Abandon Your Humanity: Part 2

Standing idle in place, the Avatar had glared upon fleeing figures of June and Nyla. It took a little longer than anticipated, but like all who would ever come to oppose him, he would break their mental strength without hesitation. They'll either bow or die; There was no in between. Staring down at the finger tips of his right palm, he reflected on the horrific images and mental torture he filled the Bounty Hunters mind once he'd beaten her into nothing but a pile of dirt beneath him. Learning such a technique from the Lion Turtle he'd slain had served its value. Its power not only had the ability to torture ones soul, but it had the capability of altering the memories of their encounter as well. Instead of having her retell the confrontation they'd just had, she now believed that there was much more to their 'chat' then what had just transpired.

Hearing a small whimper, Aang looked over at Momo who shriveled next to him. The small Lemur avoided his gaze on the Avatar, yet took swift glances once every few seconds in fear of seeing what Aang is slowly morphing into. Momo didn't like this Aang, he was mean and cruel to others. He wasn't like the Air Bender he grew attached to.

Aang's softened his eyes, the fear that his ally had expressed had pained him.

"I'm sorry you had to see that Momo."

Crouching down, he made an attempt to scratch his ear, but Momo backed in fear of experiencing the same torture he had just dont. Slightly pulling his hand away, his heart shattered as he realized that Momo no longer saw him as he once was. Instead, the Lemur only saw him as a monster.

"I won't hurt you." He tried to comfort. "I know... I haven't been myself lately, but I could never hurt you, Momo. You're probably the only one left who could understand me."

Sighing, disheveled at his desperate attempt to reconcile with the animal, he stood to his feet. He could no longer bear the guilt of seeing the horror Momo presented. To him of all people.

Despite the guilt he momentarily felt, it didn't change his thoughts nor his goals of what he wished to accomplish. Nothing could quench the deep hatred of revenge that soaked his ever beating heart. That was much too lost for anyone to ever control...

Especially for Momo.


The Fire Nation continued to economically thrive despite the century war having to finally end. With the economy overfilled with such wealth, there stolen privilege lifestyle was starting to become shared across the world as it tried to make amends for the destability and oppression it brought the other civilizations. And with that, who else but would see this unfold as the head factor overlooking it all. Of course, it would be none other than Fire Lord Zuko, soon to be father to his first child along with his fiancee whom he had plans on making his wife in the next coming week. He only wished Aang was here to be his best man, for he felt it was only right for the person who protected his love from everything, including himself, to have that right. He walked along the main hall with his Fiancee discussing the future of the Fire Nation and the world itself with figureheads from across the globe. It was a stressful responsibility, but he wouldn't have it any other way.

Katara walked on the right side of her fiance, her hands gently caressing the nearly 9 month old baby bump that nestled in her abdomen. She was happy that she was about to bring life in this world, yet also terrified as to how well of a mother she could possibly be. She didn't know a single thing about parenting. Reminiscing of how her mother and the other women in the Southern Water Tribe raised their offspring, she could only try to mimic their antics whenever the time presented itself. She was scared of this joyful. yet fearful moment. She didn't want to be a failure, and she surely didn't want to leave her child's life early like her mother had unwillingly done to her.

"I won't let you experience the pain I felt, I promise." She thought.

The palm of her stomach felt a kick from the baby. Her smile only grew as she wondered if that was the child's response and understanding to her declaration. It was cute, too cute in her opinion.

"I understand your people need resources."

Zuko's words brought her out of her thoughts.

"But at the moment I don't have much to spare, the winter season is upon us as well and currently all of our harvesting has been postponed until the spring." He explained. "If I allow anymore of our fresh and daily produce to spread, my people would starve."

"Then how will we get past this ourselves?" A councilman asked. "Many of our people would become sick or die of hunger if medicine and food isn't brought in the next coming month."

Zuko gave him an assuring smile. "Do not fear my friend, we will figure this out together. I shall send some of my people to help both our lands. We will be able to forage and harvest what remains within them and transport what we have found to your cities. If it is still not enough, we do have plenty of Military Rations that we are able to spare so that your people will certainly not starve."

Smiling at the assistance, the man bowed. "Thank you Fire Lord Zuko, your humble generosity will not be taken for granted. I assure you."

