She told him in a peculiar tone as she got up and about and dusted herself off.
"Hello! It's still in the hours of darkness! Normal people sleep till the sun is up! So if you don't mind I'm going back to slee... Hey! Bring to a standstill that at once! I bruise like a sea prune! Hey you're pulling my arm out of its socket!" he yelped as she began dragging him by his right arm.
Akiko may not look like it but she was just as physically powerful as any man. Sometimes even stronger. She was rolling her eyeballs in her hand as she let him to the northwestern side of the island. The water around her was like a uncontrolled monsoon. White water and rocks and many unseen dangers. This where Sokka would begin his training.
"Warrior of Water stand forth. Look before you. This place is called Ruhakana Tallulah. More or less translated it means "Augmentative Leaping River." This is where I want you to train. Take a good look. Understand its power and be in awe at its exquisiteness." She gave details in perfect clarity as her hand swept over the vast beyond of the reverberation of the Thunder Sea.
" It is stunning. But what do you want me to do?" inquired Sokka with a perplex look on his face as he scratched his head with his other hand on his side.
"What I want you to do is instruct a team of little children how to build a craft and navigate it through these treacherous waters to the other side of that outcrop of rocks and sail the perimeter of the island. You will have a series of many dangerous obstacles to get through. Think you can handled it?" she said with a gleam in her eyes.
"Me? Handle a bunch of kids? Ha Lady after dealing with Aang this long I can take any kid you can dish out at me! I adore ice dodging. I live for the challenges of life! But first I think I'll snag a bite to eat! Whoa! Hot feet!" he said as he rubbed his foot while glaring at Zuko who was in good spirits.
"I'm afraid you can't eat till you catch your own breakfast. That will be after you build the boat and can get through Ruhakana Tallulah and then if your crew can actually catch food with their um how do I put this kindly disadvantages." He said quietly laughing a bit.
"Come again Ashes for Brains?" inquired a befuddled Sokka not getting the joke
"We have selected for you a team of three kids. They each our from a different nation and have all experienced different experiences in this war, as well as all being a bender. But one more thing that they share is each has a different handicap. Roja of the Fire Nation is sightless, Rocco of the Earth kingdom is unable to hear and Ryba of the Water Tribe is voiceless. You have to help them over come their difference and work together to complete thy task or thou shall not eat. They are waiting in Ruffina Grotto is about 245 feet north of this spot. The cave is surround by red crystals just go through the bamboo and over the creek and you'll find them and your tools and equipment to make the boat. Hurry up when the sun is high and reflecting off these waters you turn redder then a tomato. Well what are you doing standing here! Go!" she yelled at him.
"He sure is pathetic at times," retorted Zuko with a wicked chortle.
"Maybe so, Zuky, But the Wind Whale chose him and he will have to unlock its power on his own. Come we must get Katara for her mission. You better step aside in exactly two minutes because Aang will be coming by." She said thoughtfully as she nonchalantly slapped his wrist
Sure enough he sprinted next to them and said in out gasping voice deprived of much air " See you later" as he pushed himself harder. He was beat red and sweating more then a hog monkey during heat wave but he kept on going.
They reached Katara and the others and woke them. They all criticized her very vociferously that it was too early to get up but she was not taking no for an answer that they follow her and Zuko.
"Suki I would like you to train some unsullied aggressive ladies. You will be training in a new location today, that Zuky will be so kind to take you to in a moment. Haru you will go to the carven with the huge onyx rock in front and wait for further instructions. Katara follow me!" she snapped as she motion with her sword in the directions they were to go.
When they had trek a good-distanced Katara finally spoke.
"Akiko? Where are my brother and Aang and why did Zara get to sleep? And where are we going? I'm still unfamiliar with this island terrain. Where are we going?" she inquired yawning a bit and rubbing the sleep out her worn-out attractive azure eyes.
"You shall see. Aw here we are. This is the spot. Katara did you know the coral reefs are their own little communities built up on those who have come before? The combination of this island volcanic past and the coral reefs are great source of much good fortune. Now beneath the tranquil turquoise waves is one of the world oldest and largest and most colorful reefs in existent." She sighed happily
"It is beautiful the sea. But what does this reef have to do with my skills as a Waterbender?" inquired Katara as she fix her eyes upon the infinite ocean.
"You are the sea, Daughter of Water. The tides are your breaths. When you are calm the sea is at peace and is kind to those in and above it. Your heart is the bountiful wonders of the ocean and your temper is the rage of the water's fury itself. You can walk and dance on water devoid of sinking underneath the water surface." She smiled in a dreamy fashion as she spoke in a rhythmical tone of voice full of emotion.
"Wow, I… I'm speechless you make me out to be some kind of goddess of the sea not merely a girl who can manipulate water with her thoughts. I'm glad you have such confidents in me. So what can I do?" asked Katara
"I would like you to dive deep beneath the waters and swim along the reef and collect coral flowers and other things I told you about last night that we use for medicine."
"Sounds straightforward." She replied confidently
"Be warned, Child of Liquid Life. These waters may be calm and tranquil above the surface but below it is a dangerous as the fury of one fire tank. You have to watch out for three most important dangers. One white tip reef sharks, silver fin barracudas, and finally a diversity of eels. I hope you have collected enough by noon. Till then we part Katara Mistress of Water." She said as she began walking back to ruined city.
Katara for a few moments stood there bowled over then began to walk towards the waves.
Akiko finally made it to the place where she found Haru waiting for her. He was slumped against the rock snoring louder than a roaring hurricane.
Sighing she prod him with her blade and when that didn't work she blow fire on his butt and that woke him up real quickly.
"Haru! You're one of the finest Earthbenders there is. But in the fight to save the world I need people who can comply with commands. Now a couple of hours of loss sleep may seem very important right now but in the long run you are gonna have to go days without sleep if we are to be victorious! So I want you to take a good long look at that little gold speck on the horizon because you are not going to see the sun for a long time! Now move this rock aside please!" she snapped irritably
With nothing more then a gesture he moved the rock to expose a hidden staircase enveloped in obscurity.
"Follow me." She said as she light up a fist and began to descend the stairs to the black hellhole. They traveled for about fifteen minutes till the reach an arched stone gateway in the shape of the sun and moon. The air here was stale and dusty. It was pitch black you couldn't see anything! The only light was from Akiko's fire. No one had been down here in an extraordinarily long time.
"What is this place? It is creepy. Being down here gives me goose bumps!" said Haru nervously as he shudder.
"This is the Lost Labyrinth of Libra. A pair of twins named Kalinda and Kamaria Libra designed it. This was supposed to be almost impossible to get to the other entryway without going round the bend. But I have faith that you can navigate this maze safely to the other side with out losing your mind. I will give you torchlight to at least see where you are going. I expect to see you for dinner. Good Luck, Son of Earth." She said and went back up to land of light.
"Well here it goes." He thought uncertainly as he took his first footstep over the threshold into the mysterious void of oblivion.
Akiko was halfway back to the shrine when Zuko intercepted her at the heart of a crossroad.
"Well Suki is training the new girls on the south ridge. She seems to have a personality conflict with one. An attractive willowy young woman named Wyanet. She is as striking as a butterfly but as lethal as a black widow. Can you believe all that we got established before dawn? Uncle and Zara are still asleep and I guess we better go arouse them out of bed. Race you!" He challenged her as he grinned at her and she smiled as they ran through the ancient ruins.
"You have done a complete turn around Zuky boy! You wasted two years being vinegary and possessing a uncontrolled obsession for a boy that ultimate turn around and saved your soul." She purred into his ear as she played with his ponytail playfully
"I learned I rather live one day with a true friend then live a hundred years alone. Aang has a talent for making friends. I'm glad our path crossed. I have a feeling before she was murdered Mother knew that what going on right now was going to happen but how it will end we can only guess. I wake Uncle you wake Zara, she likes you." He whispered contentedly as he giggled merrily
Smiling pleasantly under her mask she went over to the scarlet haired loveliness gently awoke her from her slumber.
"Aang? Is that you? Zuko?" she asked as her eyes adjusted to the low light.
"Shush. No Little Phoenix it's me." She told her as she helped her up and out of the thin sleeping mats that were squished together so tightly.
"Dawn is approaching fast. We need to get you started on some important exercises before you can eat. I want you to get out of a series of rooms each with a twisted way in and out of them with out using your powers. Come I will show you." Akiko told her kindheartedly
"Prince Zuko your girlfriend seems really on top of things. Funny I don't remember you talking much about her prior to last night." Said Iroh as he commenced making a little tea.
"Uncle some things are secret. As in a need to know basis. My old existence was so jam-packed of pain and hardship I didn't not want or need any more reason to make me feel of being of inferior quality then I already felt about myself. But she one in a million that for sure. She is hot as fire that gives life and cold as the ice that sooths the heated moments of life. Her rage is like a thundering river and you can always forgive her no matter what. She may be a little crazy but she the nicest girl you'll ever met. She every love I have ever had as well as the only one I ever had." He murmured in a far off dreamy lyrical tone as he sighed and fixed his eyes out to the sea.
"Prince Zuko I never thought I see the day you were a victim of golden arrow of love. Because I thought you were doomed to feel the painful poison that comes from the lead arrow of indifference and hate. But its nice to know your heart is not so black it can't be pierced. I will admit, Prince Zuko I like you this way better to previous circumstances. Your mother, Zalika, would be very proud of you. I know I'm. Tea?" he said as he poured the tea into a cup and held it out to him.
