Chapter 7: Nothing Is True
A lone robed and hooded figure sat on a slowly moving boat. His body remained compacted together - pushing the boat forward with small gestures through his fingertips while the water below him was manipulated under his influence - obeying his very command. It was difficult to see what lied beneath the his shadowed eyes, but if you could - you would could conclude the absolute dormant and voided emotions he did not contain. An empty hole, moving as if he were some puppet. Looking up from the wooden floor of the boat he gazed upon, his pupils caught sight of an island that intrigued his interest. With that, a small, and dark grin enveloped his face once realization settled that his ultimate goal was about to become nearly complete with this one task.
Kyoshi Island
Sailing into the Bay of Kyoshi, he grasped the edge of the boat once a rumble had begun to violently shake the area. Appearing from below, the Unagi of these waters came towering high in the sky. He watched the Unagi glance from side to side, searching for any trespassers it was sure it had sensed most recently. Its attention turned below, the small boat that carried the only human life on board greeted its vision. Unagi roared at the boat and proceeded to dive towards it in order to sink it to the depths of the bay. The man remained unwavering, and with a careless thrust he launched a large body of water into the sea beasts mouth, traveling down its throat. This action confused the beast greatly, causing it to retract its head. Releasing a small gurgle, it remained somewhat docile in confusion. With the tip of the mans fingers, he began to swirl the liquid inside its throat in a rapid rate. As it grew stronger and faster, a large amount of blood spurt across in a thin line around its neck. Losing all sense in stability, the Unagi fell over - head dropping into the ocean while a pool of red liquid quickly began to fill a large portion of the islands Bay. The amount of crimson blood that discolored a segment from the rest of the waters was immense. Calmly sitting back down after decapitating the beast, he proceeded to head towards the shore with the intent of making contact with a certain Avatar.
Once he landed, he left the boat sitting alone against the sand that crusted up against its shape. Making his way down a faint but visible path, he glanced around noticing the leaves on the tree's he passed had nearly fallen. A strange and forgotten sight he hadn't seen in years indicating the passing of the seasons. Such an atmosphere caused him to question how long its been since he felt one with nature while embracing its gift. Has he really been in the spirit realm that long? Lightly snarling at the thought, a sense of bitterness overcame him when realizing how far the years has truly passed. So much time and effort, and still he stood unsuccessful. With their struggle finally coming to a much needed conclusion, he promised himself that he would be successful. One way, or another - this had to end with him as the victor. Because only then would everyone truly and finally understand each other.
A faint rustle perked his ears, and as swiftly as he could be, an Earth Pillar spiked from beneath the source of the disturbance - exposing the Kyoshi warrior to his line of sight. She was caught. Now that one of them had been discovered, two more had made their appearance. Both of them on opposite angles with intent to pounce and subdue this intruder. Attempting to finish this with their initial plan, they leaped towards him. The man boosted himself into the air with another earth pillar. Falling onto the shoulders of the nearest Kyoshi Warrior, he tightened his thighs around her neck - squeezing tightly until a satisfying crack could be felt and heard.
The Warrior fell - dead. The amount of speed and agility that was used to complete the killing blow had caused the remaining two to tense. This person was clearly hostile, they could see that now. Despite the absolute horror felt when witnessing one of their own killed, their bearing remained stern and unwavering. Equipping their weapons in response, they prepared themselves for a heated battle They silently observed this intruder who toyed with the corpse of their comrade for but a moment before kicking it away. His reaction was somewhat - disappointed.
"Kyoshi Warriors... A disgrace to use such a title. The name of a fallen Avatar shouldn't be taken lightly. A warrior bearing the name of such a historic figure should only be the best and brightest to hold such an honorable title."
This insult had surely offended their pride, though they dare not show it. Without another word, he dashed towards them with speed thought to be impossible. The second Kyoshi Warrior was dealt with relatively similar to the first, while the final could do nothing but gasp for air. Lifted by the throat by this intruder, she could barely make out a metallic hand that was revealed against her neck. She kicked and struggled hoping to shake him off, but soon fell limp once her throat was crushed with the coldness of the his fingers digging into her skin. He tossed her to the side with no care nor remorse of what her life must've been before her final moments. Looking back towards the trail he walked on, he decided that it was best to take into the woods to reach the Village. Not because he feared an encounter with dozens of more patrols, but because it would just become annoying and unnecessary to prolong his personal agenda.
