Chapter 17: The Storm of the Past

Location: Los Angeles, California

Ricky was just sitting in his room, staring at nothing but the walls filled with nothing but some posters of Marvel and his shelves covered with video games and his favorite movies. He was bored out of his mind, he has no idea what to do; his boredom has reached into a whole new level and it was killing him from the inside, it made him fall asleep. That was the case, when he heard a knock on the front door, causing him to groan from his slumber and begin to climb out of bed. He drags his feet on the carpet floor as he climbed down the stairs as he reaches to the front door. His eyes are still blurry from his sleep and are still adjusting his eyesight to the area around him as he clumsily opens the door.

The light blinds him for a few seconds before adjusting his eyesight once more. His eyes were able to take pictures in front of him as it was something he wishes he could have unseen. Dexter Paxton and his goons standing in front of his doorstep with their usual smug facial expressions.

"Hello Ricky," Dexter said smugly, before pulling something from his pocket.

Ricky looks down and his eyes widen to see in the bully's hand was a small gun pointing right at him. He looks back up to see nothing but hatred and insanity in the Paxton's eyes. The loud thundering sound of a gunshot rang through his ears as he fell backward and see that everything was going into black, but has his back hit hard to the ground with a whole new scenario.

Ricky was standing in a barren wasteland as he slowly got up and saw nothing but grey clouded sky and blackened earth. He places his hands into his chest to feel no bullet hole inside him and was relieved for a short while before hearing sounds of thunder scared him to death. He turns around to see Aang was floating in front of him with his eyes and tattoos glowing. But his eyes were glowing black as his tattoos were glowing red. His expression was nothing but dark and sinister as he looks down at the young modern firebender.

Ricky couldn't feel anything but fear like that since he died in his world. He wasn't sure if this was Aang's dark persona or if he was possessed by a demon. He couldn't move his body, nor did he wanted to if he had a choice. He doesn't know what was going on, but out in the background was a comet that was lighting the grey clouded sky into a hellfire red.

"You will be mine Paul Cole Richards." 'Aang' said as if a thousand voices came out of a single mouth, "One day, you'll be in my control when the time is right. Everyone you know and love will die by YOUR hands."

"Aang" lunge towards the blue firebender at ungodly speed as Ricky still couldn't move. Another scene took place just before the Avatar could make contact with him, revealing his friends standing next to him all wearing depressing looks on their faces.

"Why did you have to die Ricky?" Johnny asks sadly.

"How could you leave us? To leave me?" Elsa says sadly in an accusing tone.

"I-I didn't mean to…" Ricky stuttered.

His friends change into smoke before reshaping themselves as his father and sisters. All asking the same question in accusing tones as his girlfriend did.

"Why'd you leave us?"

"You abandoned us."

"STOP!" he cried.

The blaming and questions pierced his heart more and more voices begin to drown his thoughts out as tears rolled down his face as more and more said the same thing over and over again.

"Why'd you leave us? Why'd you left us? WHY'D YOU LEAVE US? WHY'D YOU LEAVE US?!"

Everything went to black as a dark figure rise from the dark background with an unfamiliar shape with red strange symbols glow on its body with "Aang" in the center as he saw another figure dress up in red and black robes, believing to be the Fire Lord. Flames begin to engulf everything around Ricky as the only ones left was "Aang", the Fire Lord, and the strange figure towering over them all.

"YOU'LL BE MINE!"


Location: Earth Kingdom

Ricky jolts up awake, drenched in his sweat, breathing heavily from the horrid nightmare he has had. It has been plaguing him since they left Aang's home a few weeks ago and it seems that it was getting worse by the night. He had no idea why Aang, or the figure that looks like Aang, looks like he was possessed or a dark version of the airbender. But more importantly, he has no idea who the shadow figure with red symbols was and it certainly gave him a heart attack. He looks at his sleeping friends, unaware of the terrible dreams he has been having.

And he wants it to stay that way.

He slowly got up from his sleeping bag and looks at the peaceful shores as he saw the moon was barely touching the ocean horizon. He gently and quietly tiptoed his way to the shore, hoping that he hasn't wakened anybody up from his sudden jolt. He looks behind him to still see the three kids unfazed by the nightmare the dark brunette boy had.