Zuko gave a small bow in return. "No worries, the pleasure is all mine."

The large doors in front of the palace burst open. On the other side, June came stumbling in leaving two of the guards who tried to stop her to feel shame and embarrassment at failing to do their sole task.

"M-My Lord!" They squeaked. "I apologize for not halting her at the front, we will escort her out immediately!" They made an attempt to pounce on her, but Zuko raised his hand telling them to cease their intentions.

"Wait." He commanded. His eye's had settled onto the Bounty Hunter, confused and concern for her task and well being. She was back early, too early... and without the Avatar? This had to be something important.

"Leave us!" He ordered everyone in the room. Turning towards the councilmen/women that accompanied him, he apologized for the inconvenience.

"My dearest apologies, but there are other matters I have to attend to at this moment. Please, escort yourselves out and we will resume this discussion the following morning." He requested.

They all complied, satisfied that their was at least progress being made before taking their leave back to the guest homes the Fire Lord had provided during their temporary stay in the Fire Nation. As soon as the doors closed, the only one's that were present were Katara, Zuko, and June. Turning towards Katara, Zuko gave her a small smile as he took her hands into his.

"Katara, my love. I don't like for us to be apart for so long, but for now - can you please go elsewhere? This is information will be sensitive, even to you. And I don't want you knowing if it just yet."

Katara looked at June and back at Zuko, wondering as to what importance the two had to speak of.

"What's going on Zuko?" She questioned. Slowly, her eyes fixated into a glare at the worst idea imaginable. "You're not cheating on me, are you?"

"What?" He was taken aback. "No! Why would I-" He groaned. "Look, I promise I will tell you everything after I finish what I need to do here. So please, let me have this time alone for now. It won't be long. I promise."

Still remaining as skeptical as before, she could only ponder over as the defensive and secretive nature Zuko had given. She would get her answers, but for now - feeling that he was telling her the truth, she decided to take his word and allow them some privacy. For now.

"Okay." She leaned in to give him a soft peck on the lips. "But don't be long now."

He smiled, giving her a peck on the lips in return. "For you, I'll be done the moment you close that door."

She laughed. "Yeah, right."

She then made her way to their shared chambers nearly on the other side of the palace. Opening a door that lead her away from the main hall, she took one last glance at Zuko and June before closing the door.

After ensuring that Katara's presence was no longer an issue, Zuko gave the Bounty Hunter his full undivided attention.

"June. You're back so earl-"

"You're a mad man!" She instantly yelled.

Confused, he allowed her to elaborate as to why she felt such a way towards him.

"Y-You!" Her body began to shake as she recalled the horrors that was left haunting her mind. About him. About that monster that was always preached a hero and a keeper of the peace. Ha, bull fucking shit.

He observed June curiously, and at this moment he started noticing something that left him speechless. The numerous amounts of bruises on her arms, the torn and worn clothing she possessed, the exposure of extra amounts of skin that wasn't visible prior now to this encounter, now littered with cuts and bruises alike. It was shocking, but what he should've noticed at first was the lightly swollen right eye she had. It was almost healed at this point, but it surely did leave an outlined mark on her face. Almost like a scar.

"June." He quickened his pace towards her, grabbing her by the shoulder, yet eased on his touch after feeling her body flinch from his hands. "What happened." He asked.

"H-He..." She began.

Her voice trembling as she struggled to find the words to describe her experience. And by some miracle, she did.

"He's a demon!" Clutching her hair while her nails dug into her scalp, she shook it from side to side trying to be rid of these memories. "A-A beast! A freak!" Looking at the Fire Lords eyes, Zuko could only see absolute terror from within. "He's a fucking monster!" She screamed before falling on her knees, sobbing.

Zuko knelt along side her, concerned and fearful more than ever. Not for June, but for Aang. He held her, trying his best to consolidate her broken spirit. Sitting their for nearly a minute, her trembling had yet to cease from her body.

"June." He looked into her red eye's that shed tears which destroyed the mascara around her eyes. Its effect rendered her looking messy and insane. That look worried him, more than ever. It sort of reminded him of Azula, of how helpless she had become once they put an end to her short regime.

"Tell me everything."