The Inhabitants of Kyoshi Island were going about their business just as any other day. The air was warm, the sound was pleasantly peaceful, and there was no conflict for hundreds of miles across the world. Life was good in the village of Kyoshi Island. Men and women, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters all felt wonderful and enlightened with how far this world has come. Nothing would change the joyous atmosphere in this village, nothing but a massacre that no one was expecting since the war with the Fire Nation.
It happened too fast for many to remember. It was just so peaceful, so warm and welcoming that the thought of hostility seemed to only be a myth. Then suddenly, in the streets where the people walked joyously with their heads held high were now littered with corpses of headless bodies - all of them falling one by one into a growing pool of blood. There was no sign nor warning for this horrific disaster. Screams of terror spread across the village like an untameable wildfire that raged across the land. The unwelcoming heat of fire began to ignite buildings aflame, its source was the sole responsibility of one person who caused such a disturbance.
Warriors were put on high alert, and many were sent to help evacuate the citizens or help mitigate property damage. Those who were sent to deal with the threat didn't quite make it out alive. For the most part, they all ended up with bashed skulls, severed limbs, or torn out throats that none were prepared to face. Complete utter hell was unleashed onto the island while. Nothing, no living man, woman, child, or elder was given even an ounce of mercy.
The hooded man continued to make his way down the streets - now dragging one of the whimpering and severely crippled Kyoshi Warriors he pummeled earlier. Dragging her by the hair, he ignored the horrified screams of retreating villagers that became fainter and fainter, signifying them fleeing his presence. He ignored these cries, for they weren't his priority. The complete massacre of the islanders wasn't his plan, not one bit. But if bringing pain and suffering to her people would be the one thing to lure her here, then so be it.
Stopping right before a large statue'd pillar of Avatar Kyoshi, he gazed up at the woman with unclear emotions. Releasing the Kyoshi Warrior from his grasp, the woman fell on her face whimpering at the unbearable pain that was inflicted upon her crushed and dangling legs. She shook and struggled to her knees, her hands acting as a support to what her legs couldn't uphold.
"I want you... to beg."
His coarse and cold voice sent shivers down the warriors spine. Glancing up, she could faintly make out the empty pupils that stared down at her, waiting for some additional pleasure to be taken from her vulnerability.
"Beg for your Avatar." Raising his hands to his side, his chin rose to the air as if he was about to chant a prayer. "Call her from the spirit world to save your people, and bring her to me!"
Sitting silent for a few seconds, her whimpers turned into a light giggle. "Avatar Kyoshi wouldn't waste her precious breath on scum like yourself." She then spat on his boots.
The man didn't like that, not one bit. Yanking her by her hair again, he hysterically chanted for her to beg while repeatedly smashing her head into the ground harder and harder. A smile carved onto his lips, growing slowly each time he drove her face into the dirt.
Standing to his feet, he closed the distance between himself and the statue before driving the woman's face into the stone. The sound of her face smashing against the stone, as well as the repeated bashing of her head had caused the front of her face to cave in ultimately killing her. Releasing the corpse from his grasp, he watched as her body slowly slide to the floor, staining the sacred statue with her blood. The man took a few steps back - frustrated and annoyed at how little progress he's made against Kyoshi. His breathing was heavy, and his gaze was filled with a frustrated anger while he stared up into the Statues eye's of the Avatar.
"Kyoshi." Muttering between his lips, he lifted his head high and screamed her name. "KYOSHI!" Falling to his knees, he felt defeated that all this havoc he created was for naught.
Oh well, he'd bring her out of hiding eventually. Like most of the Avatar's he's encountered and ultimately killed for their second time, he'd suck up Kyoshi's spiritual energy ust like he did to countless of others. Their essence had proven to increase his power and skill level beyond his capabilities. Unlike having memories of past events, he now had their every experience, their very strength and training flowing through his veins. There were only so few left that he needed to track down and overcome, it would only be a matter of time until this ultimate power Vaatu had foretold would be obtained.
The sound of swift footsteps approaching filled his ears. Reacting quickly, he rolled onto his hands and pushed himself over his attacker that nearly sliced him in two. It was another Kyoshi Warrior, though this one seemed more experience and agile compared to most of the one's he faced. This one had much more fight and expertise, a veteran... and a challenge. A challenge he was certainly hoping to encounter.