He took a deep breath of the sea salt air before exhaling and look at the beautiful night sky turning into a colorful morning sky. He felt at peace when he ever sees the night and the beauty of the moon, makes him remind how much similar it was to his home. True that there was no constellation he could recognize in this strange world, but it didn't alter his favor of the calm night as if reassuring that nothing has come to harm him or his new friends. He was always the night owl back in his world, but ever since he came to this world and became a firebender, he has been sleeping like a baby and he has missed looking at the night sky.

He laid down on the sand as he feels the softness coming from it as he continues watching the moon setting, before drifting back to sleep. A few minutes later, he fell backward from the drowsiness as he slept peacefully once more. Sleeping deeply to not acknowledge that Aang has woken up from his nightmare.


It was morning and the Gaang begin packing their things onto Appa, Aang looks up to see nothing but clear skies and saw a flock of birds in a V-shape pattern flying high through the peaceful blue sky.

"Looks like there's going to be clear skies today," Aang said.

"Well let's hope so, there's a market just a few miles away and we need food," Katara says.

Sokka overheard his younger sister and turns around. "Wait, we shouldn't go to the market! This was part of my dream."

"What? What did you dream about?" Katara asks.

"Food eats people!" he said bugging his eyes out.

Katara and Aang look at him with an unimpressed look on their faces, before continuing packing their bags.

"And Momo started talking and he said some mean things about me." Sokka continued while looking at the flying lemur menacingly.

Aang looks around to see something was missing… Or at least, someone was missing.

"Hey, where's Ricky?" Aang asks his friends.

The two Water Tribe kids look around to see that Ricky wasn't anywhere near the camp, but their sudden panic came to a halt before it began when they found Ricky lying on the sandy shores, sleeping soundly with drool coming out of his mouth. Katara and Aang sigh in relief, while Sokka mumbles something incoherent to the two but didn't care. Katara walks towards the sleeping teen as she kneels and taps him on the shoulder.

"Ricky, wake up."

Ricky groggily woke up as the light blinded him to see properly but was soon to adjust from the lighting. He covered his eyes with his hand and look to see his waterbender friend staring literally down at him. He lazily smiles at her as he got up from his slumber.

"Hey, Katara. Got you scared again didn't I?" Ricky jokingly said.

"Almost" she replied, "We're about to head towards the market. Better get your things."

Ricky got up and he begins walking with Katara helping with his friends with the belongings onto the saddle. He was lucky that he wasn't bombarded with questions on "why wasn't he sleeping in his sleeping bag?" or "why was he sleeping in the sand?" but that didn't matter too much. All that matters is that as long as they don't know about his nightmares, the better.


Iroh looks up to the sky as he could feel the breeze blowing through his cloak and beard. He could sense that something was amiss.

"Looks like there's a storm coming," Iroh says.

"What are you blabbering about?! There's not a cloud in the sky!" Zuko said angrily as usual.

"A storm is coming from the north; we must seek shelter in the southwest." the old general told his nephew.

"We're not stopping anywhere. The Avatar and that firebender are heading up north. We'll continue on course." the firebender prince said determinedly.

"Prince Zuko, I highly suggest that we must get the safety of the crew members."

"That's not what's important!" Zuko yells loudly as he sharply turns around to see a lieutenant.

He walks sternly towards him and was shooting sharp glares at the lieutenant. "Finding the Avatar is more important than some measly life on this ship."

The lieutenant didn't say anything, only giving off the same glares at the Fire Nation scarred prince. Zuko storms off the deck as he reaches towards to his bunker. Iroh sighs in frustration as he walks to the captain, placing his hand onto his shoulder.

"Don't take it the wrong way Jee, he didn't mean it," Iroh said.

"That depends on how long my patience will last," Jee responds.


"I just remember something; we don't have enough money!" Katara said to the merchant.

She places down the melon down as she drags the Gaang away from the market, much to Sokka's dismay.

"Great, now we're out of both food AND money. Can this day get any worse?" Sokka complains.

"Give me a break Sokka", Ricky groans, "We can find more food like last time."

"Yeah, but I'm hungry NOW!" Sokka moans.

"You know you can always get a job, wiseguy," Katara said sternly crossing her arms.

"And I told you that there's going to be a big storm!" an elderly female voice shouts.

The four kids turn around to see two elderly couple arguing with one another.

"No clouds! No wind! No storm! It's going to be smooth sailing, So quit complain'!" the old man barks back.

"My old knees never lie and it's going to be a big one!"

"Well, It's my brains against your knees!"

"Dear God, it's the bickering tribes all over again," Ricky complains.

"Well, I'm not going! You better find a new hauler!" the old lady continues yelling.