Katara sat alone in her chambers playing with the cup of water that she had in the room. She moved the liquid elegantly across the air watching it dance and twirl as its beautiful clear form stretched and condensed in all kinds of wonderful shapes. She was so concentrated in having the liquid flow delicately around her that she never noticed Zuko knock on the door a few times before stepping inside.

As he did this. he wondered what or how he was gonna tell Katara about the disturbing discussion he and June had with one another. Such troubling thoughts were dissipated into nothingness after seeing how charming his fiancee danced along with the water that flowed around her. It was breathtaking, and it reminded him so much of how he loved her. If it wasn't for her, the raging current within him would possibly never be fully contained the way she was able to do so. Crossing his arms, he leaned against the door that he shut and continued to observe her, a smile appearing as he appreciated all that he was given.

"Wow." He softly spoke, though loud enough for Katara to hear.

Stricken by surprised, she let out a small, "eep" as the water that once danced around her came splashing down onto the floor. "Ugh." She groaned. "Zuko!"

Zuko raised his hands, surrendering himself to her punishing glare. 'I'm sorry." He chuckled. "I didn't mean to startle you."

"Well, you did." She gave a playful glare before bending the water back into the cup it once originated from. "I take it you finished your conversation with that Bounty Hunter." She turned to face him completely, once more resting her hand on her pregnant belly.

Zuko's smile fell into a frown, the discomfort he had recently experienced had resurfaced once more.. He didn't want to believe it, he really didn't, but he wasn't there to witness anything himself, so accusing her of false information wasn't something wise or even fair. Despite being absent from June's encounter, her voice, her eye's, her words, her body language, it was all nothing but the truth. Because of this, it terrified him as he began to become fearful the mentality Aang must've fallen into.

"It's... about, Aang." He finally said it.

Katara remained silent, but her ears perked at the mention of the Avatar. She was... surprised, and somewhat relieved of hearing his name again. It was like a calming moment to understand that Aang was still a person in their life, and that he wasn't just some figure of imagination she thought of.

"Is... Is he..." She wondered, thinking only of the worse.

"He's alive for starters." Zuko confirmed.

She sighed in relief, grateful for the news. This was good, really good. She had so much to tell Aang, so many things that he only wanted him to hear. That included the many questions she had as to why he left. Despite the confirmation of his existence still relevant, she felt as if she already knew the answer to his disappearance, and such a thought tore her up inside. Just knowing that you could possibly be the responsibility of your dearest friends unexplained disappearance was heart-breaking. How she was an idiot to do something like that to Aang, but she just didn't know what she wanted. She felt a deep connection towards the last remaining Air Bender, but she also found that same feeling in Zuko. It called to her, and dare she say it, but it certainly felt right. She questioned many times in the world as to why, why did she feel this way towards those two. Why her of all people did the universe had to bestow this stupid curse of loving two individuals that she knew at one point she would have to choose between. She looked at the baby that was growing within her stomach, knowing all too well of who the father truly was, but refused to come to terms with what it could've been.

"That's... good." She smiled at him.

Zuko raised an eyebrow, quite surprised as to how calmly Katara was taking the news. "You're taking this rather well."

"Well how do you expect me to act?" She responded. "I'm literally about to pop any day now and you expect me to be jumping around all giddy giddy."

"Well..." He scratched his nose. "Yeah."

Katara threw a book at him, causing him to duck. "Screw you." She laughed.

Zuko stood, nervously laughing as well. "Almost had me there."

"I won't miss next time." She threatened before crossing her arms. "Anyways..." She slightly leaned in, interested to hear what he had to say about Aang. "Continue."

The Fire Lord had sighed and made her way over to her fiancee. Sitting on the mattress, he thought of what or how he would break this to her. "Well, Aang is..." He struggled to find his voice. "Aang... is not, who we think he is anymore." He said. "He's... not who he was."

Katara blinked, unsure as to what he Zuko was trying to say. "I don't understand. How could he not be the same? He's the Avatar. The keeper of the peace, and the bridge between the living and spirit world... how could he." And then it clicked. "Ooooh, I see what you mean." A chuckle had escaped her lips. "Aang is starting to think and act like an old and wise man now, isn't he?" She lightly punched his shoulder. "Well, that is kind of expected. After all, he has memories of all his previous lives as the Avatar. He'd surely pick up a thing or two from them."