"I must say, you almost had me there. If I had been a moment slower, I surely would've been badly injured. However, even your attempt to kill me still leaves much to be improved on."
"Shut up!" Her teeth clenched and her body chattered with rage. Her could feel only pain and sadness for her people, her home! "You monster! You just come into this village, killing and disrupting our way of life! You slaughter us like cattle, and for what! How dare you do such a thing! You... You didn't even spare the children."
"I understand your pain far too well, but these are troubling times. These deaths will only be beneficial for the future of many, until then you must be patient."
Her teeth bared, stunned with such a response. What kind of answer was that? A few that would benefit the rest? Has he gone mad? This outrageous and villainous act by stripping the life of those who did not have any means or say in this battle - just, why? Gripping the hilt of her blade tighter, her arms began to shake in undeniable rage.
"You bastard!"
Swinging furiously and quickly at the intruder, her attacks had no effect in any way. All he did was dance his way around her while he found amusement in this desperate state for vengeance. The attacks continued on for a while until a small pattern to his maneuvers clicked. He always took two steps to evade certain strikes before pausing and becoming stationary for a split second while angling around her strikes. The moment she pushed forward enough would be the moment he'd do the same thing over. But now, if she changed her patterns quickly, it would be enough catch him by surprise - and hopefully kill him right then and there. Either way, it was worth a shot. Following his rhythm once more, she waited for his temporary pause before suddenly delivering a second quick strike. She saw his smirk fade, and his right arm raised itself to block the blade with his metal palm.
"You caught on. Took you long enough." He pushed the blade away and sent his fingers flying to her in attempt to gouge her eye's out, but even she evaded his attack with ease.
"I see." He stood straight once more and turned to the woman. "There isn't many who have such skill and expertise in close combat, it truly is you." His smile returned. "It's been awhile, Suki."
Suki tightened her grasp on her blade. "Who are you? I've never once encountered an enemy as cold and bloodthirsty as you!"
"It does not matter who I am. The only thing that truly matters is the message that would become of this place after I'm through here."
Narrowing her eye's, she brought her blade up to rest against her arm as it pointed directly at her opponent. "There will be no message, only a conclusion. A conclusion that will have you facing trial for your heinous crimes in the name of justice."
Finding humor in her declaration, he chuckled. "Justice? Do not lecture me about justice. This world has butchered its meaning for thousands of years. You are but one of many who are blinded when using such a term. This justice you seek will be no different from what I have brought to you."
He charged once more and fell into and offensive state. He pressed on, overwhelming her every way. Speed, power, precision - all of it had increased. He was holding back - and perhaps he still was. She could do nothing but try her best to keep up with his monstrous capabilities. She's not one to easily admit, but she knew he was able to best her in all aspects of her specialty. Engaging him for even a short period of time left her body hurting more than ever. Miraculously, she managed to get the edge on him for a split second to where she sliced his hood off and kicked him in the chest. The man slid back, his heels kicking up dust from the drag. Regaining his balance, he stood proudly as the entirety of his face was finally exposed. Her eye's widened, and her skin begin to crawl while her heart dropped in disbelief at the man that was thought to be dead. The familiar blue arrow on his head had left her arms feeling weak as the overwhelming sense of shock paralyzed them.
"N-No. It can't be. You're supposed to be dead! Sokka... he told me what happened! Just... how?"
Their was a short and bitter silence between them. Nothing but the rustling of trees was the only sound that was heard.
"At times, I find myself questioning the exact sane thing. I always wonder if this world would be better off without me... that my life should have expired on that fateful night on Crescent Island. But then I think... and I realize, my duty has yet to be fulfilled. This illusion we find ourselves in. An illusion of peace that every living person has preached would only bring further chaos. None of this will be over until the concept of fate would finally be controlled, just as it has been doing to us. Maybe I was destined to such an end so long ago, but unlike the disbelief you find yourself clinging to, I dwell not on what could've been the past." Raising his metallic hand in front of his eye's, it began to mend into a sharp blade. "There is no escape, Suki - and now, you will die."