Zuko smiled a small smile that held a moment of pride on his face. He took the cup in his left hand and held his Scarlet Dragon pendent in his right. It glazed in early predawn light and seem to smiling proudly at him. He blinked back a small set of teardrops from his eyes and sipped his tea pleasantly.
"Zuky! Iroh! Come I've assement for both of you! Come we're burning daylight! Come on!" shouted Akiko as she motion for them to follow her. "Iroh I want you to go to the harbor and check out our battalion and navel fleet. We needed your expert opinions on them. Take the path to your left for about ten minutes. You will get together with a young man in lavender clothing's. His name is Aneurin he will help you in your task. Zuky come with me." She said as she led him to a pyramid
"You like barking orders like Zhao. But at least your orders are well intended. What do you have in mind for me?" he asked with his brow frowning
"I want you to do what you did once before. Get in and out of an impenetrable fortress with out being killed or using Firebending. I wish for you to teach others what to do that so they don't grow too dependent of their bending skills. Think you can do that all day till dinner devoid of food or water?" she asked him playing with a fireball in her hands. She extinguished the sphere of flames and presented him with his swords.
"That will be easy. I guess you are going to be busy till dinner. But I'm left to wondering one thing." He said as he seizes the swords from her but didn't let his eyes leave the vacant eyeholes of the crimson metal mask of his true love.
"Zuky boy what's is it that hassling you? I've many other people to tend too, as well meet with Crimson and Luke. What is it, my love?" she asked gazing into his amber eyes sweetly
"What are you trying to teach us with these impossible tasks? How are these "exercises" supposed to help us release the spirit's power within us and help beat my "Father" and save the world? You are a clever and cunning young woman and I'm proud to fight beside you. Tell me what is the answer to my questions?" he asked leaning all his weight on the swords in the ground.
"There are many things Zuko that can't be taught but must be learned from experience. We must find the powers within ourselves by finding out that is who we really are. It is the journeys that we take as we walk the twists and turns of the path in life that help us find out that is how we discover who we are inside our hearts and souls. Our friends, family, and enemies help shape that we are. Life and time are great teachers. We learn from failure and we learn from trying. We need hope that things will get better and faith in one another that we can do the impossible. Love and friendship is the most powerful forces in the world. Remember these three things. A person uses their powers wisely; they are true to the ones around them and true to themselves. For all the power the Fire Lord desire he has neither family nor friends who feel affection for him and bear any concerned regarding him. What is the point of living if you don't share your life with someone else? Set out my love I will wait for you at the ceremonial dinner." She said with a quick kiss and strolled away.
"Akiko you are one of the most remarkable young woman in the human race." He thought has he gone and trained.
Everyone passed his or her trial with flying colors. They were all over and done with by dinner save for Aang who was in self induce slumber after collapsing from just scarcely finishing his task by the skin of his teeth. Akiko had found him pass out on the shoreline and gave him a little water and brought him to nap the rest of the day while she hang around for one and all else to conclude his or her tasks. Everyone was present and accounted for save Luke and Crimson who were out on special assignment and wouldn't be back for three more nights.
"Welcome everyone! You all look so famished! Come we will eat with bountiful quantity that Sokka and his crew were able to congregate. Now eat your spoils and tell me what each of you learned today. Come up and consume your fill." She said sympathetically as everyone put large helpings of rations onto their plates.
"Yum, this is great stuff! Give me a quantity of of the sushi and a little of the pudding and a few sunfish and swordfish and catfish and lobster, and little rolls." Said Sokka as he crammed food into his already stuff mouth.
"Sokka! Please mind your manners! Use a napkin! And don't talk with your mouth full!" snipped Suki with a teasing smile enveloped on her reddish pink lips.
"Its quiet alright, none of you have eaten all day. There is plenty to go around. So tell me about what you learned. Sokka if you be so kind?" Akiko said in her honey toned voice.
"Well it was not very easy to get the task accomplished but we did it. I have the blisters to prove how hard we worked to construct a boat. But getting the three kids to first find a way to talk to one another in ways the all understand what the other is saying was hard but after several almost unbearable hours we worked on a way to communicated. It was noon when we final started working on the boat and by mid afternoon we finished then we launched into the Ruhakana Tallulah. It really lived up to its name. I thought we done for. There were rocks, whirlpools and the water was so violent! But every time danger arisen I don't how else to describe it other than a sixth sense alerted me to the danger. We came, we saw and we kicked the Ruhakana Tallulah sorry ass! Then we caught your guys dinner!" he finished as he gobbled a large piece of blue lobster meat.
Akiko eyes gazed at the fire in front of them and smiled. "Congratulations Sokka. You passed and have begun to discover your powers. You are an excellent leader and have high-quality judgment. You were only able to use the Wind Whale power to become aware of the danger because you proved you already had good instincts. From now on you will always be able to know when threat is coming and every single thing that is concealed will be revealed to you. You will also be able to communicate in any shape or form. Now Katara dazzles us with your exploits!"
"Well I stood by the water for a long time. But I kept in mind what you said. So I took a deep breath and glided the direction of the water. I wasn't thinking I just kept gliding and before I realized it I was in the middle of the little cove and was standing on the water! I slowly raised my arms that had been crossed over my heart. The water began swirling all around me then I exhaled and let the water take me."
"As soon as I was submerged I opened my eyes and was nearly blinded by the array of colors from the reef. I was breathing just fine. I began to collect the items. I was just getting some rare shizu coral blossom when I looked up and saw a large shape coming towards me at break neck speed. It was large gang of sharks! I started to panic and drop the knife and hid. Then when I came out of my hiding spot a lighting eel passed right through me! I then was caught off guard as the pack of sharks swam back at me but for some reason I waved my right hand and the disappeared form view! It was beyond amazing I thought I was done for when a gigantic black and white hammer head came but it seemed to heed my every thoughts and whims! It was absolutely cool!" she said as she ate a little bit of rice and noodles.
"You deserve a round of applauded, Katara. You also gain inner knowledge of your true power! What you have told us you have only had a glimpse of what you can do. You can walk on water and never sink nor drown. Aquatic life heed your every commanded and you can become one with the water, but you can also produce water with out a source nearby. You are true miraculous, Katara." Said Akiko as she deeply breathed in the charming fragrance of hot chocolate and turned to face the Son and Daughter of Earth
"I can safely assume you Suki discovered through your trial the powers of strength, stealth, and inner knowing. You Haru have obtained the powers of inner wisdom and heighten senses and faster reflex. Now Zuky you and Zara enlighten me by means of what you discovered about your Spirit Animal powers?" she inquired with an eyebrow cocked
"I have bountiful courage, fire shields, and much good fortune. I can also sense fear. My normal Firebending skills have been enhanced to the highest degree. Scarlet Dragon is my comrade and we work together as one." Said Zuko as he clasped his pendent firmly
"I'm invulnerable and can restore that which is gone. I have a much clearer conscious with the Little Phoenix," commented Zara with a small yawn
Decently done, all of you. You have come together as friends and formed a bond of unbreakable friendship and true love for this earth and the people who live in it. We are not just fighting for a peaceful future for ourselves but for all who have yet to be born. I want you each to hold each other hand and take a moment to reflect on what was learned today. We must keep looking forward to the distant horizon ahead of us. Understand the true power of friendship and now what we have is more valuable than what those who are true traitors to the Fire Nation who have committed the high treason of betraying of the world. Aang so nice of you to join us come eat you been passed out all day." Said Akiko in a soothing thoughtful tone of voice without even turning around to see who was approaching.
Cradling his black-and-blue abdomen that was roaring louder then a mountain cat-wolf. He began to eat everything in sight so fast he almost forgot to breath. Momo ran around his head before settling on his lap with a half eaten apple.
"Aang! You look, well terrible! What did Akiko make you do?" asked Zara irritably as she got behind her boyfriend and began to massage his throbbing shoulders.
Aang looked appalling all right. He was filthy with bruises and cuts everywhere and his clothes were even more desecrated. His eyes had huge circles and were bloodshot. He needed a bath and a needle and thread.
"Well I had to run around the island ten times without food, water, or powers, prior to first light. I didn't comprehend what Akiko was trying to teach me this morning but now I do." He said as he picked up a soup bowl and began to slurp it.
"What did you learn, Young Savior of the World?" asked Akiko as she wiped her mouth with a gleam in her jade green eyes and her red lips concealed a smile behind the napkin.
"Like you acquaint with me this morning. "The inevitable conflict ahead will not be to my convinces and I must be geared up to exchange blows no matter what and never give up." I also learn what I can do without my abilities. I have patience; determination and I will persevere over the evil that has plaque our world so long. It is my responsibly, an unwanted one yes but I was chosen to have these powers and I must live up to what I was meant to be while staying true to myself." He said jadedly as he drank an extensive swallow of mare's milk and wiped his brow.
"It is truly incredible the mind of a child. You have grasped something that would have taken many others a lifetime to learn. You have gained the bountiful youthful energy of the Thunder Eagle. You have also obtained the healing abilities of the Rainbow Winged Snake. I will point out too each and every one of you that the Spirit's insignias on your palms have began to glow faintly. They will become more apparent in days yet to come, as you grow stronger. All that you needed was within you already you just need a little nudging to bring it to the surface. Now take what you have learned and what you will learn and put all together, only when we act, as one united nation will we win the fight against tyranny and adversity. Now lets join the others for some fun. Iroh is playing his sungi horn tonight and I would love a dance in the silver moonlight" she cooed as she bats her long eyelashes.