Zuko inwardly punched himself. If only that were true, everything would flow so much easier. Sadly, that wasn't the case. "No..." He continued to elaborate. "Aang has changed, as in... he's a complete 180 of the person he used to be."

Her smile faded as she thought of what Zuko said. A complete 180? Well, that could only mean the joyous, loving, and passive Aang would be bitter, dull, and aggressive. That couldn't be right, it shouldn't be. This is Aang we're talking about here. It was literally THE Avatar.

"He's... a monster." He finally said, his gaze was to his hands that entwined together on his lap. "June, the Bounty Hunter I sent to track him down nearly 2 weeks ago told me of the monstrosities he's committed. He... He killed, innocent people Katara." He looked at her, his eye's slowly swelling with tears as he thought of what June told him. "And not just the men... but the women... and the children too. H-He slaughtered them... like they were animals. I-"

"Stop!" Katara demanded, her eye's closed while the shakiness of her breath was heard. "Stop, right now." Opening her eyes, she did her best to hold her composure. "If I know Aang, I know for a fact, that the person you are speaking of is not him." Standing to her feet, she made her way towards the door.

Zuko had jumped to his feet and grabbed the Water Bender by the wrist. "Katara."

Yanking her arm away from the Fire Lord, she glared angrily in response. "I... I don't believe it, I won't." She then opened the door and closed it roughly behind her, leaving the Fire Lord to swallow in his thoughts.

Zuko worried about many things in the past weeks. He's worried about Aang, about his well being and health. He's worried for his fiancee, for her sanity that part of it had been deeply rooted into the existence of the Avatar, and many of the times he grew worried about the Fire Nation to ensure it would continue to prosper as it had been for the last 100 years. But now, with this new information added to the table, he worried for something more than any of that. He worried for the fate of the world.

Aang... Aang wanted to see him. Being given an exact location to meet him on Roku's Island, he could only dread to guess that he wasn't being summoned for heart warming hugs and a nice chat. No, Aang wanted something from him, and he's pretty sure he'd likely be dead in his hands if he doesn't get what he wants. Aang was powerful, extremely powerful, even for him. His father wasn't able to defeat him, and he was surely not able to defeat his father at the time of the war either. Perhaps he's able to now, but there's no telling how much more powerful Aang became throughout the months. Thankfully, he knew two people who he was sure would accompany him at any moment mentioned, the only question is how would he be able to explain the situation to them without being given a reaction much like Katara,

"Guards!" He demanded their presence.

One of them came into his chamber only seconds later, curious as to what he requested.

"Yes, my lord?"

"Find Sokka and Toph and tell them to meet with me as soon as possible, I have something quite dire that they need to be informed of."


Katara angrily marched down the halls of the palace. She couldn't believe what Zuko was saying, especially about Aang. He's lost his freaking mind at this point, no way, there is absolutely no way Aang would be like that. It's just impossible. She tried to imagine the goofy, lovable kid turning into a cold-hearted killer, but the idea was just to surreal to even believe.

"Aang could never do that." She thought of the atrocities he had been accused of. "He wouldn't, he just wouldn't."

Her infuriating march fell into a softened pace while her footsteps began to echoed off the walls around her. Overwhelming by the thoughts of guilt and worry, she didn't know where she would be going at this point. So for the first time in so long, she allowed the path to guide her. Her eyes were staring down at the passing floor beneath her, and her ears perked up as soon as she heard a faint but noticeable whistle. Looking up, she stared around wondering what could've made such a noise, only to spot June waving her down around a corner. She seemed like she was on a mission, that if she didn't complete this task she would be executed.

Katara wasted no time in confronting the woman, infuriated that such lies she told her fiance about Aang had actually managed to convince the Fire Lord of this disheveled idea. But not her, she wouldn't buy into those lies. She along with Sokka knew Aang better than anyone, she wasn't one to be easily fooled... unlike her fiance.

"Speak, before I have you tracked down and arrested by every guard in this palace." She demanded,

June shushed her and glanced around, hoping no one else was around to hear them. "It's not safe to speak here, we have to go elsewhere." She informed. "Follow me."

