Wishfull-star: Yeah, poor Zuko. But he comes back later. Who knows how, hmm?
After feeling Ace had tormented Sokka long enough while he failed at blocking Ace's jabs, he left to get them some lunch, and brought it back. "Don't you want to use it to cook?" Aang asked. Ace was getting annoyed with everyone pressing him to use fire. It wasn't like the sun attacked things with its fire. It continued to burn all on its own, peacefully.
Maybe if Ace was a volcano spirit, or maybe a wildfire spirit, then he'd be open to using it. So he gave this reason. He was not a firebender, he didn't use his fire for anything. It was just him. "Even when I didn't know what I was but knew I could control fire, it's not like I ever used it then, either. I used it to wipe out the entire Fire Nation battle fleet. Is that good enough?" He was getting sour.
Marco told then Ace didn't use his fire, and he wouldn't be using it because They pestered him about it. "No, no, no, I didn't mean to be disrespectful!" Aang said in a panicked voice. Even though Ace, when he was unaware, had said fire could be used for useful things, he didn't have the power of fire then, so he burdened none OF the potential consequences.
"Can you tell me about Avatar Wan?" Aang begged. So Ace told him the story of the first Avatar, which was a story undocumented by history. Only the spirits knew the story of what kind of man Wan was first hand. Aang was in awe before his demeanor plummeted. "If someone as amazing as Wan failed, then how can I succeed?" he asked sadly. He did shoulder so much just by being the Avatar. It was a role Ace was glad he'd never be burdened with.
"Well, you have a goal, and you're trying to return the world back to balance. In Wan's time, he was working with a world where humans had never come into contact with one another, and a world where spirits were around to interfere with things. It was our world, too, but we mostly understood why us leaving would bring balance. It didn't happen for his lifetime, but it must have come eventually."
"Will you coming from the spirit world cause problems?" Katara asked. Ace said he wasn't sure. The portal was already weakened, and he was told that there were other spirits that passed in and out from being so powerful. "I see."
Ace finished his fish and said, "You're lucky you don't need to deal with Harmonic Convergence. You're next incarnation will have a tough time with that." It started to snow, and Aang shivered, not wearing warm clothing at all. How was he not frozen like a popsicle already? Ace took off his second jacket and handed it to him.
He was glad nobody asked him about what the hell Harmonic Convergence was. The basic fight of good and evil for the next 10,000 years, as it happens every 10,000 years. If the wrong side won, the right side would be unable to fix it for all that time. By that time, nothing would matter, though. The world would be destroyed.
The only one who would live the consequences of such a mistake was Ace. All the others, they'd be dead by then.
Aang took the jacket with a smile, and Marco gave Ace his. "Don't worry, I'm not cold," Ace said to his brother with a smile.
"Good, I was going to freeze my ass off if I gave my jacket to you." Ace snickered. Thatch came over, and asked, "Are you cool benders done being cool!? It's late, come home!" Ace stood up and dusted his pants off, not that much dust could have accumulated.
"Well, I guess we're going home. You can return my jacket tomorrow. I don't mind if you sleep in it if it keeps you warm." He assumed they were going to the palace for the night, since that was where they'd been staying so far. Ace walked back with Marco, wishing them goodnight. Sokka was sour about Ace.
It echoed in the canals, so Ace heard him complain about people having cool powers but not using them. He was jealous of benders, being the non-bender in the group. Poor guy. It had been a very, very long day, and Ace was ready to just sleep. He changed into his pajamas, along with the other two, and they all had some hot tea before calling it a night, and putting the stressful day behind them.
Ace was actually shocked that he fell asleep quickly, and didn't toss and turn and worry for hours. That tea was either really good, or he was exhausted. Either way, he got a lot of sleep, and that was appreciated.
He woke up in the morning to see Thatch was sleeping against his bed. "Thatch?" Ace asked in confusion. But then Ace saw the reason, the window had been blown open during the night from the storm. Ace got up to close it, and realized his body was very warm. That's why Thatch had come over.
Marco was asleep, but shivering. Ace went and sat on the bed next to his head, and let Thatch have all his blankets. He kept Marco warm like a controlled campfire. He fell asleep propped up against the wall. They all slept in warmth until it was actually time to wake up. Ace smiled at his sleeping family and made tea for them all.
It was nice that Mother had let Ace age, if this human body could actually just stop aging. Well, if it was a human at all. He could shift into a dragon. His spirit soul had changed this body greatly since he took it over as an infant. He stole this human body, but it wasn't from anyone. Nothing had been in the body, born dead.
Thatch woke up first, and Ace gave him the tea. "Morning," Ace said quietly.