Moments after the Battle on Crescent Island
Appearing through the portal that linked onto Crescent Island, the Tree of Time came into view the moment Koh had emerged. On his back he carried a defeated and groaning Avatar. The boy was ravaged severely, the damage he endured strained the life he clung on, and quickly too. If Vaatu were to not see his plans fall into rubble, he'd have to get this done the very first time. Koh approached the imprisoned Spirit of Darkness, gently rolling Aang off his back as he settled onto the floor.
Vaatu made his appearance known and stared at the two below him. The Avatar was in an even more pitiful state than the last time they met. The overwhelming pain clouded his senses, unable to sense the nemesis that stood beside him.
"What will you do with him?" Koh started.
Vaatu remained silent for a few moments, only to reply with something Koh couldn't understand.
"Let him die, of course."
"Wait, then what purpose was there bring him here? Did you want to witness with your own eyes of his soon to be demise?"
"Yes... and no." Vaatu riddled. "You see, within the fraction of a second, just before the passing of an Avatar, the Spirit of Life - Raava - as she is known by, is forced to leave the host it grants the Avatar such immense power and search for another chosen individual to become its next successor."
"I don't think I quite understand where you're going with this."
"You see, the moment such an event occurs, it leaves me a slim opportunity to enter in place of Raava. I must act fast to revive his dying heart, or else his soul would be completely lost into the grasp of the Spirit Realm."
"Oh, I think I understand what you're trying to say... but... wouldn't he still die? He's only human after all. You're a spirit. Invading a human body so forcefully will kill him either way! Raava was able to do such an impossible merge because Harmonic Convergence aided her in doing so. I don't think this boy would be able to handle someone of your power."
.
.
"Oh, he will. After all, he's someone who's truly special beyond your understanding. Though, I personally won't be the one to intrude his body."
Silently looming over Koh menacingly, the stillness and amount of density in the atmosphere rubbed Koh the wrong way. The Spirit didn't understand what Vaatu's intentions were, not one bit. Not until he felt the very ground it stood upon restrain his feet from moving, or escaping.
"W-What?!"
Koh felt its very core drop in disbelief. Despite being imprisoned, sealed away from the rest of the world for what was thought to be an eternity, Vaatu had managed to influence its power beyond the cell it was kept in - forcing Koh to remain where it was. Without another word, an energy beam latched onto Koh, connecting the two spirits in an odd way. From Vaatu's end, an essence of the Spirits tainted color began to seep through the tube that connected them, its radiant aura inched ever closer with its corrupted ambiance. As it began to crawl seep into Koh's figure, the Spirit could only squirm in pain as it was unable to scream at the unbearable amount of corruption that filled it.
"You've done well, but I'm afraid your use has come to an end. Your service is greatly appreciated up until its bitter end. Consider this your final task you'll be fulfilling for me. "
Slowly, the Spirit began to break away into a sparkling dust. The impenetrable shell that surrounded the Face Stealer began to warp into a liquid state - collecting the particles around it until heading towards the Avatar. It dug itself into his cut off limbs, pushing and pulling itself over and over until it was able to reform into metal limb. Aang's breathing suddenly grew soft and rapid all together - Vaatu noticed this.
"It's time."
Awaiting for its opportunity to substitute itself in Raavas place, it caught sight of a white and gaseous substance leave the Avatar'a lips just moments before he took his last breath. Without another wasted second, Vaatu chose this time to dissolve the remaining particles of Koh, corrupting them with his own essence as it soared into Avatar's mouth.
It was done. He was now inside him, just as Raava once had. Now all he had to do was wait...
Long, impatient, and concerning weeks have passed since Vaatu's successful transplant. Awakening from his long overdue slumber, Aang's eyes fluttered open - instinctively rising his left hand to grasp his dazed head, his other arm followed to massage the opposite side of his head temple. A strange coldness pinched his skin. Such a feeling caused him to pull away, glancing at the limb that was thought to be his own, only to choke on his breath - horrified at the hideous sight before him.
"W-Wha..."
Sputtering endlessly, his eyes revoltingly trailed down this - arm - until it was at last, attached to his flesh. The stub of where his hand should be, covered by metal digging deep into his flesh. It still looked fresh, as if it hasn't entirely healed around him. Yet its connection to his nerves held a sense of familiarity and foreignness to his mobility.
"You've finally awoken."
Startled at the voice, he turned to the source with wonder - only for his eyes to harden at the villain who stood before him. His teeth bared itself, and his eyes were replaced with that of rage.
"You."