That was the routine that was formed. Get up early and to what seem like a pointless and senseless exercise but in the end learn a valuable lesson. But in the mist of all the training creeping about was scent of young love in the air. The children were always trying to have a moment of piece to them.
Exactly one month after arriving on the island of Nuriel when their wish for a night to themselves was granted. It started when Sokka watch Suki finish training her women. She was infuriated with that new girl Wyanet. Sokka went and found her just before the end of the day started. She was more often than not a cool head girl but now Suki displeasure was as destructive as an earthquake.
"Wyanet! I don't know what to do with you! Will you listen me!" screamed Suki furiously at a tall willowy girl with a long mane of wild black hair with gleaming golden eyes that seemed to pierce the very soul.
The girl was more interested in sharping her Sais then listening to her supervising officer. She pretended that she hadn't taken any notice of Suki telling her what to do.
Sokka looked over the girl and was a little more then disturbed by her appearance. She showed off a skimpy black body-hugging outfit with an array of weapons on her belt and probably tucked away in her high-heeled boots. They seem to range from a pair of Sais, a whip, and mini scythe on her belt. Swords and bow with a quiver full of arrows were strapped to her back. She bore even stranger blood red tattoos on her arms, back, legs and face. He had a terrible feeling they were made from the blood of Fire Nation citizens she had most likely slaughter. Sokka truly found himself terrified. Even wondering if he should fear for his life.
"Wyanet! We are required to work together as one! We are a team! Do you comprehend that concept at all? We rise and fall together! We have a responibitly a duty to the world to help the Avatar set the rest of humankind free from the oppression of the crazy Fire Lord. You can't be a loose cannon you heed me! Well do you!" screamed Suki waving her folded golden iron fan at her angrily
Wyanet simply didn't acknowledge her and looked at her long black fingernails. Sneering as she ran her fingers the wild mess of hair she began to walk away from Suki. She turned to face her and said in the coldest most unemotionally tone of voice, "In war pretty girl it's all about survival of the fittest got that? You can only count on yourself. I've witness things that only you thought were only prowling around through the fissures in your nightmares. And you have the nerve to tell me what to do? You're just a stupid little girl with a pathetic fan who has no real grasp on the horrors out there. Let me tell you right now that fan is most defiantly the poorest excuse for a weapon ever! There is no right or wrong or a thing entitled honor in my life and it has no place in war. Trust me I know. Its kill or be killed. You really think some stupid little boy is going to defeat the Fire Lord? HA! You really are a dreamer! Dreams are for fools! I will show you every single one of you naïve kids one day that to defeat the Fire Nation now and forever you have to kill them all. No one in their land deserves to live. They are plague that needs to be eradicated! I will bring them a plaque that will kill them quicker then one can breath! Then once their foul breath has stilled and their heart stop beating we will cut them out and eat them! We will drink their blood and burn their bodies in their own precious fire! That how they shall all die! In the same nightmare that has been plaguing the world for a century! You can't beat the Devil and his apprentices or his sick little followers without playing dirty. You think there is a fine line between good and evil? Ha! There is no such line! It is all hogwash! The lies they feed you so you will be brainwash to fight for a "Just Cause"! It's not even in existence! That what this war is destined to come down too. You can't expect foolish dreams and petty love and pitiful bonds of friendship to win against the fury of Hell. Think about that tonight o wise sensei. Good night Little Girl!" she roared at her before storming away. They watched her disappear into the murkiness and taking a swallow out a black hip flask.
"Brr! That girl colder then the ice back home in the South Pole. I don't know how you have the patience for someone like that." Said Sokka as he walked through the trees.
"Sokka it's wonderful to see you. It's not easy that much I can tell you. I don't know what to do with her. She's nothing like in the least like any other trainee I have ever encountered. She's an excellent warrior and very brave, loyal, and intelligent. But she's also fiercely independent, arrogant, and brash. She always says what's on her mind without thinking and she's impossible to get along with. She is not very social for another thing. She set up her tent far away in a rather desalted and secluded place. I don't know what I'm going to do with her. I tried to have Luke help with some of his techniques but nothing seems to be of assistance to the unfortunate soul. I beg your pardon? What that under your arm?" asked Suki with much curiosity pointing to Sokka right arm
"Oh this? Well um it's a,… um… it's a picnic. I was hoping you want to go with me to this spot I discovered yesterday and have a picnic and watch the sunset. Well how about it?" he asked nerveless playing with his hands.
Smiling she took his hands in hers and said tenderly "I would love to have a picnic feast with you. Show the way."
He took her hand and then led her up a steep, slippery, rocky path. She fell a few times but he caught her. Finally he led her to a small clearing over looking the coastline. Sokka then took something out of the basket and laid it out and Suki gasped out in amazement with tears in her green eyes. The blanket was green and gold to match her home island but in the center of it an embroider picture of the Avatar her home had been named after.
"Sokka that is amazing! Did you get Katara to do it for you?" she asked as she ran her hand down the precious emerald silk.
Sokka got red in the face a little and hid from view his hands behind his back. "No, actually I've spent most of my free time this past month making it. I made it for you because you are a strong and beautiful young woman and more of a warrior then I'd ever hope to be. It wasn't easy let me tell you. Lot of holes in my hands." He chuckled as he showed her his hands and blushed even more.
She took his hands into her hands and kissed them. "Come lets eat." They proceed to eat while watching the twilight on the distant horizon.
"Ever notice the sun setting on the distant horizon is like a metaphor for the voyage we have all decided to take part in. We can't stand by and do nothing. I refuse to live under a dictator. I would gladly give up breathing the air then live in the world those mad men in the Fire Nation hope to do. What do you think, Sokka? What do you dream or hope for?" asked Suki thoughtfully as she brushed a piece of hair out of her face.
"Want to be acquainted with the truth, Suki? Well previous to this. This life of protecting Aang and constant traveling and fearing for our lives and everything that been done and has yet to be done I was even more of a jerk. Just a boy who didn't dream at all thinking all was lost already. I had had given up on hope a long time ago. I dealt with reality and not what seemed to be foolish dreams of children. But I realize now people need their dreams they need hope. You will find salvation in your dreams that your not truly complete in less you have them. When I met you I dreamed every day of the day I could return to you. Those dreams and the feelings I have inside of me make me feel like I don't want to waste time. I want to take a chance and fight for those dreams to become a reality so my feelings can thrive in a free world. Suki do you understand what I'm saying?" he asked with huge gleaming blue eyes.
"You have a piece of prune on you cheek let me clean it up for you." She said as she wiped it off. While she was doing that he put the last piece of crabmeat in her mouth. She licked her lips and smiled. Flashing open her fan and concealed them kissing at the moment of sunset. Down on the beach below it seem that they weren't the only ones with love on their minds.
Katara and Haru were walking hand in hand bare foot across the beach with the wave gently lapping their feet in soothing water as well as letting the salty ocean breeze brush gently along their faces.
"It is so beautiful tonight. Like it's almost possible to forget that there is a war out there being here as long as we have been. Do you, Haru like what you see when you look at your reflection?" asked Katara as smoothed out her braid.
"I like what I see. You're the reason that I see love reflected in mine and your eyes ever time I look in the mirror." He said lay down on the beach with her gazing out at the endless sea.
"Hmm you are so romantic, I know Mother would had love you." She said loudly she then whispered to herself while touching her necklace "You were right Mom. He the one."
"What you say, Katara I couldn't hear you above the sounds of the sea. Tell me." He said as he skipped a stone across the water. It skipped seven times.
Sighing she spoke of something she had thought a lot about lately. "During the eclipse a month ago the night we came here. We had gone to Zara and Zuko's Mother Zalika 's grave on Fire Lily Island. We were there for seven hours but we actually spent seven days in Heaven. We meet our lost loved ones. We can't tell what we saw but I can tell you, Sokka and me meet up with our mother Tanana. She told us something but I can't tell you what it was. Not that I don't want to but when I have tried to before to speak of this with someone who was not there I speak either backwards or in gibberish or both at the same time." Sighing she grabbed at her braid and tried to keep it from coming apart.
"Stupid wind! It's messing up my hair!" she muttered crossly
"Actually I like it better down, where it's wild and loose and free. You look much pretty that way. More like an Angel of the Water" Said Haru sweetly
"You do? Well in that case." She shook her head till all of it came loose and blushed at him. They spent the rest of the hours of darkness making sandcastles with their powers.
While Zuko and Akiko disappeared for another night in the hot springs Zara was looking for Aang. She found him sitting on top of the temple. He was in very deep thought.
"Copper piece for your thoughts?" she said gently as she placed a hand on Aang right shoulder.
"Zara. It is always a pleasure to be in your presence. I do have a lot on my mind but I really don't want to have a discussion about it." He said as he looked away from her and stroked Momo.
"Well since you won't talk about it let me be allowed to fill in the blanks. I think you are still doubtful about yourself because even though you have master all the elements, and have both powers of Air Spirit Animals and the Mystic Arts assistance you up you still think we might lose? Am I right?" she said holding his hand as she batted her amber eyes at him.
He nodded so slightly it was hard to tell but it was a nod.
"Aang, there is always going to be that chance. But it's better to take a chance and risk it all then not to do anything at all. After all you have taken many chance along this journey."