"Aw, you're so cute with bed head," Thatch said in his early morning voice and drank the tea with a sigh in satisfaction. Ace said his hair always looked like bed head. "But in a good way." Ace snorted and shook his head. Marco woke up from their talking, and Ace handed him the tea cup. It truly seemed nothing had changed between them. They hadn't asked a thing about his spirit stuff after Ace's initial explanation.
"Nothing changed," Marco said. "Other than you suddenly being even easier to read than before." Ace turned red and looked down. "Don't worry, we won't be spilling your secrets or anything."
Well, everyone already knew them. Most of them. He felt he could tell then one more. "I let Zuko escape."
"Thought so. It's understandable," Marco responded. Ace looked surprised. "He was a close friend to you. And you went to see him after you got your memories back, didn't you?" Thatch had a calm face on. Ace couldn't tell what he thought as he sipped his tea. But Ace nodded, and said he'd also given him and his uncle a warning.
Then he frowned. "I didn't even say a thank you to the man for releasing me from my cage. Now I feel bad about that," the spirit confessed.
Thatch spoke, and asked if he'd rather go back to Zuko, if there was no evil Azula and Fire Lord. He sounded insecure. "I love you guys more than I did Zuko. Even though we were friends for two years, I'm able to be myself around you two more. Plus, I'm free here, so I don't have to constantly speak in hushes so nobody will overhear me. I'm not going back, please don't worry over that," Ace said sincerely.
Marco smiled, and Thatch grinned widely. "Man, do you have to go help the Avatar kid? And his annoying friend?"
"They have the task of saving the world from a war, you know?" Marco asked in disapproval. Thatch huffed, but was annoyed with how much they were pestering Ace. "So you were watching last night?"
"Of course! You can't leave me out about stuff like training the Avatar!" the cook said indignantly. Ace said he could have come stayed with them, he didn't need to hide or anything. "Still…" They had breakfast, and then headed to the courtyard, assuming they'd be there, and they were, but to say goodbye already.
Well, they had to train Aang as soon as possible so he could end the war hopefully not too long from then. Well, the world was continuing the fall apart, though Ace would guard the Northern Water Tribe and never let anyone hurt it again. When they got there, it wasn't just them, many people had arrived to wish them good luck and farewell.
Aang handed Ace his jacket back, and said he'd see him in the future. "Unless you find somebody better," Ace said with a smile.
"Better than the original source?" Katara asked with an amused smile. Ace smiled back and said, next time he saw them, he hoped they were all much stronger. Pakku said goodbye to Katara, who he'd had a connection with since they resolved their differences and he'd trained her until she was good enough to train Aang.
They got on Appa, the flying bison, and flew away and back the way they'd come. It was nice to have them leave so things could be quiet again. Some warriors came up to Ace and asked if he was still doing training. After all, not every warrior had learned the chi blocking perfectly, and only a handful had "mastered" it.
Ace nodded. He'd continue to teach. He did so that day, but had some people ask him about his life as a spirit, before inhabiting a human body. He told them it was time for their training, not story time. But he'd talk to them about it later. Ace knew it was only natural for them to be curious, and could not bring himself to get mad over it.
Something he loved was that nobody asked him to use his fire. This was a place of ice and clean, cool water. Fire was not entirely welcome here, so, unlike the Avatar, he was not pestered to show his ability as the sun spirit. It was a relief, really. Nobody wanted fire there much, even if it wouldn't burn them like he'd done before, melting and harming not a thing.
Ace heard stories from his pupils about how they'd used the chi blocking against firebenders, ridding them of their upper hand in any way. Many had been incapacitated and thrown into the water to be swept into the ocean before Ace came along and sweeped them all up in an instant. Nobody seemed to think of him as a mass murderer. Ace did, but he knew it was the only way to protect his people. His family and friends and neighbors. The only choice was one of complete and utter violence. At least it was quick for all of them.
-x-
"Ace, can you bring us to the spirit world?" Thatch wondered at a restaurant. Ace shook his head. It was just a miracle he could make it in. Humans would not be able to enter the closed portal. Thatch pouted, shoulders drooping. Ace felt bad for him. It sounded so interesting, because it was, but nobody could come see it with him.
Marco said, "Is there a time we could ever come see?"
"Probably not. Well, definitely not. Unless Aang opens it to let spirits and humans pass through like they used to, but I highly doubt he'd do something to make the world so unsteady after he defeats the Fire Lord and the war ends. I'm sorry," he said sympathetically. Both men deflated. "I wish I could take you with me, but it's just not possible."