A low and despised growl escaped his lips. Finding himself making an attempt to stand, he was unable to stand - tumbling to the floor confusingly. Confused, he glanced to his feet, only to find it in a similar status much like his hand.
"Look at you. A boy once praised by the world for his accomplishments in ending a long-destructive war, now rendered to nothing but a crippled and powerless being who couldn't raise a finger against criminals. You've struggled so much, fought for so long - ran for so long, and repeatedly strove to find your place in all of this. Yet despite all of these odds, you still find a way to push forward. Still, it is not enough... it never will be as you are. You are much to inexperience and feeble to face me."
Glaring harder than before, you could hear the venom leak from Aangs lips as he spoke.
"Funny. You make some bold statements despite the conditions you're in yourself. Here you are, left imprisoned to be displayed to the world as if you were someones pet. What does someone of your predicament know of power?"
Despite the obvious fact that he should feel insulted by this boys remark, he seemed to pay no mind. Instead, he laughed - finding humor in his insults.
"Oh, Young Avatar. Your doubtfulness of my very existence is truly laughable. Unlike you, I can not be deceived. I feel no remorse, and so I have no weakness. My power comes from the depths of what you humans label as negative emotions such as anger, pain, and hatred. Everyone holds it, in one way or another. Even yourself. Such deceitful emotions dwell within you, rising throughout these most recent days like a plague wrecking havoc against all creatures bound to life. You're so gullible, Avatar. So naïve. So self-centered. You do not realize deceiving eye's even as they stare directly into yours. Because of this, you are much a fool as any other, fallen for this girl who had betrayed your heart."
"You know nothing!"
"Oh, but I think I do. Do not doubt my power. I know you better than anyone you've ever formed ties with. Your beginnings, your prosperity, and now your downfall - or is it? Ever day you've struggled to find a life of significance to uphold. All of this leading to the girl you began to grow fond of throughout your travels. You craved for her by your side! To feel her touch would be more than you could ever hope for. The warmth of her skin, the smoothness of her hair, the softness of her lips. When I think about her, it's almost undeniable of how much affection I can feel pouring off of you. You question why I know so much. To simply answer your thoughts, it's that we are similar in more ways than one. We are the same. Created from the beginnings of a fantasy, hoping to find our place among this madness. I know so much about you, Avatar Aang. Our bond has grown ever stronger, despite our bitter encounter. In time, you will understand my words. As for now, you shall serve by them."
"I serve no one but my own self-interest, and right now, that interest is to see you and every last persob who betrayed me to squalor in their own bucket of blood!"
"Ah, yes. I have no doubt your lust for revenge has quenched your ability to love. Use your anger, just as you declared you would. It will pave the path to your inevitable redemption. With its natural state fueling your ambition, finding acceptance and bringing clarity to those who could destroy it will be our priority."
"You're wrong. You took the one thing I could truly call my own away from me the moment you stripped both my mother and Appa's life right before my very eyes! I will ensure you will pay ten times what you've done to them!"
"And how will you do that? You seem to forget, but you're not in the best predicament in searching for such a goal. You have yet to understand how to fully master the new limbs I have bestowed upon you, yet you already ensure of my own demise? Don't make me laugh boy, I won't die as easily like that water tribe girl."
His thoughts froze, and his mouth hung slightly open. The mention of Katara's believed fate had crossed his mind... and it hurt.
"What do you mean? Where is she? She... she should be safe... she should be alright. Tell me, is she alright?"
Humming lightly, he expressed confusion to Aangs obliviousness. Wasn't it he who's committed the killing blow? Her death was because of him, was it not? Yet despite that truth, he responded as if he was unsure.
"Isn't it obvious? Finding yourself blinded by betrayal, you did the one thing you swore you would never do to any living thing. You killed her."
Shaking his head, he refused to believe. "No... That's impossible. I made sure of it!"
"It's true. Moments after the conclusion of your fight, just as your former comrades departed Crescent Island, her life force began to fade drastically quick. After a few minutes, I was unable to sense her presence any longer. You were here long before any of that had happened."
Remaining in total silence, he could not comprehend the crimes he just completed both lawfully and morally. It was unreal, almost as if he were someone else entirely. But it had to be done, it just had to... right? His thoughts traveled back to her swollen belly. Instantly, his fear began to rise.
"The child... it survived, right? It must have!"