"You are also worried that if we fight those who you love will get hurt and depart this life. Well our little trip should tell you those who are deceased and gone to the winds of yesterday are still with us as we go on."
"We have a treasure worth fighting for. It is worth more then all the riches in the world put together. It's the people in the world. Treasure made of gold or jewels there not worth anything you can't take it with once your gone. It wills eventual turn to dust. But true friend like all of us? We last without end." She said as she swung her legs about.
"How did you get to be so wise for one so young?" he asked as a little yellow and red bird landed in his outstretched hand.
"Aang we all mature differently. Think about it. You may be technically 112 years old but everything about you is just 12. But age doesn't always mean wisdom. Life itself breeds wisdom. I do have something I want to share with you." She said as an identical bird flew to her hand. She gently petted it.
"What to you want to tell me?" he asked with curiosity of a cat.
"I used to fear full moons. They are supposed to be beautiful and romantically. Shine over the land at night like a lantern showing us the way home safely. But it just doomed for me the Nightmare of Death. Then one full moon at midnight the nightmare changed. It happened just one day a day like any other. When the moon got the midnight point I was once again trapped it what was inevitable the day the world ended. I began to fall into an endless void of fire and then I was saved. I looked at a boy. A boy with the most beautiful gray eyes that was so full of stories. That boy showed me the world from a whole new perspective in shimmering light of silver moonbeams. He found all the people who had lost with out hope and found them the way home. He was an angel in disguise bringing love to all the corners of the world. He would keep his promise to make life never end in pain again." She said as she took his head in her hands and gazed into his gray eyes and kissed him.
"I will make you a promise tonight. An unbreakable vow of true love. I Princess Zara of the Fire Nation, Daughter of Lady Zalika, Niece to General Iroh "Dragon of the West" and Sister to Prince Zuko solemnly swear that for the rest of my life I will love you, Avatar Aang. I can't live without you or my soul will die. I'm telling you the honest truth Aang. I will love you forever and for always." She said as she placed his right hand over her heart and her right hand over his heart. They were beating in sync.
"Zara you are the most amazing girl I have ever met. But there is one more thing still bothering me and it won't be so easy to lay to rest." Said Aang as he turned his gaze to the darkening skies as the stars set in motion emerging one by one like diamonds being sewn on a piece of indigo silk.
"I would feel a lot more confident with myself if I was able to find out if any other Avatar has gone through what I have gone through." He said staring at his feet.
"Can't you summon Avatar Roku?" asked Zara confused.
"Don't you think I've attempt it already!" he shout angrily at her tighten his hold on her wrists.
"Aang! Calm down! Please you're hurting me!" she whimpered
He at once let her go. Staring at his hands in horror.
"I'm sorry." He began to cry as streams of tiny beads of moisture fell from his face onto the grimy splintered granite floor.
He fell into her arms and she held close him tightly and comforted him for an hour. "Come we will go visit Luke. He might be able to be of assistance to you. Aang don't apologies. Zuko has done a lot of that both of you have had your share of traumatic life altering events. You have every right to be angry. Come lets go." She said kindhearted.
They walk till the came to Luke tent. He had just finished his three-day of solitude. He hadn't eat or drinking or even be disturbed since her request that he need three day to recuperate from his latest assement. As the approached they saw him talking to Crimson as they let go an embrace.
"Thank you Luke it was enjoyable. See you later." She whispered before she walked to her own tent.
"Hello Aang, Zara! Been a long time since I've seen you two lovebirds around. But then I've been really busy myself lately. Lovely evening is it not? Why are you looking at me that way?" inquired Crimson as her grasp tighten around her galvin
"Nothing just wondering what you and Luke were up too." Said Aang with big eyes.
"Well Luke and me had a little tea and we also had a discussion about an up coming operation. Whatever else is going between him and me is our business. See tomorrow." She said as she walk away passing the light of the torches just long enough to see huge bruise on the right side of her neck.
"Do you think he hurt her?" asked Aang as they walked up the stone steps to Luke's tent. He notice Zara was trying hard to hide a giggling smile. "I beg your pardon? What so funny, Zara?" asked the boy not get the joke.
"Aang. That was not a bruise. It was a hickey!" said Zara with a smile
Aang stared at her still baffled. "What is a um "Hickey?" he asked naively
Laughing so hard it hurt her sides she explained to him "Aang a hickey is caused when someone been necking you a long time. In other words it cause by extensive kissing on the neck. You did notice her garments were a little bit sloppy. You didn't notice that Crimson and Luke had the hots for one another?"
"Are you children going to come in or chat out in the cold all night?" asked Luke appearing from the opening of the tent.
"One might begin too question your upbringing. Now what brings you two too my domicile in the early hours of darkness?" He inquired respectfully as he lead them inside and poured them some warm drinks.
Aang was just staring into his tea lost from the world around him for a moment.
Zara scoffed and muttered "Oh brother!" as she jabbed him hard in the stomach and cause him to spill hot tea on his pants.
"Yow! Hot!" he said as jumped high.
Sighing impatiently Luke got a towel and cleaned up the mess.
"Sorry Luke. I didn't mean too." Apologized Aang.
"It's alright no harm done. Now please tell me what you came to me for." Said Luke compassionately
Aang sighed heavily and closed his eyes and look at Luke before opening them again. "We have all trained and worked hard to come to where we're at. But I can't seem to feel anymore confident about what to come, the battle between Fire Lord Ozai and me then a man who can't swim in the middle of the ocean. I've tried to talk to Avatar Roku but all of my attempts have failed. I can't summon him. I need to speak with him. We thought you could help me contact him."
"Well your in luck I just master a very difficult Art to perform in which during the midnight hour of a full moon like tonight summon a sprite from beyond but you would have to a lot of work. Come we must hurry to the séance chamber in the temple if we are to do this."
He brought them to a scared chamber. There was a formation of crystals in the center of the room. They each formed a circle around the crystal.
"Now when the moonlight hits the crystals we can call forth Avatar Roku. But understand this, Aang I have never done this before. It might not work if there is a lot of negative energy. Free the mind, release the body, let fly the spirit. Now do feel calm and relaxed?" asked Luke
"Actually I feel quite literally bend out of shape." Said Aang who had some how gotten himself into a pretzel, He laughed sheepishly.
"Aang please! This no time to be a happy go lucky goofy kid!" said Zara as she helped him unwind.
In moments the moon was directly above them a beam of silver light hit the crystal that began to glow.
"We call across haze of space and time, to call upon one from the other side of the line. May thy spirit cross willing the great divide from land of eternal rest to land of living for o scared hour of both day and night. We call forth one whom never truly dies we summon Avatar Roku to this side of the line for one hour of our time. AVATAR ROKU, COME FORTH! " Chanted Luke, Aang, and Zara
The incense smoke surrounded them and a silhouetted figure appeared radiance of silver. "Aang you summoned me?" asked Roku as he become visible
"ROKU! I have been trying so long to talk to you! Where have you been!" Aang snapped angrily
Roku grinned at Aang and said sympathetically
"You first had to discover yourself before you could converse with me. You have been to gnashing your teeth and disbelieving within yourself that you failed to call upon me for the reason that you by now assumed it wouldn't work."
"Oh. " said Aang blushing while chuckling making him expressing more feelings of guilt and shame at himself.
"Is this lovely lady Zara the one you were having girl trouble with?" asked Roku changing the subject to save Aang from further discomforted
"Yes" he said blushing more intensely
"Aang you were talking about me to Avatar Roku! What did you exactly say about me!" asked Zara
"We simply talked about his feelings for you and how you could be together." Supplied Roku.
"That all. Alright." Said Zara
"Aang hurry. Time wasting. The midnight hour is already begun to wean." harked back Luke
"Yes Aang so what do you want from me?" asked Roku kindly
"Please Roku tell me something of your past. Something that I could relate to. I don't feel confident I can trounce the Fire Lord in less I become more familiar with something more on the subject regarding my Avatar heritage. Tell me have you ever gone through what I have gone through?" asked the boy with extreme anxiety in his gray eyes.
"Let me take you back in time to my youth there is something you have got to witness that will be of assistance."
All of a sudden it felt like what happen when they went to Heaven as they were pulled from their bodies into what went before all the way through a chasm of colors.
As soon as the trio awoke they felt the sun on their faces and were helping each other up when something ran right through them. It was lots of flying lemurs! Aang couldn't accept what he saw as true but it was! He was home at the Southern Air Temple! But it was not his time. He saw no one here he recognized. He simply had to grin home was home no matter what moment in time.
"Where are Aang? This place is beautiful but this not the chamber where are we and why are all animals able to run through us?" asked Luke
"This is the Southern Air temple, my home, but I'm not yet born. We must be in a memory of Avatar Roku mind. There is something here he wish us to see." Said Aang as he gazed around.
"This must be what Akiko felt like when the Dragons took her through time. We have all our sense intact but we are merely shadows on the walls of someone else memory. Huh look by the north wall! Do you see what I see?" asked Zara pointing to the wall.
There at the wall were two adolescent young men looked about 16. One was an Airbender who looked what Aang might look if he ever got to puberty. The other was Roku as a teenager!
"I can't believe you and your juvenile shenanigans, Nusair! I love a good gag now and then but if you don't quit we may not be able to train together under Monk Asa. You are familiar with the knowledge that I have got to learn do Airbending if I'm do my duty as Avatar!" scolding 16 year old Roku to the Airbender boy who was just fiddling with a self made wooden pendent in the shape of a bird of prey
"Roku! Come on! You didn't think it was funny when I released all those lemurs in to the Monks sleeping chambers after we put peach seeds in the entire mattress? Come on you were so laughing!" said Nusair as he began to do a little dance imitating what must have happened that night.