He explained that, even when he passes through, it was hard on him, and he was tired afterwards. "No other spirits besides Time could make it through, and they stay in the spirit world indefinitely. I don't think anyone else really wants to try, anyways. So, our worlds are mostly kept separate."
Thatch huffed and put his head on the table. Ace did feel guilty, and asked they didn't want him to talk about it anymore, and make them more curious. "No! We don't want to silence you or anything. It's cool hearing about it, we just wish we could see it, too," the chef explained sincerely.
"I wish I had some way to bring the experience back to you. And I'm not good at drawing at all, so I couldn't bring a drawing or painting back of it," Ace sighed. Marco pat his back, saying it was fine. Ace could tell people in the next table over were listening in. It was kind of annoying, but understandable.
Ace didn't talk much about the spirit world anymore. Not to others. It had been two months since then, and Ace had grown tired of telling stories. Most people understood that, and left him alone, but there were many who just were overly curious to the point Ace was truly annoyed. He'd said all his interesting stories and places in the parallel world.
He just wanted to be treated how he used to be. Given space and comfort. He was glad he was no longer a broken shell, but he wished he got that alone time more. When he spent time with princess Yue, he enjoyed how kind she still was to him, not seeing him as a completely different person than before, only happier. More confident.
After they had lunch there and paid for the delicious food, Ace was surprised to be approached by the chief. He asked for Ace to come with him, and Ace did so. Marco and Thatch were not told they couldn't come, so they tagged along. Ace still walked in between them, but didn't hold hands anymore, not needing that physical comfort.
When they entered the palace, the three were brought into the main room. The chief sat in his chair, which didn't look like a throne, just a comfortable chair. They sat at the table in front of him. "I'd like to ask something, Ace." He nodded, wondering what it would be. "I wonder if you'd marry Yue."
Ace was shocked. And awkward, because his reply would be a no. He wasn't looking to start a family only to outlive them all. He didn't like the princess like that, either. But how did he say no? Would it be seen as completely disrespectful? He also had no desire to be any sort of leader in such a way. He'd never wanted to be in a position of power, only able to be himself and speak his mind.
Marco and Thatch discretely took his hands under the table for comfort and support. They knew his answer as well.
"I'm sorry, chief. I have to refuse the offer. I… I just don't feel that way about her, and if I did, and we started a family, I would outlive all of them, and I just won't put myself through that. I'm sorry to disappoint." He wondered what the reaction would be. A small sigh, but not a look of shock.
The man wasn't angry, and said he assumed that was the answer, but had to ask anyways, based on the kind of man Ace had shown himself to be. The savior of the Northern Water Tribe from the Fire Nation, who had not retaliated against them for winning. Not a single ship had returned.
There was probably no way to communicate to anybody about what had happened to the ships, as they were wiped out in a moment. Their leader was also dead and gone. Who knows where Zuko and Iroh went, if they were even still alive. Ace didn't want them to die, but he also didn't want to see them again.
"Thank you," Ace said, glad he wasn't pressured further. He knew the princess would no doubt rather have Ace than Hahn, but he just wasn't interested. When they left, Thatch quietly told him he'd never find someone nicer than the princess. "Maybe. But I'm really just… not interested. And I will never had kids, which is what the water tribe would need in the future."
"I wonder what would happen if you had kids?"
"Little fire balls."
"Heh, probably. Wouldn't be very comfortable for the mother."
"Ouch."
"Yeah. Third degree burns in a not good place." Thatch started laughing, and said he'd never think of Ace having kids again. He did ask if Ace would grow up with them. "I think so. I hope so."
"Heh, I'd like to be young and fit forever," Thatch complained. Marco said Ace didn't want to be left behind. The sun spirit nodded. He wanted to live as if he were just a human with special powers. He enjoyed human life, just as he enjoyed his other world. Both were favorable in very different ways. "Will your body be able to handle the sun spirit stuff?"
Ace shrugged. It had so far. "Can you just shape shift into a human form?"
"No. I can change into my dragon form, but that's it. This was just a lucky circumstance. I'll eventually have to leave this body once it's no longer usable, or I will die. Then I'd have to somehow find a new one," Ace explained, looking at his human hands. He liked this body, but he wanted to grow older, grow up.
He said he wanted to ask Mother something. "Where would you go? The spirit forest? There's a pretty bad storm up there right now." He could try the spirit pond, where he got all of his memories back. The three headed there, but only Ace went inside. The guards had been told anyone could go with Ace, as he was a spirit as well, and deserved to be able to visit the pond.
There was also the fact that the moon spirit was tied to Ace. Its light was reflected by the sun, after all. So, the sun was pivotal for its existence. He walked into the pond water, greeting the two koi spirits. They continued to circle one another, ignoring Ace. He put his head under, wishing to speak to Mother, the mother of all things.