Vaatu did not answer. Its silence was all Aang needed to realize that the child too did not survive as he hoped for. Thinking just moments before Katara had fallen unconscious, her eyes had been full of nothing but love for him even though his had faded. Up until the the worse was brought out of him, she continued to love him - refusing to believe that he had fallen.
"I - I can't believe this. Just... what have I done?"
His face fell into his arms, unable to hold the shame that pressed down on him.
"You have done nothing wrong. It was they who were at fault. What if I were to tell you that there is a way to fix this."
His ears perked and his eyes shot up. Hope seemed to fill his eyes for a brief moment. "You mean... you mean I can bring her back?"
"Unfortunately, that is out of my power. But that does not deny its possibility. I can't guarantee a revival, what I can offer is a way to ease your pain. The price for such power will be high. It will require the combined power of those who came before you, those that you must repossess. With this power comes new opportunities, and new possibilities."
"...Out of all the things you've done. All the pain, suffering, and futility you've caused me to go through... what makes you think I'll listen to you."
Underneath the malicious and dark aura Vaatu released was a pleased and victorious smile. To manipulate the mind of a single person doesn't come without time and patience. By shattering the bonds the Avatar had grown accustomed to, caused a vulnerability to emit from within. A vulnerable state that was in desperate need of acceptance... and purpose.
"Vengeance. That one - sole - desire you wish to accomplish, would surely become possible... Do you wish to obtain this power?"
Fire Nation's Palace
It's been a few days since the birth of the unexpected twins. Those days had proven to be difficult, even for the Fire Lord himself. With no sign of activity from Katara, Zuko had began to grow worried. Nothing but the faintness in the rise and fall of her breathing could be seen, and it has been this way since she fell asleep after child birth. Pacing back and fourth outside the room where she rested, his worry was clear to all who was able to catch a glimpse in his general direction. His fiance was currently being examined by one of the best doctors the Fire Nation had to offer. With inevitable fear beginning to cloud his thoughts, his attention was refocused on the health of Katara.
Taking the role of both a mother and a father in her place, the children had left him utterly exhausted with their continuous need for adult care. He thought about hiring a nanny to take his place, but the very thought of having someone else raise - his - children, was unacceptable. Because of his exhaustion, he's regrettably canceled or postponed any further meetings until he was able to regain his full composure.
Iroh could be seen approaching his nephew. He had been checking up on him more often under obvious circumstances. This stressful predicament his nephew was in had caused him to be so attentive to his mental and physicall health. "Zuko... you don't look well."
With droopy eyes glancing at his Uncle, Zuko forced himself to smile in assurance. "I'm fine, Uncle. I'm just... I'm just a little tired is all. I haven't gotten much sleep as of lately. The children had kept me up a few times, as well as Katara's health. ...but, that's what father's are for, right? We lift the burden off our loved ones, doing the hard work so that they don't have to?"
Smiling lightly, Iroh couldn't help but admire how mature his response was. It was so... different. "You sound so much different than what your father would say."
"Well, unlike my biological father... he wasn't truly the person who held the right to claim such a title. I try to model myself after someone more, jolly."
Chuckling a few moments, Iroh pulled up a chair that was tucked underneath a table. "Come, sit and talk to me, Zuko. Somethings been troubling you, I just know it."
"Is it really that noticeable?"
Iroh raised an eyebrow, giving him that 'you think' kind of expression. Sighing in defeat, Zuko plopped in the chair next to him.
"I'm just - I'm worried... for Katara. She hasn't been awake ever since she's given birth. I understand that childbirth can take a lot out of someone... but uncle, it's already been a few days without a single response or movement. This isn't natural, Uncle. I'm really afraid of losing her."
Taking a moment to take in his words, Iroh crossed entwined his fingers gently on the table.
"I can't understand what you're going through. Do not mistaken me, because I too worry for her health, but you can't let this keep you from fulfilling your role as Fire Lord."
Abruptly rising to his feet, he lightly rose his voice. "Then what should I do! I don't know who I could turn to to help me in this situation. Toph is still trying to come to terms with killing..." He closed his eyes, his breath became shaky for a moment before regaining his composure. "Sokka and Suki... they're currently doing their best in helping her move past what she did... but I know that Sokka is currently fighting demons of his own."