"I will and I will pay him more than I will give to you!" the old fisherman roars.

Sokka instantly walks towards the fisherman and raised his hands. "I'll be your new hauler!"

The old man looks at Sokka and points directly at him. "You're hired!" he yells before glaring at his wife triumphantly.

Sokka smiles as he looks at his sister and the two boys, giving him a surprisingly shocked look on their faces. Ricky was, in Sokka's opinion, was the most hilarious with the dark brunette's jaw just dangling and his eyes widening in utter shock and beyond.

"What? You said I need to get a job…" Sokka said trying to act innocent, "Plus he's paying double."

"Double?! Where did you get that crazy idea?!" the fisherman asks wildly.

Ricky looks at him with his eyes twitching, but he kept his mouth shut hoping he doesn't get involved like last time. He closes his mouth and begins to walk away from the whole ordeal before anything can go wrong.


Zuko looks up to the sky as dark clouds begin to roll over the clear blue skies with the sounds of thunder faintly heard from the distance. Lieutenant Jee looks up at the sky as well, only he was the one with a smug look on his face.

"Guess your old man was right about the storm." Lieutenant Jee said proudly.

"Lucky guess," Iroh said humbly.

"You better show some respect or I'll make you." Zuko threatens the Lieutenant.

The firebending veteran wasn't going to take any of the disrespect. Royalty or not, he's going to teach that brat a lesson. However, before the two were about to throw punches at one another, Iroh was able to intervene and prevent them from shooting any more fire.

"That's enough you two!" Iroh scolds them, "Everyone is tired with all of this traveling. I'm sure a bowl of noodles will make things better."

Despite this, the two glared hatefully at each other before parting ways. Iroh knows well about Zuko's past and it only is reasonable that the Lieutenant not knowing about why he acts that way. But he knew that he can't let his nephew know that he was the one who helped Ricky escape from his prison on the ship. He knew that the boy is the Chosen One sent by the Spirits to end the upcoming threat, but it never specifies what that threat was. But for now, he needs to clarify to Lieutenant Jee about Zuko's past.


"Sokka, I don't think this a good idea," Ricky says looking at the storming clouds looming ahead.

"Ricky's right Sokka, that storm looks dangerous." Aang agrees.

"Look, I promise I take this job and no storm is going to stop me from doing the job," Sokka said determinedly.

"Listen to the tattooed boy and his friend. They make sense!" the old lady said to her husband.

This perk the fisher's ears and attention.

"Tattoo boy?" he said before turning around to see Aang and Ricky.

He instantly recognizes them as airbender tattoos.

"Well I'll be, you're the Avatar."

"Yep." Aang smiles.

"Well don't smile about it boy." he scolds Aang, "The Avatar has abandoned us for a hundred years. You've turned your back on the world!"

"Hey, don't yell at him!" Katara yells, "Aang would never hurt anyone!"

"Is that so? Well, I guess I imagine the war and the suffering then!" he mocked.

"You take that back!" Ricky yells at the fisherman.

"Ricky, please don't do this..." Sokka moans.

Ricky quickly gave angry daggers at the short ponytail teenager.

"Don't start with me Sokka! You're going to let this stupid old man talk back about Aang like that?!"

"Well, he does have a point! He did disappear for a century and it was his duty to stop the Fire Nation from taking away everything from us!"

"So, you're siding with him?!"

The two boys continue arguing, whilst Aang watches them with horror in his eyes. It was true, he did leave them when the world needed him the most and it was his fault for everything that happened. The fisherman and Sokka were right about him. He couldn't take it anymore, he just grabs his staff and took off where he could be alone. Katara took notice, trying to call out but he just ignores it.

He just wants to be alone.

"Yeah, that's right! RUN AWAY!" the fisherman yells.

"You good for nothing piece of-" Ricky growls as he was about to punch the old man if it weren't for Sokka.

"Ricky!" Sokka scolds.

"You going defend this loser for dissing Aang?! He lost everyone he cared about and you're siding that man who NEVER witnessed the genocide!"

"I know that Aang lost his people! But you what would you know about it! You can't go back home, because your family and friends think you're dead!" Sokka argues only to step away from what he just said.

That was the straw that broke the camel's back. Ricky's eyes didn't even show any movement, but only a faint twitching could be seen before turning away from Sokka, clenching his fist. Sokka knew full well he went too far, only to get scolded by his sister.