"Hello, sun. I see you've found a shortcut to me," Mother's voice echoed.
"I have. I need to ask you something. When my human body is too old to function properly, would it be possible to return me to the state I am in now? Will you make my human body durable to my spirit? I like this body, and I'd like to keep it for a long time," Ace explained.
"You'll need to talk to Time about rewinding it. I will help you keep your human body healthy if you visit on a regular basis. I'd also like to see you safe and sound each time you come." Ace promised he'd visit every two weeks. "You may see me whenever you want, but you should come to me on the solstices."
Ace nodded, and said he was happy to remember everything, but still live his human life. "For all your time in the last few billion years, this blip of time is for you to enjoy fully. Now, visit Time, sun." Ace thanked her, and left to find Time. He was less than cooperative sometimes. He was a phoenix form, rewinding his life over and over from coming out of the ashes. He was beautiful.
"Ah, it's the world jumper. Have you come to manipulate me?" Ace had never actually met him.
"I just have a favor."
"Whatever it is, I'll say yes as long as you stay and continue to protect our spirit portal in the north. We can have pesky humans damaging them," Time said sourly. He sounded how Ace used to about humans. Ace said that was the plan. He planned to be the guardian of the Northern Water Tribe, the spirit oasis and the spirit forest. "Then, what's your desire?"
Ace explained, "I'd like to keep this body for as long as I wish. Mother has let this body age, but cannot rewind time. I would like to be able to return to a young age once I am too old to have a fulfilling life."
"As long as you don't screw it up, then you're welcome to return to this age once you wish. But, your 'fulfilling life' will end if you are no longer able to protect the forest." Ace bowed in thanks. "Don't do such stupid human customs here."
"Sorry, it's a habit by now," Ace said, and then was shooed away, and opened his eyes and left the pond. The fish were still ignoring him, and he got out of the water, heating his body a bit to dry off instantly. He looked up, and had a plan for keeping the forest safe when not being there at all times.
He left the oasis and saw it hadn't been long at all, even though Ace had spend a good amount of time in there. "How'd it go?" Marco asked, both of them looking a bit nervous. Ace smiled and said he was going to turn back to a young age once he was too old to have a fulfilling life. That included being unable to protect the forest. They both grinned, glad they wouldn't just leave Ace behind.
"But I have to do something first. I'll be back in a bit," and he turned into a dragon and flew off, even if there was a blizzard like Marco warned. He had to get there regardless. Ace got to the beautiful forest. It was ugly from the outside, looking dry and lifeless, but it was warm and nice in the center, at the portal.
He went to the outskirts, far from the forest but still surrounding it, and erected a wall of fire around it. Tall and unable to be doused by water or other fire. It would not harm the forest, but to outsiders, they would either be locked out, or burn to death in the blazing inferno. Only Ace could pass through.
Looking at his handiwork, and knowing he could make his flames burn indefinitely, just like the sun, he smiled. Then he headed back home safe and sound. The blizzard hadn't harmed him at all. He landed in front of his friends at the house, able to find them, and shifted midair to land in his human body.
"Now, the forest is protected at all times," Ace said proudly. "I put a ring of fire around it so nobody can enter, and the flames won't go out unless I want them to." Thatch clapped his hands and Marco smiled. He said Ace was super strong now. "Not really. Not unless I use the fire, which I won't. I wasn't given super strength or anything."
Marco said, "So I'm not super weak to my brother?"
"Of course not!" Ace said indignantly. Marco laughed, saying he was joking. They went to the chief and Ace explained what he'd done to protect the spirit forest, and his actions were approved of. He really was glad he came here. If he found out what he had been before the torture, somehow, since there were no spiritual places by the palace, then he would no doubt have been killed as too powerful. Or they would have tried. Thrown fire around like barbarians.
They seemed to have forgotten about the feast in Ace's name, but there were just too many distractions since then. The attack, the repairing everyone was chipping in with in some way, and then the revelations of Ace and the confusion and distraction it brought. He would like to have that feast, but wasn't going to ask about it or he'd sound selfish.
He wanted it to happen mostly because Thatch was never able to cook for everyone and use the fancier kitchens in the palace. Poor guy had his dream crushed. They went home, and Ace kept the room nice and warm. Warm enough that they took off their heavy clothing. "Ah, this is nice," Thatch said, laying on his bed and basking in the warmth.
Marco sighed, too. "We're living in the warmest place in the north pole right now," he said in bliss. Ace was just liking their reactions, glad to help out with his fire in some way. Though he wasn't actually using fire, he was just heating himself and the surroundings without a single flicker of flame.