Turning around, June fell into a swift and gentle pace. She maneuvered through the halls of the palace silently. Katara fell behind her, unconvinced, yet curious as to what the importance of her words actually meant. They were at it for nearly five minutes, twisting and turning down the palace halls while avoiding any guards on patrol and overly exposed areas that would make detection much more likely. Finally, she pushed through a set of doors that lead to a secluded, and spacious outdoor balcony near the top of the palace that held the privacy she needed, even if it's for just a few brief minutes.

"I-I don't know how much time I have." June began. "But the Avatar, he gave me a letter specifically for you to see, and no one else!" Reaxhing into her pocket, she pulled out a small rolled up piece of paper. "H-Here, t-take it!" She fearfully tossed it which caused Katara to fumble the paper back and fourth in her hand trying to catch it. A moment later, she was able to get a good grasp onto it and secured the item between her breast. "H-He, wants to see you." She rubbed her head, trying to think of the exact location he informed her of where he wanted to meet. But the horrifying images of blood and torture were still as fresh that it made thinking rather difficult. "On Crescent Island!" She blurted. "Y-Yes! Crescent Island." She pointed at the folded piece of paper. "Everything, everything is in there. It'll explain everything." She then backed away from Katara, ready to jump off and begone with this forced mission.

"Wait!" Katara reached out. "Aang... he isn't what you say he is. Is he?" She questioned.

June tensed, her eyes widened and her breathing became shaky once more. "Don't... Don't ever come to me about tracking that monster down again." She looked back at her, her eyes were filled with such terror that it brought fear down Katara's as well. "I won't do it, I won't go back." She then jumped off in search for her companion Nyla so they can be rid of this place permanently.

Katara stood silent, the beating of her heart was more rapid than it used to be only seconds ago. She didn't know what to believe anymore. June sounded so truthful and terrifyingly honest that it wasn't even funny.

"Aang..." She softly mumbled his name. Looking at the small scroll that she was given, she unraveled the paper and began to read it. This was definitely Aang's hand writing, of that she knew.

Katara,

It's been so long; And there is so much I have to tell you. So much that I WANT to tell you; but now, I do not have that time to explain, especially through a letter. It's better if we talk about this in person. Just know this, I have plans, big plans. These plans I have will reshape the very foundation of our world into one where every single person alive could enjoy the gift of life to the fullest without the fear of pain and loss. It is a place where death and betrayal wouldn't exist - a place that I know I can... no, we can achieve. But I need you to hear me out on this, Katara. Please, meet me on Crescent Island by sunset on the first day of next month. Come alone, I don't want your opinion influenced by others. I promise I will be there, waiting. Katara, I miss you so much. And I hope to see you soon.

Your loving friend,

Aang.

Having read the letter nearly three times at this point, she was shaken by the thought that Aang had finally reached out. It brought a small sense of relief just knowing that he was still breathing, and it only made things better to see that he wanted to meet; But why alone? Sighing, she rolled the letter and tucked it in her sleeve for safe keeping.

"The first sunset of next month? ... that's in two days." She thought.

She'd have to leave by tomorrow morning if she were to reach Crescent Island on time. That didn't bother her. What really bothered her was how would she go without Zuko or anyone else noticing of her disappearance. He couldn't ask Toph or Sokka for help, they'd surely pressure her into having them come with. And of course, Zuko would do the same. Who else in the Fire Nation would be willing to assist her in sneaking away undetected, but wouldn't mind holding their tongue as to her reasons.

"Iroh." She smiled.

The wise and gentle old man was as caring as he was honest. He'd understand the importance of Aang meeting with her and would surely assist her in leaving undetected. His relations to the Avatar weren't as strong as the rest, but they still held a sense of value believing the actions of the Avatar was done for the greater good of the world.

She took off, back in the palace and out the front doors of the enormous building as she disappeared into the streets. Her destination, the one tea shop Iroh currently ran in the Fire Nation until his soon to be departure.

Katara walked into a calm but lively tea shop the Fire Bending Master ran with two other employees. Iroh spent most of his days here brewing local favorites and inventing new tea's that could possibly spark a new delighting trend among his fellow tea lovers. Despite currently running one of the most successful tea shops in the Fire Nation, his desires were to move to Ba Sing Se and continue his found passion with the Jasmine Dragon that still operated without his presence. Such desires would only be held after witnessing the marriage of Zuko and his soon to be niece, and also the birth of his soon to be grand child.