"What the heck is wrong with you, Sokka?!" she yells.

"I-I didn't mean it!" he said surprisingly.

"You know what, you go on your little fishing job! But when you come back, you BETTER apologize to Ricky! I'm going to find Aang!" she said with a deathly stare at her older brother.

He could only nod as he watches his sister climbing onto Appa, whipping the reins and took off. He didn't say anything as he already can feel the guilt if only he took it back and apologize to the black hair.

"Hey kid, stop standing and get packing!" the old fisherman yelled.

"Yeah." He mumbled.


Katara thought of finding Aang and see if he was okay, but she also wants to find Ricky and help her find Aang. If it weren't for the terrible fisherman and her brother's poor choice of words. Her mind was struggling to choose who to find first until she notices a small cave as droplets of rain begin to fall from the sky. As more raindrops begin to poor harder, she decides to take landing and wait for the rain to pass. It was then, she found Aang just sitting alone in the darkened cave, having his knees curled up and his arms holding it.

"I'm sorry for running away." he apologized, not looking behind him.

"It's okay Aang, that stupid man was way out of line," Katara said.

"No, he wasn't," he said still glumly.

Katara was surprised to hear the once happy airbender saying that. "What do you mean?"

"It's a long story." he only said.

They didn't say anything for a while, as the rain continues to pour outside hard. He was hoping that Katara would push him to tell it, but all he heard was silence and the sound of rain. He turns around to see that Ricky wasn't with the waterbender.

"Where's Ricky?" he asks.

"Sokka is what happened," she said with venom in her tone.

"Do you think we should find him?"

"Yeah, we should."


Ricky was able to sit underneath a large tree and a large boulder behind him. His arms wrapping his knees around as he doesn't move a muscle whilst listening and watching the rain pouring outside. The storm was getting worse by the minute as he stayed quiet. He always loves the sound of rain and the beating sounds of thunder, it always seems to calm him down from his stress and anger he kept hidden over the years back at his world. But ever since he arrived here, his behavior and personality changed. From his quiet and timid nature to more assertive, confident, and aggressive. He doesn't know why he's turning into a different person and it scares him a lot.

His dad always said that's okay to change over time, but he has change into a person for a couple of weeks and he doesn't know what to think. Another thing on his mind was what Sokka said. It kept echoing in his mind, reminding him of what Sokka said to him.

'You're friends and family believes you're dead!'

Flashes of his past life flashes from his mind as tears begin to roll down his cheeks and the sounds of crying begin to surface. His vision begins to blur as he continues to cry and the tears continue to drop from his eyes and into the ground. His darkest parts of his mind begin to surface as it made him cry even more. As the storm continues to grow and become more violent, Ricky's vision still blurred from his crying could see two figures walking towards him. He was able to see through the tiredness in his eyes to see it was Aang and Katara. Though his mind blocks out all sounds, despite Katara shaking him to respond, only giving her none.

"Come on Ricky, please respond," she begs.

"Katara, we have to find a place to hide from the storm," Aang said.

"But the cave we were in is only miles away from here," Katara interjected.

At this point, it was impossible to fly in the storm and it was raining hard. And they can't get back to the cave they were in, but as fate seems to be kind to them Aang spots another cave just behind the boulder a few meters away from where they found Ricky.

"Over there, we'll stay there." he points out.

Katara look where the young airbender was pointing at and he was right. She starts grabbing the still unfazed Ricky up from the ground as the three walk towards the small cave. Appa follows suit, only to stop when the three kids enter the dark cave. Katara sat next to the young firebender as Aang sat across the other side. Ricky was still tearing up as Katara look at him with sadness in her eyes, hoping that he could return to normal.

"Ricky, you okay?" she asks.

This time, he was able to hear what she said and only nodding his head slowly.

"Yeah..." he mumbles.

The two knew full well that he was still traumatized by what Sokka had said and they want to help him one way or another. If only they could go back in time and stop Sokka from hurting Ricky's feelings. But it seems that Ricky was already shattered to the point of only responding in one or two sentences.

"Aang, what did that fisherman mean you turned your back on the world?" Ricky said lowly.

Aang looks at him with surprise but knew what he was talking about. He took a deep breath and begin telling his story.

"It all started a hundred years ago before I knew I was the Avatar..." he began.

But before he knew it, Ricky toned him out as the memory of his past begin to blur his vision and begin nodding off.


"Mommy! Mommy, guess what?" the ten-year-old Ricky said with excitement.