Even after a few moons passed since that horrific night, the haunting reminder of Aangs dying screams continued to torment them. He didn't blame Toph or Sokka for staying quiet for so long... hell, he isn't even in the best mindset either. His hopes remained around Toph's well-being - knowing that she was currently the one suffering most of all. Because of his foolishness to pursue, he forced her to take the life of a dear friend. A friend he was sure she held romantic feelings buried and hidden in her.
"You need to recover, so I believe its best that you should hire a Nanny to watch over the tw-"
"No!" Abruptly cutting him off, Iroh could make out the refusing glare in his eyes. "I will not have some stranger take care of my children. I won't have it!"
Taking a few moments to allow Zuko to calm down, Iroh sighed after realizing what this meant. "Alright, I understand. Then at least let me watch over them for awhile so you could catch some sleep. That's the best I can do."
A wave of guilt suddenly washed over him. The thought of having Iroh do more after everything he's helped him through... it didn't feel right. "Uncle, you don't-"
The door opened, and the doctor who was examining Katara stepped out. "Lord Zuko."
Wasting no time, Zuko quickly paced in front of the doctor. The worry his eyes expressed said it all. "Doctor, tell me... will she be alright? When should I expect her to wake from her slumber?"
"Yes, your fiance is currently alive, though quite malnourished due to not having anything to consume the passed few days already. As for when she will wake up... I can't exactly say."
"Wha - What do you mean?"
Taking a moment to think, the Doctor regrettably sighed.
"My lord, I don't want to be the one to tell you this... but it seems as if I don't have a choice. Your fiance is... she's in a coma, and there is no telling when she will awake. Or even IF she will awake. I'm sorry, but the best I can do is come weekly to do physical therapy to keep her joints from locking. Any and all attempts of consuming any nutrients must be fed conducted with assistance by mouth, or through a tube. I also suggest that you get started on this immediately."
He couldn't believe it. Completely lost for words, it was impossible to comprehend the dire situation that finally uncovered.
"I... I see... thank you doctor. I appreciate your time coming all the way out here."
"No need to thank me, it was truly my pleasure to help in any way possible, my lord." Bowing lightly, he prepared to grab his things. Feeling a hand brush against his shoulder, the doctor turned to come face to face with the Fire Lord once more.
"One more thing, Doctor. Please, keep whatever you discovered here a secret from now on. That includes any information you may hear about my fiance in the future." He then pressed a large amount of currency into his chest that was much unexpected.
Hesitantly yet graciously taking the money, he agreed. "I will, my lord. My lips will remain sealed."
Watching the doctor make his departure, the palace guards that remained at the end of the hallway took immediate action in escorting him out. Once he was out of sight, Iroh spoke up.
"So, what will you do now." .
"I... I don't know. Katara... she's many things. Beloved by so many, it's hard to see her in such a state. A native of the Southern Water Tribe, a daughter to its Chief, a sister to a beloved brother, a master in Water Bending, a friend of many who she's conversed with, a lover to the Fire Lord, and a mother to her children. It's unbelievable that someone as angelic as her could end up in such a vulnerable condition. Despite having allies across the world, their are still enemies that lurk. I have enemies too, so if the public were to know of this, it would only be a matter of time until someone would attempt to use this tragedy to get back at me. I can't stand the thought of such danger coming here, especially in a place where Tenzin and Kya now reside."
"This is troubling indeed, but there isn't much of an option. You're expected a wedding to commence within the week. If you canceled such a big event with no valid reason, there will be a commotion. People are gonna want answers, and they will get it. Otherwise rumors would begin to spread about Katara once people notices her absence."
"Then... instead of a wedding... we'll have a funeral. If people were to believe she died, then accusations or suspicions shouldn't arise. This route will be dangerous, and I don't want anyone knowing this.."
"As you saying that no one will know the truth? Including Chief Hakoda and Sokka, your fiances own blood?"
"Yes, including them! The more people who knows would rise the possibility of people discovering the truth about my fiance. I can't have that."
"And the children? Will they grow up not knowing the truth of who their mother truly was?"
"For the time being... yes."
A wave of utter disappointment filled Iroh's eyes, and it brought an aching feeling to his heart.
"Don't give me that look. I'm doing this because I care! Only a select few know of the truth. As for our friends, I'll talk to them and explain my reasoning as to why it should be like this. I'm sure they'll understand... but they have to believe that she's dead. We'll make her funeral seem as if she hasn't given birth yet, and that she's still pregnant. Please... I need your support on this one, Uncle."