"You should be a little more serious before they decided to take Tao away from you!" he warned
"Oh she a peach! She doesn't do anything wide of the mark but nicking food from kitchens for me. That why I named her Tao because she always-stealing peaches. (Tao is Chinese for peach)
"Come on Roku! Tao and me will race you and Ravi around the mountains 12 times then who ever lose can tell Monk Asa the truth about last night. Come on!" Nusair as opened his glider and his lemur and got ready to fly.
"You know everyone says you live up to your name. That you're a bird of prey when you fly." He chuckled as he got on Ravi head
"Well Asa name means flacon and he lives up too it too. Come lets jet!" shout Nusair gleefully as they took to the skies that were shades and hue of majestic pinks, purples and oranges.
"That boy Nusair seems a lot like you Aang. But there must be more pieces to this puzzle. There is much more too see." Said Zara as she observed from a bird's eye view of things.
"The landscape is changing! Time is passing again look at this place! Do you recognized this place, Aang?" asked Luke as he began to wonder around.
"Ahh! Help me! Ahh!" Luke screamed as he fell down what seemed like a giant slide.
"Got you, Luke! You know they are more fun when you ride in one the boxes. This is great city of Omishu. I know this place well. Let go exploring the palace is just up that hill. Hold on I will get us there!" Aang said blissfully as he took to the air and take wing and flied them up to the palace.
"Sure is a lot of emerald and jade green at this place. Pleasant revolutionize from the entire scarlet embellishing the Fire Palace back home. You know we may not be tangible or anything. I mean we're just shadows in another person memories but I'm hungry. Let go get something to eat if we can." Said Zara as she ran in the direction of the smell of food.
There seated at a long stone table were four people. Three young boys and one man were present. Roku and Nusair were seated on the left eating salad and across from them was a young boy with wild medium length spiky auburn hair. He was dress in fine green robes and he had a circlet band on his head with a glowing green gem. He seemed a bit preoccupied with slipping food to a gray wolf cub that right side of his face was snow white with golden eyes.
The older man had longish auburn hair and must have been the present king. He was speaking to a guard but his attention was quickly changed to the boy on the right with the wolf cub.
"Prince Rafiq! It's very bad manners to feed animals from the table. Especially in front of such honored guest such as the Avatar! I don't know what to do with you! I must apologize for my son rude behavior Avatar Roku he has not been the same since his mother Uma died last spring." Said the king passing Roku a number of rolls.
"You son can hear you, King Jing-Quo. I don't find his behavier offensive at all. Come here little one." Laughed Roku as the pup began licking his face playful
"Arno! Come back. Roku would you and your friend care for a tour of the city. Please Father may I escourt them?" asked Rafiq with pleading eyes.
"Very well but be back an hour before dinner. We begin Avatar Roku training tomorrow in the ways of Earthbending. Take the pup with you too. I don't want him stealing my ox steaks that being served for dinner again." Replied the King as he left them.
Sighing heavily Prince Rafiq exclaimed, "I thought we never get out there! What I give to live like you Roku and you too Nusair, you guys are so lucky that you get to see the world and have such awesome destines. I'm stuck here with my over protective and over bearing father who won't even let me breath on my own!"
"You father seems nice, be lucky you know who your father is at least. Airbenders aren't so lucky. We never know our parents. It is just the way our people are. Still lets have some fun." Said Nusair as he ran along the stone balcony rails.
"I think you be a perfect companion on our journey to help me in my destiny. You have many talents my friend. Including having the ability to make friends with so many people, you really live up to your name." Said Roku to the young Earth Prince
"It's like yours and Roku lives aren't that different Aang. He has good friends form all the Nations too. And he even has a Prince for a friend. But I have a feeling there is something we have yet to see that will be the real reason for our trip to the past." Said Zara as she held Aang hand and the jumped once again.
They landed in the bitter freezing cold of the South Pole. Roku had aged again and with him were Nusair and Prince Rafiq both compiling loudly about the cold. When they had first start this journey Roku had been 16 then 19 now he was out of the age of adolescence and a full-fledged adult at 22. He seemed to be popular amongst the ladies but he only seem interested in a young short quiet 17 year old ragged white hair boy with ice blue eyes.
"Ladies please. I'm not really into this game of flirting all right? Now if you would excuse me." He said politely as he used an Airbending trick to get through the crowed. He walked to the young boy who was by an ice angel statue.
"Hello. How are you on this beautiful twilight evening?" he asked the boy
The boy spun around shocked and was shaking he back away out of shock and slipped and fell over and over in the snow and fell back into a fish vat and broke it open soaking him with water and fish. Everyone else began to laugh so hard the fell down on the fresh powdery snow. The boy blush deep red and ran off faster the rabid polar bear. In his haste he drop something. A light blue headpiece with an azure stone.
Nusair and Rafiq chased away the members of the audience as Roku chased down the boy. They found him in an ice cave with underground lake with a frozen waterfall and tons of ice sculptures.
"What are you doing here o great Avatar! Come to embarrass me some more! Like I can't already do it on my own." Cried the boy angrily as he tried to attack with his Waterbending skills.
"I'm truly sorry none of meant any harm I only wish to be your friend." Said Roku kindly as he bent the water in his own way. "Here you drop this. I figure it must be important too you."
"This was my grandfather Brede. He was named that because he was born on an iceberg. He was the best Waterbender every to live in the Southern Water Tribe. His son Gorman was my father a mighty warrior. I've tried very hard to live up to them but I failed in every way possible. Yes I'm a Waterbender but I can't do it when people are around. And I've tried to be a warrior like my father but I'm clumsy. I've got no friends because no one talks to me only make fun of me." He said sorrowfully as he called up some water and began to bend it till it became a perfect replica of Roku
"You are just shy. You listen well and are kind and very patient. We been watching you and would like it if you join us on a special trip next spring. After I completed learning Waterbending." Said Roku compassionately
"Me? I'd like to go, but were are you going too precisely?" asked the snow haired boy
"We are departing to the Isle of the Avatar to hold the Tournament of Benders." Said Rafiq clearing up in plain words what was to come to be soon
"It is going to be awesome you really learn a lot of useful tips and tricks. We friends to the end. You in kid?" said Nusair cocking his head to one side while letting an air ball slid back and forth down his arms and behind his head.
"I like you guys. I don't feel nerves around you. I'm calm and soothed. I would love an adventure of a lifetime count me in as he took of his right glove and shook hands with Roku.
"Hmm Funny birthmark. What is it of?" asked Roku with much curiosity.
"Oh that it is the Silver Sea Serpent. That why my name is Timin. Because I bear the mark of a Sea Serpent."
"Whoa! Hold everything! Avatar Roku friends appeared to be a lot like mine! Similar personalities and mannerism. It weird! But what else are we required to witness I wonder?" asked Aang as the pursued the boys out into the sunlight and then felt the warm sand beneath the trio of trekkers feet.
"O my god. I never thought I be here! When the games were in session! This place is a sanctuary. No evil may touch it! To see this land and an everlasting monument to the undying sprite of the Avatar, the Human Incarnation of the soul of the planet itself! Its too beautiful for words!" said Luke as he spun around in a circle on the unbleached beach with his ponytail whipping wildly.
"This place doesn't seem much different then when we visit it weeks ago, does it Aang. This place is like the world beautiful soul." whispered Zara as she raced to get into the gates before they closed.
They followed Roku and his party as the made their way to the inn. As the passed everyone bowed. Some young girls threw flower petals at them. Aang notice out of the corner of his eye was a little girl with plutonium-braided hair who was trying to see Roku but was being bullied by some older kids. Finally a large redhead boy pushes the girl on to the street where she lay badly bruised and bleeding. The commotion caught Roku attention and he went over to the girl and clean her up and with a gesture of his hand used all four bending arts to punish the brats.
"Come child you may sit with me in Avatar box for the games tomorrow."
The girl smiled happily and spoke to him words of graduate and kindness.
"That must be Cornelia' s grandmother Zephyr! There must be something here, something a grand significant that Roku wanted us to see. But what could it be?" ponder Aang as he watch the four friends go their separately ways. Timin seemed most eager to see the sights. He was so entranced by the beauty of the island he didn't look were he was going and ran into someone coming out of a store.
"Oh sorry! Let me pick those up for you. Here you go…." He said as lost his breath as he gazed into the eyes of the loveliest creature to walk the earth. It was a young maiden in a petite snow-white silk outfit with raven curls and opal eyes.
"Sir you have my paints. I need them if I'm to do a portrait of the Avatar tonight." She said in a honey like voice.
"He my best friend. He is helping me train to compete in the games next week. My name is Timin after the Silver Sea Serpent. What's your name?" he asked as he blushed intensely
"It is Elyon. My mother is of Fire bloodlines and my father is of Air bloodlines. Never met a boy of water that was so adorable and charismatic. Come would you pose for me? Please?" she said as she lead him to her studio." They left hand in hand with Nusair and Rafiq watching.
"There is someone out there for everybody. Looks like the boy found his true love in just one moment." Said Rafiq as he bit into an apple
"I never believed I lived to see the day when someone fell in love at first sight. But now I have. Come on your Highness we got to get ready for the Games." Said Nusair
While the trio watch as the day of the Tournament of Benders arrived they where amazed that before the games began Timin gave a snowflake chocker to Elyon who kissed him on the lips.