"Not now Ricky." his mom said.

Suki Lang Richards was busy packing her suitcase for another business trip, trying her best to ignore her overexcited son jumping up and down. But despite her expression shows annoyance, the young boy's innocence made him oblivious of his mother's procrastinating. He just wanted only a few seconds with her, like how all children wanted to have attention from their parents.

"But mommy, guess what day it is?!" he said.

"Paul Cole Richards, I am fully aware what day it is." she said sternly without looking at him, finishing packing her suitcase, "You don't have to tell me about it."

"But—" he begged only to be ignored once more.

"It's the day I get promoted to get those girls into proper education. Now I don't have time to be late." She explains as she walks to the door, "Now, Ms. Benchy will be here for about five minutes and dad should be back from Iraq today. I'll see you later."

With that, she closes the door behind her. Leaving the young black hair boy alone, feeling depressed. He hung his head low, grumbling, and mumbling to himself as he walks towards the living room.

"It's my birthday," he said gloomily.

A phone rang from the kitchen, perking Ricky's attention as he was completely forgotten why he was sad in the first place grabbed the phone, and answered it.

"Hello?" he said innocently.

"Hey kid!" a male voice said on the phone.

"Daddy!" Ricky said with excitement.

"Hi there son, where's your mom?" his dad asks him.

"She's gone." he responds, "But guess what day it is!"

His dad chuckles as the young boy waited for an answer. "Happy Birthday my son!"

"YOU REMEMBERED!" Ricky yells in excitement.

"Of course I did, what do you take me for?" his dad laughs.

Ricky laughs at his father's joke, making everything that happened a few minutes ago all worth it when he sees his dad again. Whenever his dad came back home, he always felt like everything is back to normal almost as if it's everything he ever wanted. It even got his mom to pay attention to him, even if it just a little bit.

"When are you coming home dad?" he asks jumping up and down.

There was a minute of absent sound coming from the other, waiting to get an answer only to get a heavy sigh.

"Listen, Ricky... I'm not coming back home today."

Everything around him shattered, Ricky was filled with confusion and sadness.

"Why?" he asks.

"I have to stay here for another month since we are short on men here." he explained, "I'm sorry I wouldn't be there on your birthday."

"That's alright," he said, masking his sadness.

"Well, again I'm sorry. See you later," he said sadly.

"Bye daddy," he said before hanging up the phone.


"—But shouldn't be proud of being the Avatar?" Katara asks.

Ricky came back to reality, completely forgetting that Aang was telling his story about why he believed he's a traitor to the world. He could guess that his life was normal until he was told that he's the Avatar and he's beginning to feel like he shouldn't be the Avatar. He kind of felt the same problem, if he was listening, but Aang was chosen to save the world and he was chosen to help him.

"I didn't know what to think back then. But after I found out, everything went downhill," he said.

"I know the feeling..." Ricky whispers.

Katara looks at the dark brunette with confusion. "What do you mean?"

He looks at the two before dropping eye contact. He wishes he could tell them his problems, but he just doesn't have the courage. He didn't want to burden them with his problems, this is after all Aang's story of why he disappeared a century ago. Not his.

"It's nothing, just continue your story Aang," he responds.

"Ricky, it's okay. Just tell us what's wrong." Katara consulted him.

Ricky tugs his legs closer to him, only remembering being interrogated in the past and it wasn't a pleasant memory of his. Shouts from his mother and his teachers whenever he made one mistake and the whole world around him collapse. Even his friends weren't there to comfort him nor was his father due to being overseas. It wasn't that they didn't care, it was that they don't have the power to protect him when he's under deep stress and pain. His teary eyes were again creating tears, forcing them back into his eyes only causing both the waterbender and the airbender to look at him with deep concern.

"I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to bring up some bad memories!" Katara apologized.

"It's okay." Ricky forgave her.

The two kids look at the teen, only feeling regret in Ricky's eyes and also sadness. Aang, being the pacifist and being an open-minded child he is, moved on with his story. Once again, memories of Ricky's past began to overshadow every single sound around him, knowing that he could probably put the pieces together. Aang's once friends stop having him around because he's the Avatar. The mentors put more and more pressure on him, his mentor protecting him. And finally, he ran away from the pressure of responsibility, and here he is now. If that was the case, then he doesn't know why he knows about it. He surely knows that this wasn't a cartoon, this was real and he's here.