"As your Uncle, I will always support you. Not because of our relations through blood, but because the decisions you make is something that shouldn't be your sole responsibility. Being pushed into this corner has forced you to make drastic turns, but I do know that the actions you take have good intentions. Before you make any final decisions, I want you to understand that from here on out, this could lead to some severe consequences sometime in the future. Your friendship with those around you would surely be put to the test as well. Are you sure you can live with this"
Clenching his fist tightly, he struggled to answer that question. If he were to answer now, he knew it wouldn't be a truthful answer. Could he really live with the fact that he's basically denying almost everyone of his fiance's existence? To rob them of friendship, family, and love? It seemed cruel to anyone who wasn't familiar with the situation... still, it was just as cruel even if you didn't.. He knew his answer, but the question still remained... could he live with it?
Those were the words he continued to question over again as he observed with unsure eye's that the casket that held his deceased fiance be escorted by Body Bearers. Two of them being Sokka, and Chief Hakoda. Hakoda is a well known strong, and prideful man... but being the one responsible for transporting your deceased child to her burial - it hit him differently. The hour was shortly passed dusk, and the sky had darkened intensely while clouds poured rain heavily upon them. If one were to see Hakoda right now, their was a possibility that they would not recognize him through the immense grief he expressed.
"It wasn't suppose to be like this. When funerals like this occurs, it's usually the children's duty to rest their parents in their graves, not the other way around!"
Fire Benders held torches that didn't sway from the rain lit the way for the Body Bearer's to safely walk through the darkened streets of the Fire Nation. It's citizens gathered to watch in sadness as the woman who was said to be the wife of the Fire Lord die before it were to happen. They came upon the ocean just off the shore's of the Palace, and the men gently set Katara onto a small boat that had a lantern attached to the front. Everyone but Sokka and Hakoda backed away as the two said their final goodbye's silently. Father and Son, both having their palms grasping onto the corner of the boat gently pushed the boat forward. As the boat drifted further away, Hakoda couldn't contain himself any longer. He sprung forward unwilling to accept her daughters demise, but a firm grasp from his son somehow held him back. Choosing to look away, he now embrace his last remaining child, unable to endure the performance that would soon happen.
"Archers, take aim!'
An echoed cry of a high ranking officer commanded as nearly two dozen archers readied their arrows that burned brightly with fire on their very tips.
The officer looked over at the Fire Lord, awaiting his signal. Glancing at the officer who awaited his signal, Zuko ignored him and turned away. It was Iroh who gave the nod to proceed. The officer nodded, and without another word, he gave the order.
"Fire!"
Dozens of flaming arrows soared through the sky. A few missing the boat by mere inches, but those that did were able to slowly light it ablaze. The flame burned bright among the dark ocean. The reflection it gave the dark waters became mesmerizing to all who witnessed. Staring at the blazing fire that brightly shined the waters it tread over, Zuko once more wondered if he had the capability of going through with this. As the real Katara still remained in a coma like state back in the palace, those out here mourned a death that never really transpired.
Just then, a soft and beautiful whimper caught his ears. Looking over, his eyes settled upon Suki and Toph who carried Tenzin and Kya respectively and lovingly in their arms. Hakoda and Sokka made their way over to the two, a small smile enveloping the Chief's as he greeted his grandchildren. Seeing as Sokka agreed to his plans into making the world think the children died alongside Katara, he felt it was only right that Hakoda knew the same. After all, the Southern Chief surely had that right know.
The small whimpers of the twins were enough to bring out a faint smile on him as well. He couldn't quite understand, but he knew that he found an answer to his many questions in life. Could he live with it? Could he, Fire Lord Zuko - Rightful heir to the throne, and beloved father of both Tenzin and Kya live with the course of action he just instilled over himself and the world? Looking into the eye's of the twins that slowly opened, their eyes curiously stared into his as if they were wondering who he truly was to them. His decision became final. The answer to that, was yes. He could live with it... and he'd take it to the grave if he had to.
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That's Chapter 7
Took a little longer to finish, but I finished it. Let me know what you all think in the review section, or just PM me your concerns. Thank your for your continued support and I'll see all of you in the next chapter.
~TheLivingMyth
Reupdated as of February 1st 2021