The games were a hit. First Roku did a demonstration of the different styles of bending then the games went in the order of the Avatar cycle. Each of Roku friends won and was award gold medals of Honor. But then tragedy struck. Huge storms came out now where and start to cause pandemonium. Nusair and all the other Airbenders present start airlifting as many people out as possible. Rafiq was helping on ground level with Roku. Timin was helping get the children out and to the shelters when he saw Elyon in trouble. She was trying to help get her little sister out of the mess of panic people.
"Elyon! You get Eve to the south wall I'll get her out!" Timin ordered her as he bended the water into a slide and she got the rest of the children out of the way. But then they became trapped as the high wind speeds blew over a pillar over blocking their escape. They took an alterative route and Elyon made it safety but the archway collapsed on Timin!
"No Timin! Avatar Roku Help! Timin!" Elyon screamed with tears streaming down her face.
Then they saw a look of undecided emotion all over Roku face. He raced to help his friend but because he was so full of doubt, fear, confused emotions his bending powers were out of control! After 20 minutes they managed with Nusair and Rafiq help to dig out Timin. But he was gravely injured.
His body was bloody and bruised. He had burns and broken bones and he was scarcely breathing. His eyes were glassing over.
"Roku? Nusair? Rafiq? Elyon? Can you hear me?" he asked with each breath becoming harder to breath.
"Shush Timin. You are a hero. Lay still, my love. Save your strength. You can't leave me. Not after I just met you. Don't leave me so soon. Timin?" cried Elyon as she held his hand
"Its alright, Elyon. I'm going to die happy. I have everything I every wanted. Friends and love of a woman. I'm complete." He said to he as brought her hand to his lips and kiss it gently
"Roku. You were the best thing that every happen to me. Promise me you won't forget me when I'm gone. That we'll always be friends. Friends now and forever." He said as the light of life was slipping from his eyes.
"I promise all who is present that we will be friends forever. I won't forget you as you may forget me. But if our friendship does surpass even death I hope in my next lifetime we will be still best friends. I will remember when all is soundless that you were my most precious companion. Timin you're the one that will never die. I will never forget you my friend." Roku shed tears for his friend.
"He died that very night. 18 years old with his whole life ahead of him. Yet he died and I couldn't prevent it. I gain knowledge that day of a greatly significant lesson, one you must by no means permit yourself ever to put out of your mind. If you doubt yourself even for just a moment then you can't accomplish anything. Bending is connecting to spirits and emotion state of well being we must be of sound mind and body to do it at our best. We can't lose you. You see Aang though things change through out time many of the most important things remain constant. I hope this helps you in journey. Time for us to go our away from one another. Till we meet again Aang. Believe in your self. Believe in yourself and your friends. Always" said Roku as he disappeared into the mists of time as he crossed back to his side of the line
"Whoa! That was some trip! I never realized that Roku and me had more in common then being the Avatar. He has felt and been through much of what I'm going through. Do you think its possible that his friends were reborn too?" asked Aang as the trio left to go back out into the cool night air.
"Well only person who can be reborn is the Avatar but maybe a small part of Roku's friends live in all of the people you care about. Think. Names and Spirit were similar and where they are from and I think part of Timin lives within Katara. She is the keeper of Silver Sea Serpent and a Waterbender. Roku did say that they would me again in the next life. Who really knows? We are meant to understand all the surrounds the mysteries of death and the afterlife. We are meant to live our lives best we can." Zara said in wise old voice as she gazed at the stars and look at the necklace around her neck then hugged her doll.
"I help you best I could Aang. I help you look deep within yourself. Now you have to discover what makes Aang, Aang. Who are you really? You much more then just the Avatar, Aang, so much more. That is only one small part of you. You must decide who you are and whom you will grow up to be. Come it is late you need sleep. Come I'll walk you back." Said Luke who picked the tried boy up in his arms and walked the Fire princess back to bed.
A week went by before three critical events happen that would change everything. First one was Zara dreaming of the red Dragon Star flouting on the water. Zara instantly told Akiko of this vision and she confirmed that the Dragons had told that they were about to receive a blessing in good fortune.
"My people heaven smiles upon us today. Today the Fire Lord greatest prize possession the warship The Dragon Star is completed at last. The Fire Lords have wait a hundred years for the ultimate weapon to reach its completion. Well that day has come. But we are going to steal it before it can be used for wickedness. I want you to pay attention to Crimson at this moment. She will fill you in on all the information. Crimson?" said Akiko as she stepped down from the stone stage and Crimson went up and started her presentation
"Now the Dragon Star is an impressive vessel. Can hold up to 200 tanks, 3 war balloons, 5 dozen catapults 160 mini boats 15 groups of komodo rhinos and well over two thousand men. The ship steel plating is about 16 inches all in all this is the ultimate weapon of war. Right now its is still in the Fire Nation Navy Harbor a waiting final examination before the crew is hand pick to by Ozai himself. Right now there is about a small skeleton crew of 20 men on the craft. No more than 8 of individuals are Firebenders. Now tomorrow there will be a conference of all highest-ranking officers each giving a present here at the northeast corner in this structure to appeal their case on why they ought get this ship. One of them will be Admiral Zhao." She paused to get a glass of water. They all heard the faint growl at the name from under the Red Spirit mask.
"Please continue Crimson." The Red Spirit said signaling with her hand to carry on.
"Well I was able to sneak into the Fire Lord War Room undetected last week and eavesdrop on additional information. The vessel isn't scheduled to depart seaport till the blood moon. We have five days. The Fire Lord isn't fearful that anything will happen to his cherished ship or they have a heaver security on their beloved ultimate weapon of warfare. The ship is here at dock 3B. We need a strategy too acquire the ship and get it out. We cannot at any cost let that ship set sail! So any questions? Yes Sokka?" asked Crimson as she rolled out a parchment outline of the harbor
"I was a just really curio on how you a girl, no offence was able to sneak into the Fire Lord War Room with out being seen or discovered or remember all this in such details. It look as if it not viable!" he said with hands waving wildly
"I grew up as a slave in the Fire Palace for all of my life. I know the palace and its entire secrets better than anyone even Ozai doesn't know everything about his country. And second, Sokka I been blessed with a photographic memory. I retain information on everything with perfect detail. Now if that answer your questions to you think you can answer mine?" she asked with a queer smile.
"Well here what we can do. First we run a list of our available resources then we work with what we got. Now what do we got that can be of use?" replied Sokka smartly as he hunched over the outline
"Well young Water Warrior we have at our despoils a retried general, a retried Fire Nation General. Iroh step froth and enlighten us with your wisdom." Said Red Spirit as everyone clapped and cheered him forward.
"Come on, Uncle! We could really use you right now. If you help us I swear I will drink nothing but genising tea for a month!" said Zuko as he helped his old uncle to the table.
"Please, Prince Zuko. You need not promise something like that. I have wanted this war to end for a long time. My brother must be stopped if the world is to survive. For if my brother wins the war then a new war will begin with Fire Nation till we have perished too. He must be stopped! Now I can tell you from experiences that these congregation of these areas of discussion last very long hours and these building they hold them in our all most soundproof. I suggest strongly we have two main parties. One seals the building and the officers inside and keeps them busy while the other party get rid of the skeleton crew and get the ship. Then we use the portal disks and disappear before they realize what come about. Now do you have any proposal on who should be in which party?" asked Iroh as reared up and stretched.
"Well let's see. I think Katara and Haru should create a moat around the perimeter of the structure of the council house and Zara and Crimson standing guard and sealing the officers inside. They should have at the very least six of Suki finest students there in case things get messy. While they make sure to keep the numskulls busy Sokka and his team secure the docks while Suki and the rest of her warriors with my help do away with of the skeleton crew. Then Aang uses his powers with the Spirits keeping watch and protecting him then once we have secured the ship and got a safe distance to the rendezvous point we then use the portal disk and get back here before the sun has even got up over its morning horizon." Instructed Luke to everyone.
"This must be perfectly timed. No mistake, not one or its curtains for us. I hope you understand that failure is not option. If we fail to obtain this ship, it will be the being of the end. If we fail we might as well grab a shovel and dig our own graves. Because death will be knocking on our door quickly and swiftly. Now General Iroh and Crimson shall debrief you on any unanswered questions Zuko Aang come with me I will discuss in privet what you are to do." Said Red Spirit as she lead them away from the group to a seclude place.
Removing her mask she look intensely into the child Avatar eyes and spoke in an older mature voice. "Aang, this is what your training has come down too. You must use all that you learned and put it into action. You have to be at your best. I know that you are frightened. But now is not the time for doubt. We need you. So believe and you will succeed. I know you can do it. For you have done it before. Now go and prepare, trust yourself and you can accomplish what seems to be impossible. Remember your father is watching over you. His love will aid you in what's to come. Now go I will be with shortly." She said as she hugged and kissed the little boy who got red in the face and ran to prepare.
"Why did you call me in here? I believe we can do the impossible everyday but what is it that you need me do be here?" asked Zuko
"I want the Blue Spirit to fight along side me. That way we can hold off what going to happen a little bit longer." She said as she went to get something from an oak and bronze chest.
"What do come? I don't understand you, Akiko. Tell me what did the Dragons reveal to you last night during our mediation period? You can tell me." He said as he took her by the hand and ran his fingers through her hair and made her look her jade eyes into his amber ones.