He can't let his past reveal its ugly head to his new friends or else the past will break him completely. He could feel the fire blowing everywhere as he almost sees Aang going into his "berserk mode" as he named it, but the bright glow then faded as Aang sat down as he continues his story. Again, his mind was blocking it out as his mind played more of his horrid past.


Thirteen-year-old Ricky was sitting in the School office after fighting with Dexter Paxton alongside with his pal, Johnny. He could tell that his mom is going to kill him when she gets news about this. His sisters weren't there since they are in high school and this was in middle school. Ricky's hell of his early teens.

"Don't worry about it, man. I'll be there when we go to the principle's office." Johnny comforted him.

Ricky didn't say anything about it as his Native American friend put his arm around Ricky's shoulder. This wasn't the first time he got into a fight with that bully Jeremy and his goons. Ricky was the stereotypical kid who gets bullied and everyone, but his friends, laugh at him. Ricky felt that the whole school was stereotypical like Hollywood imagines and he felt that it was accurate here.

The door of the principle's office opens as it shows a young man with short black hair and a small beard to go with it. He looks at the two and sees Ricky's eyes were swollen and his nose stuffed with tissue, while Johnny only got a feel bruises on his face and arms. He begrudgingly sighs as he signals them to his office. Just as the two boys got up, the principle put his hand up and points at Johnny.

"Just you, Johnathan. Paul will come to my office after you," he said.

The two boys look at each other but they didn't say anything as Ricky's friend walks into the office with the door closing behind them. Ricky sat back down on his chair when he heard the door next to him swung open, causing him and the attendance to jump. It revealed to be Ricky's mom with her eyes filled with anger and irritation as she looks at her beat-up son. The principle's door open with the principle looking out and seeing the short black hair woman.

"Can I help you Mrs. Richards?" the principal asks.

"I'm taking my son home, Mr. Newton," she said.

"I'm sorry, but he cannot go until I talk with him myself." he denied.

Ricky could tell that his mom was radiating with anger and she was having none of it. She didn't respond, only grabbing aggressively onto Ricky's arm and pull him up and took him with her. He could hear the principle yelling her to bring him back but she just kept on yanking on his arm to keep up with her as they head towards the car. She threw him inside the car before closing the door in front of him and moved around and enter the driver's seat. He didn't say a word as he buckled his seat as his mom starts driving the car from the school and home.

He didn't have to look at the rearview mirror to see her glaring at him as the sounds of silence continues to linger on. The surroundings around him begin to blur as he can't remember other than being in his mother's room with his mother hold a belt over her shoulders, still having the same glare as before. Never in his life has he seen his mother snap like this. He could tell that she was towering over him as he could feel the stone-cold carpet coming from his fingers as she continues to lash out at him.

"You're nothing but a disappointment to this family! When your father gets back home, we're going to talk about your behavior and what we're going to do to you! Now go to your room and stay there!" she yells.

Ricky didn't move as felt his mother's grip once more onto his shoulder as she threw him in his room the same way she did with the car and slammed it shut and lock the door. It was clear now; his mother never like him and she never will. He might as well believe that not even his siblings love him as well. And he also believes that his father can't keep his promises of coming back home, after being told he was told to stay because of his stupid promotion from being a Commander to a General.

He's all alone and not even his friends can save him from that.


Ricky's memory ended as he still felt the tears running down his cheeks as Aang look down in pity, most likely finishing his story. He didn't seem to care that he missed the story, but he felt extremely guilty for not listening to him. But how can he tell Aang that he completely ignored his story all because his mind kept showing him his terrible past?

"Aang, it's not your fault," Katara said.

"But it's true! I turned my back on the world when they needed me the most!" Aang argues. "That old man was right, I did betray the world!"

"You're not a traitor!"

Aang and Katara look at Ricky in surprise to see Ricky's sudden outburst and to see his eyes all red and teary from his silent sobs. They didn't know what happened inside the firebender's mind, but it didn't seem to matter to him.

"You're more important than anyone here and it's not your fault that you were chosen! You don't need to listen to anyone but you and your friends! So DON'T you ever think that way! EVER!" Ricky yells.

There was an absolute silence hanging in the air, Ricky can feel his emotions falling apart before him and he can't take the pressure anymore. He fell to the ground, covering his face as tears start to roll down his face once more and this time, he's crying out loud. The two looks at the now broken boy just falling to pieces in front of them as the storm outside was getting stronger. This was the first time they see Ricky in his most fragile state and it pains them to see it. Katara bent down as she hugs the dark brunette tightly only caressing his back softly as the crying softens, as she too, cries softly. Aang joins in as he hugs both of them as the three stayed quiet while the storm continues to get worse.