"Ah, Katara." Iroh presented a warm and welcoming smile after noticing the water bender. "Come, sit with me. I'll fetch us some tea." He instantly went over and brought back one of the local favorites before pouring himself and Katara a nice steaming cup.

"Thank you, Iroh." She smiled, taking the cup from him with gratitude.

"Oh ho, you're not gonna call me Uncle?" He gave a light smirk.

Katara gave a light chuckle. "I fully intend to, only after Zuko's and I's marriage is made official."

Iroh gave a hearty laugh. "I guess that won't be long now." He glanced down at her baby bump. "How is the little one doing, if I may ask?"

"Ugh, don't tell me." She rolled her eyes. "It's heavy to carry around, not to mention that it's been actively kicking more often than before." She rubbed her stomach, feeling another jolt of the baby's leg pressing against her abdomen. "It should be here relatively soon."

"I can't wait." Iroh smiled. "So how can I be of assistance, I'm sure you didn't bother going through the trouble of taking a long walk to my humble tea shop for a nice chat and some lovely tea."

Katara's smile fell. Taking small and wary glances around, she ensured there was no prying ears before speaking her thoughts. "Iroh, I... need your help; But I don't want to speak where the possibility of being overheard is likely."

Taking a second to try and understand the seriousness behind Katara's words, he nodded before motioning for her to follow him to a more secluded area. Sneaking into the back of the building, the two had entered a small office that was isolated from the rest of his business. He closed the door behind them and locked it before taking a seat across from her Katara, a desk being the only thing that separated them.

"We are alone now. I promise no one will be able to hear through these walls, I made sure it would be impossible before I rented this building."

She nodded, grateful that he took extra security measures to ensure their privacy.

"Before I say anything, I just want you to know that this is a really long story. And right now, I do not have the time to explain the entirety of the situation, because I'm not so certain of it myself. But there is one thing I am, and it's your assistance to help me leave this place undetected, and it cannot be later than tomorrow morning."

Raising an eyebrow, he took a sip of his tea curious as to why Katara would say such a thing.

"I don't understand. I'll be glad to help, but I'd like to know why such precautions have to be instilled? It's not everyday you hear these abnormalities, especially since you have such good relations with my nephew and the people of this Nation."

She sighed, knowing that there was no way in avoiding the truth against the old man. "I know where Aang is. Or at least, I know where he's gonna be in the first sunset of next month."

"Aang, you mean the Avatar?" Humming lightly, he finally began to understand why she'd do something so secretive, but it still left a few things unanswered. "Why would you ask me though? I'm sure if you had brought this up with Zuko or anyone of your friends they'd surely help you as much as I would."

She let out a frustrated groan. "That's the thing, Iroh. Aang... Aang doesn't want anyone to see anyone but me. He mentioned this in the letter I was given." Reaching into her sleeve, she pulled out the rolled up paper.

Iroh curiously eye'd the paper. Setting the cup of tea to the side, he presented his palm to her. "May I?"

She handed him the letter without another moments notice. Unraveling the paper, the retired general read through its writing curiously the same as Katara had. He skimmed the paper nearly four times, rereading and mesmerizing every word mentioned. "I... I see." He hummed.

"Now, do you understand." Katara hoped.

"No, I do not." Gently rolling the paper, he set it aside. "But that doesn't mean I won't help you. I'm sure the Avatar has his reasons, and I am quite curious as to his plans for eternal peace and happiness. For that kind of future, I will help you achieve."

Jumping to her feet, she would've thrown herself onto the old man if she wasn't pregnant. Instead, she walked around and gave him a loving hug. "Thank you so much Iroh. You've been so kind to me these last few months. I owe you everything."

"Don't mention it, my child." He smiled. "Tomorrow morning, I will ensure you will be escorted onto one of the war blimps that was used during the war to reach Crescent Island. Since the Avatar wants to see you so soon, that's the only way you're gonna be able to reach him on time."

She furrowed her eyes lightly. "But won't that have to be handled by a crew? I can't man the entire blimp on my own, and I'm sure Aang specified for me to come alone."

"Do not fear. I will inform the crew that they are not to leave the ship at all after it lands, and that you would be given absolute command of the crew to ensure that your end of the bargain meets."