She cried a little and bit her quivering lip and said, "We are destined for greatness that much is clear. But to reach the end of this path we must cross through barren and bloodstained lands. They are barren because we must go alone the blood is stain from both our parents. Our mothers the Angels of Love and our Father the Devils of Hate. I'm destined to slay my father and though I hate him with a passion shaper then the deadliest of blades with poisonous tips I don't know if I can eradicate him. You know as well as I do if Aang even does succeed in defeating Fire Lord Ozai if any of his followers who can't be debrainwashed survive then history will be condemned to repeat itself. An additional bloody senseless war with an even higher death toll will be engaged and we may not be able to stop it. We can't ignore the fact that someone is going to die and we can't be certain that it won't be one of our people. For now we should protect you best we can. I keep dreaming and hearing the Spirits say that someone of great importance in the Fire Nation is going to die. I just want to make sure it is not you. So please become once more the Blue Spirit. For me." She whispered in a low shaking voice full of love and compassion as she laid her head on his chest to listen to his heartbeat and wept.
"I promise you Akiko, you won't be left in the dark again. You won't ever be alone. I will do as you say. Just know you aren't going to lose me." He said as he held her closer.
"I have never felt so many emotions so strongly felt. The emotional auras of the people are all whacked. We have panic, bewilderment, joyful and adventures. But it sure feels like everyone has a huge adrenaline rush. We have to do this. Question is can we do it?" asked Zara she prepared for the mission
"We can do anything Zara. You're not that little girl bound in chains anymore you can fight back now. If we believe and have a positive attitude anything and everything can be done." Aang said reassuringly as he laid his hand on hers.
"Well I hope Aang that after all this training and running for our lives that we really are ready for this. I don't know if I'm strong enough, even with the powers of the Silver Sea Serpent back me up." Sighed Katara as she stared at her right palm were the insignia was glowing bright blue.
Aang looked at the marks on his hands then at Katara's then her eyes. For a moment the young girl Waterbender disappeared into a mist only visible in his gray eyes and he saw Timin smiling at him and felt happy that he lived within another body too.
"Aang! Aang wake up! Why are you gazing at me like you witnessed a specter?" asked Katara as her long chocolate tresses fluttered passionately in the night gentle wind
"Huh! Sorry, its just you remind me of someone I knew a long time ago. In another life. Where the rest of the gang?" Aang asked to quickly cover up the awkwardness.
"Sokka went with Suki too pick their warriors and Haru will be here any minuet he went to get the lucky stone his father gave him before he left to come here. Ah there he is. Haru! Haru!" called out Katara as she ran happily over to him and hugged him
"Katara sweet as water from a mountain spring. Soothing as water too, he inhaled the scent of her hair and smiled some more. "You are sweet, Katara." He said.
"I hope this stone is as lucky as you say it is." She said as she held in her palm a medium smooth black and powder orange gold rock on a leather cord.
"My dad says its lucky then it is." He said as the gazed into each other eyes.
Far away Sokka had already round up his troops and was taking them back to launch sight. But he was a little weary of leaving Suki alone.
"Your positive you don't need help picking 12 girls to come with us? I can help you if you want." He offered her as they went to a crossroad.
"Sokka. I love you very much. But I'm a big girl I can fend for myself. Tell Akiko I'll be back in 20 ok. Just came for me when I call you. I mean if my life on the line and I can't save myself save me ok? Then I need you, but not till then. See you in a little while." She said as she kissed him on the cheek
He blushed with a happy smile and walk away right into a tree. "Ow! Stupid tree!" he grumbled all the way back
She came to the spot where her ladies were training. They were all amazing young women with amazing skills. It was hard to pick just 12 but she was able to pick 11 then out of the corner of eye she saw with the practice dummy Wyanet. She despised this young woman but in reality she didn't know a great deal regarding her. Perhaps she just needs an opportunity to prove herself? Walking over to her she took a deep breath and said sharply "Wyanet! You are coming to be part of an elite group today to pilfer the Fire Lord's warship The Dragon Star. I need one more girl to join me. Can I count on you to be a team player?" she said with one eyebrow raised somewhat
Wyanet twirled her Sais and thrust them onto her belt and tossed her head to get the hair out of her eyes. "Listen Suki. I can do any order you give me. I will follow even if a suicide assignment but I'm going to do in my own style. My way. But I will obey your rules this one time lets go!" she said as she snapped her whip.
The teams board the assembly of skiffs and got ready to set said when Zara cried out in alarm.
"Where Zuko and the Red Spirit? We can't go do this wild mission lacking them they are critical for the plan to a victory! We have to wait!" she cried.
"We leave in two minutes we can't miss one second in the plan. It must work like clockwork! Down to last detail! Where can they be?" exclaimed Crimson as she gripped tighter on the galvin
"Look here they come! At least I think it them." Said Luke as he watch two shadows dart between the trees till they emerged on the beach. It was the Red and Blue Spirit. Everyone clapped wildly. They bowed and got into the skiff with Aang and went out to the sea. Then with a quick spell they were transport to the Fire Nation' Navy Harbor.
Quickly and quietly they broke in too the two groups. Crimson group stuck to the shadows and wait ten minutes till the last of war officers had vanished into the Council House. Using her galvin to signal the other they quickly got down to work. Zara, Crimson and two girls locked and seal everyway in and out of the house. After five minutes Zara singled for phase 2 to begin in their half of the operation.
"Ok we work quick and quietly. Go Haru! Now!" commended Katara as she turn to look her true love eyes.
"OK let's make this place an island!" he whispered in reply as rubbed his hands together. He then leveled his arms to his chest then did a quick whip of his arms in a circle and a circle trench appeared. He then slowly raised the rocks out and taking a deep breath crushed them to dust. Nodding to Katara she began her part.
Steadying her breathing and cleansing her mind of all distractions she gather a mass amount of water from the bay then let in gently rain into the trench.
Clapping quietly as she finished by putting spikes and thin ice in some parts was Haru. "You are a genius! They will never get through that anytime soon."
"The best part is beneath the waves. I asked that hammerhead and some of his pales over to a pool party. They are beneath the waves now. So they better be really careful not to fall for unexpected dip. I wonder how Sokka come along we have ten minutes left to play around with." Said Katara as the group ran to get the meeting point.
Sokka and his crew of the handicap kids were doing just fine clearing the docks. He first sent his boomerang zinging by to distraction then through a combination of bending and clever traps they had the guard strong up like week old fish. Then Suki and Wyanet with other girl in 3 short minuets got rid of the rest of the crew. Luke helped everyone get on aboard the ship while the Red and Blue Spirits stood watch over the child Avatar vigilantly. "Ok Aang everyone and everything is now on board you have to finish. I can from the voice carried on the wind and we don' t have much time. Do it! Now!" Cried out in an anxiety voice with everyone get ready to fight to the death if things went askew.
"You do realize Aang if we can't steal this ship we must destroy it! So don't mess up!" snapped Crimson
"Crimson! Luke! Everyone that's enough he worried enough as it is. Don't make it worse or I will have your heads. Now we need absolute silence. Aang don't think about it just do it." Red Spirit told him with a hug.
"You can do it my friend. I know you can we all believe you can." Said the Blue Spirit who was smiling proudly behind his mask.
"Thank you one in all. Just breath Aang, just breath and do what you already know you can." He said to himself.
He slow rose into the air with his tattoos glowing weakly but getting brighter every moment. First he used Waterbending to push the water back and then freezes it. Then he used Earthbending to free the ship with the help of Firebending to melt the chains. He finished by returning everything back to normal and using Airbending to set the ship sail using the skies as it water till they reached the rendezvous point with swift help of the magic of the portal disks they were back to the Chika Archipelago and home to Nuriel Island.
They landed in the harbor and Aang fell rapidly and hard to the deck passed out and unconscious. "Aang! Aang wake up! Aang!" cried everyone
"He is coming too. Give him some air. You get some food and water fast! Well hurry!" shouted a far off voice
His eyes slowly adjusted to the low light level and he groaned as he tried to get up. But what felt like a hundred hands pushed him back down
"Shush. Lie still your body is still deplete of much energy. You need to rest. You used a majority of your powers to move the craft. You require time to recuperate. Lie still Aang we'll try to build up your energy up again" said Katara as she massaged his brow with a damp handkerchief.
"I'm fine! Let me up! I have to go train!" he said as he staggered to his feet while gripping his left arm
"No slow down Aang! You nearly died today you need bed rest!" cried Sokka as he and Haru tried to hold him down.
"Quit fight Aang you hurt yourself even more! Come on! Zara hold down his other leg!" cried Suki as she began to hold down on Aang left leg.
Crimson and Luke tried to attempted to tie Aang down but he just active his Avatar Spirit and pushed them back and looked with a look a fury on his face.
"Do not treat me like some little kid who can't take care of himself. I'm fine! I must be able to stand and fight now matter what I'm feeling or lacking of. You guys my friends, my family give me more then enough strength to stand. I just need to eat. When we fight for the world freedom to live I may as well be almost dead. But I will fight as if I was just born. Now if you excuse me I must go and eat. I suggest you come too. Don't worry. I won't fail you. I promise!" he said as he walk away with his head held high.