Zuko stayed in his room while the rest of the crew were in the boiler room. He didn't care about how he would get the Avatar, as long as he gets his hands on the Avatar, he can go back home and restore his honor. He could still feel the seething burn from his scar, though being nullified over the years of being banned he can still feel the faint tingling of pain coming from it whenever he felt it. It was ugly, it took away his home and his honor all because he refused to fight against his father.

He thought walking through the hallways of the ships may get his mind off of it. He opens his door and closes it behind him as he began his trek through the metal halls. He could hear nothing but the sounds of steam going through the pipes and the sound of thunder overhead as the ship rock back and forth. He has gotten used to the nauseous movement of the ship for the past three years of being banished from the Fire Nation, making this his fourth year on the ship. It wasn't something to be celebrating about, just another year being trapped in this cage and it made him even angrier when thinking about it. It was until I heard talking from one of the rooms. He realized that he has traveled to the boiler room without knowing as he hid behind the walls next to the doors.

He could hear Lieutenant Jee talking to his uncle, probably about how he should have more respect for his crew members or something. But what he didn't expect was the following conversation.

"I thought he got it from some training accident," Jee said.

"It was no accident", Iroh told the lieutenant, "After the duel, Ozai said that by refusing to fight, he was banished until he was to capture the Avatar in hopes of getting his honor back."

"So that's why he's so obsessed with the Avatar. In hopes of everything going back to normal." the lieutenant came into realization.

"Things may come to normal, but I think the Avatar might give him hope," Iroh said.

'Hope? What are the Spirits' names are you talking about?' Zuko thought.

"But that still doesn't explain that boy that was with the Avatar." one of the soldiers said.

That was true, that boy now everyone in the Earth Kingdom is calling him the "Blue Dragon" is getting known like wildfire. Azula would've killed the boy for having the title since she's the only known firebender that has successfully learned to bend blue fire until now. The thought of someone else bending blue fire makes Azula not-so-special smiled at him.

"That I don't know, but I believed it had to do with the old prophecy forgotten long ago." the old general stroke his beard.

"What prophecy?" Jee asks skeptically.

"A prophecy about a Chosen One will be sent from a world beyond our imagination when the comet returns for four-hundred years to help the Avatar. This was made when Avatar Kyoshi passed." Iroh explains.

Jee looks at Iroh with baffling expression. "Wait, you're saying that boy who can bend blue fire is from another world?!"

"How else would he be here?"

Everyone was silent for a moment, while Zuko left just enough to return to his room. The idea of someone coming from another world seems ridiculous, it just doesn't seem to make any sense to the Fire Nation Prince. Spirits are one thing, but another human being is just ridiculous. And a prophecy about a chosen one was also far beyond belief. There had to be another explanation for this. But his train of thought halts abruptly when a loud boom shook the whole ship, causing Zuko to head towards the deck.


"HELP! SOMEONE HELP!"

Ricky, Katara, and Aang broke their hug what felt like an eternity when they saw the old woman from the docks, soaking wet and crying for help. Katara was the first to get up and ran to the old lady.

"What's wrong?" she asks.

"My husband! He hasn't come back!" she cried. "The storm has become a typhoon!"

"Sokka's on that ship!" Aang yelled.

"We have to go and get them!" Katara told the airbender.

Ricky never said a word as the image of Sokka dying in the storm took hold. Despite the slip-up he said, the death of a friend is much worse than dying yourself. Ricky quickly burst from his spot and quickly got onto Appa with reins in his hands. Looking back at his friends and signaling them to get on.

"What you waiting for?! Get on!" he yells.

The two didn't have to be told twice as they got on the flying and begin taking off into the horrific storm, while the old lady stayed behind in the cave. Ricky has been inside of a hurricane once when his family took a "trip" to Florida when Hurricane Charlie took hold and it was terrifying to him. But that was all in the safety of a house, he's outside with the storm beating onto him and his friends as he tries to get a better view through the storm. He could've sworn that he saw a metal ship floating with smoke coming out of it, he didn't bat an eye as his goal of getting Sokka back is his major priority. Of course, right after that, they were able to spot the small boat.

"GUYS! THERE IT IS!" he points down.