Katara seemed skeptical, but agreed nonetheless. She was running out of time, and Iroh was right - flying by air was the only way she'd be able to make it to Aang on time. "Okay." She finally spoke. "I am trusting you, Iroh."

"You put your trust on the right person, of that I have no doubt."

Smiling, Katara gave a small bow in gratitued.

"Thank you."

Taking this time to leave, she headed back to the palace with plans on preparing her luggage for the small and hopeful journey ahead. Her excitement to see her friend after so long had remained raging in her heart.


"No way, I can't believe that." Sokka had his palm pressed against his forehead. "There's just no way."

It was nearly sunset. Sokka, Toph, and Zuko sat around a table discussing the information that was recently received from June. Sokka had remained in disbelief from the details given, the same being said for Toph. Surely, she of all people could not even begin to see Aang in such a degrading nature. She felt the Avatar's warmth and alluring sensation during their first encounter. The earth beneath her feet had called to him more than anything she'd ever felt. She could see him, feel him, even read him better than anyone else she's ever encountered because of it. And she loved it! He was the brightest, and most unique of all. Nothing could taint the admiration and love she held for him. It was what she craved for from the Air Bender. So hearing this declaration that the same man she had connected with more than anyone has suddenly been tainted by the effects of something evil... it was just too skeptical, even for her. She couldn't believe it, no, she didn't want to believe it.

"I know it's hard to believe." Zuko said continued. "I myself don't want to accept this either, but what June said wasn't a lie. I just know it wasn't."

"But that doesn't mean it's the truth either." Toph crossed her arms, a small glare morphing around her blind pupils. "We all know Aang, just because we received some disturbing information, from a Bounty Hunter of all people, it doesn't exactly mean they're telling the truth."

"Yeah." Sokka agreed. "Look, Zuko. I know we're all worried for Aang, I am too, just as all of you are. I want to know why he just up and left for so long, but come on? This is just plain ridiculous and crazy. Don't you think?"

Zuko huffed in frustration and rested his head on his palms. "I know, I know it sounds crazy!" He clutched his hair. "But you didn't see the damage June was in. The fear, the horror, the vulnerability. She wasn't lying, she wasn't even acting. It was all so... unnatural." He stood up. "I don't want to believe it." Pacing himself around the room, he glared upon the floor. "Like all of you, I have hope that the Avatar would one day return to the world and guide it down the right path; but with the devastation I saw, I can't just overlook a possibility that something terrible has become of Aang."

They sat in silence, the atmosphere became tense around them as they thought of the Avatar.

Toph crossed her arms, frowning at the continued thought. "When... When did you say you were going to meet him again?"

"Next week, on Roku's Island. And from what June said, he certainly did not sound welcoming." Walking up to the table, he placed both of his hands on it. "Look, If everything June said was true. If he really has been corrupted and is out to instill terror upon us all, we all know that I alone am not powerful enough to stop him. He defeated my father, and I certainly know he could do the same to me. That's why I asked for both of you. To help me if things ever do go south." Looking at Toph, he addressed her strengths. "You're probably the strongest earth bending master out there. You're able connect to this world better than any bender I've ever witnessed, and it is a gift that I know many wouldn't master to the extent that you have" He then turned towards Sokka. "As much as you've struggled to find what you're good at in this world, you certainly have become a master swordsman yourself. And now you are becoming one who is starting to improve into unnatural standards that even I was unready for. You'd certainly be a match for a bender if they underestimate your capability. Look, none of us want to believe this. But if my life is on the line here, I need all the help I can get without making it a public issue. I don't..." He clenched his fist. "I don't want the world to degrade Aang's name, after everything he's done for us - it would just be unfair. So if it really is true... we have to stop him before this breaks out."

Toph and Sokka gulped before glancing at one another. Fear of what they may have to do began to settle in. It was hard to argue with a friend, or even fight over silly things that you both know are childish. Because pride always gets in the way of repairing friendships. But now wasn't like those times. No, now they would possibly be fighting to the death. If Aang had certainly changed, the one thing left they truly desired to uphold was his public image upon all who he's saved from the tyranny of Ozai.