"He like soldier running across the desert with a half full canteen of water. No matter what the odds no matter how improbable he will finish his mission even if it means the death of him. That worries me. A lot. Zuko is going to be alright?" Asked Zara as she clutched her necklace so tight her hand trickled blood
"I don't know. He having to grow up faster then intended. He has been through so much. Come let enjoy the feast. While we were risk life and limb for "Dad" precious ship we had people also free a prison camp and steal a royal ceremonial banquet from the Fire Palace kitchens! Come we feast well tonight!" he said as he swung her on his back and took to the feast.
All the food was delightful. The music as well as songs and dancing were enjoyable too. Just as a slow dance to an old Iroh was playing Fire Nation Love Song on the sungi horn when a single from one of the guard post went off. They had some unexpected guest. Question was where they friend or foe?
The watch a small vessel land on their shores and a very small crew got out. But it was too dark to see who it was. They all nodded Sokka and his team seized the ship, while Suki and her girls trapped the men. Crimson and Luke guard them while Katara and Haru quickly moved the ship. By this time Akiko and Zuko had arrived. Zara want to come but Zuko told to watch Aang who was still weak.
"He will need someone to protect him Zara. He maybe strong and the Avatar but he used the strength of an Avatar 8 times his age. He needs you to protect him as he done time after time again for you. So stay. Only come if its life or death." He had instructed her with a quick hug and kiss "Guard him well Little Phoenix"
"Be out of harm's way Scarlet Dragon," she said as he vanished into the night.
"Good job everyone. Stand back! I want to see their faces. Attack stances now! Be ready if this turns ugly. On remove their masks. One…Two…Three!" she ordered as the masks were wrenched off. And someone gasped
"What kind of welcome party is this? What going on? Who are you kids? Who in charge? I demand too know!" shout one with short gray hair and was very familiar
"Lt. Ji! How great is too seeing you all. I've been wondering what become of you and the crew after I depart." Cried Zuko happily as he was pleased to see his loyal crew not harm nor his own ship, which he almost forgot, what his flouting prison cage had looked like.
"Who are you? And how to you know my name?" asked the suspensions Lt. Who didn't recognize the Fire Prince
"Ji! It's me! Prince Zuko? You don't recognized me?" he asked confused
"You not Prince Zuko. I know him in crowed of a thousand people. His scar was so ugly as was the way it was given to him.
Zuko then ran his right hand down his face as he suddenly remember he no longer bore that mark of constant pain.
"I'm Prince Zuko, Ji. My mother's name was Zalika who died when I was 8 my "Father" Lord Ozai scared me when I was 14. I went insane trying to capture the Avatar. You play the lute on music night and you love, love songs. My uncle the Dragon of the West drinks too much tea. Zara my sister is very beautiful and in love with the Avatar. Those convince you of who I am?"
"You are Prince Zuko! But what happen to the… the…?" he stammer
"Me and my friends went to see my mother at her grave and for seven days were reunited with our loved ones. My mother gave me back my zircon Scarlet Dragon pendent and my candle and let me see my soul. Passing the test I showed I was good and then my scar was removed. I've been here ever since." He replied as he hand them warm blankets
"Thanks? You are different but I can't place it what is different. Now who are you girl?" asked Ji
Akiko eyes narrowed. She ran at him did flip and kicked him in the hand then below the ground. He staggered to get up but she used her Firebending to melt him to place and put her blade to his throat. He was starting to sweat.
"My name sir is Akiko. I'm Zuky girlfriend, as well as the leader of this rebellion. I don't apparent that you and this spineless crew sold out to my "Father" that Zuky old bad boy self had Aang but lost him. You may spend the night on my humble island. I will consult the Dragons on weather I should or shouldn't let you live. Come dinner waits. Crimson! Luke! Keep a close on them. Find out how they found this place." She ordered them
"Who her father, Zuko?" asked Ji timed voice
"Zhao. Come we are eating well tonight. We are celebrating a great victory. Uncle could use you guy as back up for the music act tonight. Zara! How is he?" inquired the young prince
"He fine, for now at least. So who is the intruders?" asked Zara as she brought her brother a plate of dessert.
"Some really familiar faces. Come sit by the fire." He said kindly
They all sat on some hollowed out logs and began to eat happily. After ten minuets Aang came back to the fire after he was done with personal business
"Hi Aang! You feeling better? Or at the very least more full energy? Here have some chocolate cake and some cinnamon buns. I know you have a sweet tooth." Said Zuko as put a large slice of cake and two buns on a plate and hand it to him.
"Thanks, Zuko. You know its your turn to tell a story tonight I hope you picked a special one." He said as bit in to cake getting icing all over his face.
"Oh it special alright. You love it. Ji? Why you looking at me and Aang that way?" asked Zuko confused again
"The Avatar is two feet from you and your not chasing him? You have your prize and you gave him cake! What been going on for last month? What happened too you?" asked the bewilder man
"Why would I want to capture and hand my best friend over to the Devil? Hmm? That not a smart move. Aang is my best friend. Has been since the Citadel. You see after Aang rescued me from the hurricane when I went to find Zara, she was kidnapped by Zhao. So Aang and me broke her out of the Citadel of the Dragon. But Zhao used Blue Fire on her and she was dying. She did die for a moment but then Aang gave up a piece of his Avatar Spirit and saved her. I asked what could I do to repay the debt and all he want…" he started to say before Aang finished for him
"I just want his friendship. I taught him that it's better to live life full of friends then live it in solitude. Zuko I think I know what story would be perfect for tonight. Tell it!" he exclaimed as he made the fire dance in the moonlight
"When Zhao capture the Avatar the Fire Prince thought all his dreams were undone. He paced around his room franticly then he look at the wall and saw twin lightweight broad swords and he suddenly found him self remember childhood bedtime stories of the warrior know as the Blue Spirit. Like a bolt of lighting he made up his mind. He quickly dressed and disappeared into the night.
Getting into the fortress was easy with everyone listing to Mr. Ego go blab blab!
He easily beat all the soldiers in his path as he freed the Avatar, who was worried about frozen frogs. "Wait my frogs. Come back and stop thawing out! Wait my friends need to suck on those frogs!" he had wailed
Though their combined teamwork they got out but Zhao using his newly acquired Yu Yan Archers shot at the Blue Spirit and knock him out. The mask came off so the Avatar used a smoke screen to see his savior and his savior was well me." He could have left me but looking at Aang who took it as a cue to finish the tale.
"I couldn't leave a friend behind, not after everything we be through together. I took him deep into the forest and wait till he awoke then told him something."
"You want to know the worst part about being born over a hundred years ago is? I miss all the friends I used to have. Before the war start I always used to visit my friend Kuzon. The two of us, we used to get in and out of so much trouble together. He was one of the best friends I ever had. And he was from the Fire Nation like you. Do you think if you lived back then we could have been friends too?"
"He attacked and I ran. But didn't realize then I left his confused and wondering." Aang finished as he and Zuko hit their fist against each other
"You are the best thing to happen to me. I'm proud to be your friend Aang. Air and Fire united as one. We can beat Fire Lord Ozai and start the world future anew." Said Zuko smiling
"I hate to break up this. But we just received word that one of the people that we rescued is dead. Do you wish Akiko to lay him to rest tonight?" asked Crimson as she sent the messenger bird back to roost.
"Yes I do. Haru? You and Suki go prepare the grave. Sokka you make the headstone and Katara make the wreath. Crimson you and Luke prepare the body. Zara and Aang spread the word to meet in the Valley a quarter to midnight. Come with me Zuky we will get the candles. Iroh could you and Zuky crew proved the music? Thanks" said Akiko as she got things in order
"I have never been to the Valley because it's off limits why do we go there now?" asked Zuko as the start gathering black candles out of wooden crates
"It is not a place you should want to visit. It is the Valley of the Lost Ones. It is a huge valley. Seems to go on forever. But there is no grass or and plant life their. Just thousand and thousand of graves. Some innocent who died in this war unjustly occupies each one. It is said that no grass will grow till justice is served. Till the war ends and freedom rings in the heavens again.
You want to know the worst part about having to put someone in the ground? It is when it's a child. Like it is so tragically tonight. It is a nine year old boy who had three thirds of his body burned. His name was Kai and now he will never see a world of peace. That enough candles come. I would like if you bring your candle to the graveyard." She said politely
"I will go fetch it at once. I'll meet you there."
At exactly a quarter to midnight it began. To the left of the plot were Iroh and the crew playing sad music with Suki and Haru on one side of the grave. Aang, Zara, Crimson and Luke brought in a small wooden coffin on a stretcher.
"Friends. We have become so much like family that it feels tonight like we all our losing a son, brother, and friend. We have had much joy today. But there must always be balance in life. For all the good, there must be an equal take of bad. So exchange for our good fortune this little boy died. But he would not need to die nor would we need to steal the Dragon Star, if this war hadn't existence in the first place. We all will express grief over our loss but celebrate that he is in a better place. We won't let any person who is buried beneath us death be in vain. We shall win this war. We mustn't give up hope. Before we rest him in the earth eternally, Aang could you sanctify him please?" asked Akiko from behind her mask
Smiling he put his hand on the coffin over where the boy heart must be and let his energy flow around it.
"He will be out of harm's way I promise, my friends. All here will be in safe hands now that I've come again, back as one in the human race. I give my word," he said as the casket was lowered into the ground
They filled in the grave and walked back with Aang in Zuko's arms for he had now complete depleted his energy.
Zuko tucked Zara and Aang into bed and sung them the Phoenix Lullaby and kissed them and went to sleep with Akiko.
What was going to happen tomorrow all were wondering.