Aang and Katara look down and sees Sokka and the old fisherman hanging onto dear life as the waves rock the boat back and forth. Ricky quickly grabs the rope they had spared and threw the one end.

"GRAB ON!" he yells.

Sokka and the old fisherman begin grabbing the rope and climbing up. They finally reach to the top as Katara and Aang grabbing them to safety with Ricky whipping the rein on Appa to turn around. With a sharp turn, the flying bison took on full speed as they head straight back to the mainland. But then a huge wave appeared out of nowhere behind them and begins to move towards them. Ricky couldn't look back as everyone yelled his name before they were silent by the sudden coldness hitting him from the back and the pressure engulf him. Everything was black around him as he can nothing but silence. He felt the sudden déjà vu with the total blackness before going silent. He could feel the coldness taking a toll onto him for a few seconds before he could feel a sudden warmth and a faint brightness he feels behind his eyelids. This was another sense of déjà vu as he could remember, his mind was flashing images of people he has never seen before and people he has seen. His family, friends, loved ones, enemies; they were all there as all of them stood together with the same dark figure with red tattoos covering its body. He couldn't take it anymore as he could do nothing but watch.

"You will be mine Richards." the dark figure said, "Just look around you boy; what do you see? You live in a lie and I have the power. It's just me and you Paul Cole Richards. Who's going to save you now?"

Ricky closes his eyes as he waits for the incoming threat until he felt something pulling him from behind. The force made him fall backward as the light engulfs his visions as swirls of white and blue begin to form in front of him almost representing the dark figure that stood before him, only to show more angelic and peaceful than the other.

"You must hurry Ricky." a female voice said, "You must stop this before it could begin. Save Aang and your friends. We'll meet again soon."

Ricky's eyes open wide as the blinding light covered most of his vision before he could see Katara, Aang, and Sokka looking down at him with concern. Aang's expression was a mixture of worrisome and relief, Sokka's was showing guilt, and Katara was the only crying. Before he could talk, he starts coughing up the saltwater he unintentionally swallowed. The Gaang back away as he vomits out the water before gasping for some air only having Katara and Aang hugging him afterward.

"We thought we'd lost you." Katara whimpers.

Ricky weakly smiles as he returns the hugs. "Hey don't worry Kat, I'm not going anywhere yet."

"I'm glad you're alive," Aang said.

Ricky smiles as he could feel his lips making a smile. He looks up to see Sokka still having the guilty expression on his face, getting up from his spot and walk to the Water Tribe boy.

"Listen, Ricky, I just want to apologize about what happened at the docks." he said, "I wasn't thinking through and I—"

He was interrupted by the dark brunette's action, giving him a tight hug with tears rolling down his cheeks.

"Just shut up Sokka. I forgive you," he whispers.

Sokka didn't respond as he returned the hug giving the two benders a memorable sight to behold. Aang look to see the old fisherman walking towards him, looking down on to the ground before looking at the young Avatar.

"I want to say thanks for saving me, kid. If it weren't for, I would've died out there and I want to say I'm sorry." he apologizes.

Aang smiles at the old man genuinely as he did before. "Hey, it's alright. I'm done looking at the past, I'm going to do what I should've done long ago."

Everyone smiles as the sound of rain begin to cease with only hearing droplets falling from the branches. Only to have Appa shaking himself dry while getting everyone wet.

"APPA!" Aang yells.

Ricky laughs as the dark memories of his past faded back into his mind, but knowing it's not going to be long till they come back. Though, all he could think is the sight of seeing his friends as the sunlight shine on them making him smile.

'I'll follow you guys to the ends of the earth.' he thought to himself.


Location: Las Angeles, California

Jonathan Richards begin parking his car in the driveway of his house as the sun was already high in the sky. It did rain a bit, but nothing too serious. He opens the car door and got out of the car. He closes it as he took a good look at his house, hoping that he could've gone here in a better situation. He took a deep breath as he made his way to the door. Only a few steps the door open to reveal Nikki standing and her eyes widen as a dinner plate.

"Dad!" she yells.

Mr. Richards gave a faint smile as his second eldest ran towards him, giving him a bear hug. He laughs quietly as he too embraces his daughter. He looks to see Susan standing in front of the door, looking like she hasn't seen the light of day. He let go of Nikki as the two walks to the patio as he gave his eldest a light hug.

"Hello father," she mumbles.

"Hey kid," he said in the same tone as his daughter.

The two parted from their hug as he looks at his daughters with a stern look that they never have seen.

"Where's your mother?"