"I..." Toph struggled to find something, anything to voice against this., but she couldn't "I'll do it, but... I won't think about doing anything harmful until confirming this with Aang himself." She closed her eyes as she could only wonder how he truly looked like.

Being blind had left you thinking more than the average person. Many times, she had wondered about how Aang truly looked. This figment of imagination was all she had, and despite the fantasize she had over him, she knew that his real figure would outshine the fantasized ones. Thinking of the person who gave her meaning in her life and made her search beyond the boundaries of her home, it was difficult and downright nearly impossible to turn against him. She didn't want to hurt him, she really didn't. She cared for him, more than she would like to admit... and it hurt her.

"Yeah." Sokka agreed. "Same as well, I won't do anything until I've also confirmed these conspiracies around him." He rubbed his chin. "How about Katara? Does she know anything about this?"

Zuko shook his head. "No... well yes; To an extent. She didn't want to listen to everything I had to say, so she doesn't know I'll be meeting him at Roku's Island next week. And honestly, I'd like to keep it that way."

Sokka was about to voice against this, but he stopped after remembering the child she was about to give birth too. It would be dangerous to come along on this journey while the possibility of going into labor was near, especially with the limited medical availability they would have. It really wouldn't be the wisest thing to do. Sighing, he leaned against the back of his chair before nodding..

After seeing Sokka let go of the topic with Katara, Zuko addressed the two simultaneously. "So it's agreed then? We leave next week for Roku's Isla-"

The door opened, and Iroh came walking in.

"O-Oh." He smiled, rubbing the back of his head embarrassingly. "Pardon my intrusion. Have you seen, Katara? She left this letter back in my shop and I'd like to give it back to her."

"Uncle." Zuko sighed, yet smiled as well. He was exactly who he was looking for. "No, I haven't seen Katara. I think she's in the back, by the gardens." He answered. "If I may ask, what is the letter about?"

Iroh tucked it in his robes protectively. "I'm afraid I don't have the right to say anything. This is Katara's business, you should ask her if you must know."

"I see." He replied.

"Well then." He gave them a light nod. "I'll be on my way." As he was about to close the door, Zuko called his name once more stopping him.

"Uncle!" Zuko knew he had to tell his uncle everything he knew about what was currently unfolding. He couldn't keep any secrets from Iroh of all people, especially one as dire as this. It was too serious to pass up. "I need to talk to you about something very important, and I fear I may need your help if I am to live through this."

This caught Iroh's attention, if there was anything out there that threatened his nephew's life then you'd bet he'd do his best to eradicate this threat before it were to happen. Walking completely through the door, he shut it behind him as he gave his nephew his full, undivided attention.

"I'm listening."


Morning came, and Katara was up long before anyone else was. Getting out of bed quietly not to disturb her fiance, she quickly changed over and grabbed the hidden packed bag that she hid between two dressers the night prior. Quietly opening the door, she took one last look at Zuko's sleeping figure before closing it behind her. She swiftly made her way out the palace, avoiding any guards as for them to not be questioned by her whereabouts once Zuko noticed her disappearance. She headed for the location Iroh given her moments before she went to sleep the night prior. Arriving at the coordinates, she was glad to see a blimp with a crew of fire benders and soldiers alike preparing for take off. One of them waved her down, to which she smiled and ran to join them.

"I knew Iroh could pull this off for me." She thought happily as she joined the rest of the crew on board.

"Your orders ma'am?" A soldier that she could only presume to be as the captain of this blimp asked.

"O-Oh." She stuttered. She thought that they'd already knew where they were headed, but I guess they hadn't been informed of much. Good, just the way she wanted it. "Set course to Crescent Island, please."

Nodding in response, he ordered all hands on deck to prepare for take off and set its course for the island Katara had requested. She was led to the most hospitable chambers they held on this blimp to where she had a good view of what lie ahead of them. Setting her belongings down, she rubbed her hands against her abdomen all while thinking of the person she regretted leaving.

"I'm coming Aang." She muttered. "Just a few more hours, and I'll finally see you again."

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End of another Chapter.

I thoroughly enjoyed making this chapter out of all, I don't know why but it was something about it that sent chills down my spine. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Please leave a review about your thoughts, I'd surely appreciate any feed back you can provide. And once again, I'll see you all in the next chapter

-TheLivingMyth