Chapter 10: Where Loyalty Lies
"What do you mean, let it go?!"
"Sokka, I understand the devastation you must be in, but we don't have the slightest clue as to what could have happened here."
'What happened? Are you serious right now?!" Sokka scoffed. "I'll tell you what happened! Take a look around oh great, Fire Lord! A villainous, and malicious slaughter is what happened!" The tone in his voice was ragged, and his patients along with his emotional stability crumbled into anger. "I just watched - my wife, be lifted and taken away in preparations for her burial. I came here, thinking that I would reunite in her arms once again. To feel her touch, and smell the loving aroma of her hair. How could I ever think that I'd return to this. How I went oblivious to the fact that my wife has been dead for many moons without my knowing; It tortures me inside that at one point I went about my day unaware that she fought for her life! And then you have the audacity to tell me to let. It. Go?"
"Sokka, I promise - no, I swear on my title as Fire Lord that I will ensure whoever was responsible for this catastrophe be brought to justice, but you don't understand that-"
"No!" Sokka interrupted. "No, I completely understand. It's you who does not." Sighing heavily, he turned. "Now if you'll excuse me, I... have a funeral to attend; And it is one where I come to terms that I am now a widower." He left the small makeshift tent without another word, leaving both Zuko and Toph in an uncomfortable silence.
Zuko leaned against a chair, his thoughts heavy on today's conflict. "What's next." He could only wonder.
"A lot has happened lately." Toph spoke, making herself known once more. "And it seems like everything we've began to build as children is starting to slowly crumble away."
"What are you trying to say, Toph." Zuko clenched his fist. "That I am not fit to be Fire Lord? That the decisions I have been making were only leading towards an unsuspecting built up of pressure that contains chaos and disorder? Come on, say it. That's how you truly feel, don't you!"
Toph crossed her arms, a small glare formed in her eye's. "No, Zuko. I do not think of such thoughts; I do question some of your motives now and then but I do understand the positions you are put into are rather complicated."
"Then what do you expect me to do!" His voice rose to nearly a yell as the frustration in his eye's became known.
Toph stayed silent for a short few second, and without another word she started heading towards the exit just as Sokka did. Stopping just as she lifted the curtains of the tent, she turned and spoke. "I don't know, Zuko - I really don't. But I'm sure if he were still around to witness this, then the first thing he'd do would be to take this time to mourn those who had perished."
She left without another word leaving Zuko in an unending thoughts of disarray and confusion. Pulling the chair back, he slumped on the wooden object. His left arm crossed under his chest as his right hand rubbed his forehead.
"Uncle." He thought. "Please tell me, what should I do?"
Fire Nation
Back in the Fire Nation, the full moon was high in the sky in this dark and silent night. The absence of the Fire Lord continued for another few rotating suns due to the unsuspecting plea of Kyoshi.
During this night, Tenzin sat in the midst of a large field just outside - yet still within the walls of the palace. His legs were crossed and his eyes closed as the only thing he focused on were the rhythmic sounds of his breathing. He concentrated on the noises surrounding him, all from the chirping of the crickets, to the water flow of the fountain, towards the falling of the leaves. Yet despite hearing all of these noises, he kept searching unsatisfied with what was before him. The sound of water quickening towards him perked his ears, and a smile formed once he pinpointed the source. Lifting his arms, a wall formed behind his exposed back to stop the water from colliding against him, immediately after doing such a defensive move he shot his arm up as a pillar launched just under the feet of his opponent that initiated the attack.
Opening his eye's, Tenzin swiftly got onto his feet just in time to meet the eye's of his sister smirking at him. A fist full of fire engulfed her right hand as it stood motionless in front of Tenzins face causing any and every sense of confidence and joy to cease.
"Oh, come on!" He groaned. "I thought we agreed you'd only use one element! How'd you even get in front of me so quick anyways."
Kya giggled as she disintegrated the fire in her hands. "Using your little pillar that launched me, I instead used its momentum along with that cool technique where I can fly with flames bursting out of my feet to reach you."
"Cheater!" He accused again as a pout built into his cheeks.
Kya laughed. "Sorry, Tenzin. I'm just using all of my abilities to my advantage as dad taught me."
"But you know I can't use two elements completely like you can."
"Well you better find a way somehow cause I'm not gonna give you a handicap forever."
Tenzin sighed before picking up the staff he had laid on the ground next to him. "Yeah, I guess. If only there was an Air Bender alive who could teach me."
"Hey." Placing her hand on his shoulder, a smile grew on her lips. "Don't worry so much about it, you're a great bender with or without Air Bending." Looking at the staff that she knew was once their biological fathers, she questioned of his lack of use in the weapon. "By the way, I know you've had that thing since we were ten and all; But why don't you use it more during combat? It could be more of use rather than a walking cane you know."
Tenzin shrugged. "Yeah, I know. But I don't want to damage its durability or craftmanship. If my suspicions are correct, this staff was primarily used for Air Bending. Dad was an Air Bender - perhaps even the last to ever be considered a Master over such an element. So it makes so much sense as to why this would be his main weapon in battle. I just - want it to remain special."
Her gaze saddened after hearing his declaration. She's never thought of it that way, but she shouldn't be surprised. She held such a deep connection to her necklace passed on by her deceased mother, so she certainly did feel why he cherished such a weapon so much - even if it did just resemble a wooden stick. Before she could respond, the gentle and light tapping of footsteps approaching drew their eyes. An elderly man shadowed by a straw hat slowly came fourth, both hands tucked within the opposite sleeves in front of him as he continued as if unaware of the two known as royalty before him.
"Your concentration has been troubling you lately, hasn't it." Lifting the straw hat to dangle behind his neck, Iroh lovingly smiled at the two for the first time in years.
"Grandpa Iroh!" The twins spoke in unison as their smiles brightened. Without so much of another thought, they both rushed over and latched onto the elder man nearly toppling him over.
Iroh chuckled as he did his best to wrap his hands around the two. "How I've missed you both." He sighed. "I'm sorry I haven't visited lately."
Pulling away, Tenzin was the one to initiate the questions between the two. "It's been almost 3 years, Grandpa. Where have you been?"
Scratching his chin, Iroh seemed to be in thought as he reminisced of all that happened the last three years. "I've only been following my passions in brewing tea. Ba Sing Se is a wonderful place to commit to such a hobby. It's so rich in culture, and the tourism is so high. It's a wonderful place to retire in."
"I thought you loved it here, though." Kya replied, almost sounding as if she were saddened.
"Oh, believe me I do." Iroh assured. "The Fire Nation will always be my home. It is my place of Origin and it has taught me many things I wouldn't have known if it weren't for its existence; However, I do not see myself settling in a place that is - unchanging of normality. Despite my old age, I still have a desire to see and learn something new. I don't want to succumb into the earth knowing the same culture, the same faces, or the same ground that lays before me. I want to experience all that I can before the spirit world calls for me." Seeing his two grand nephews seemingly nod as if understanding his reasons left him satisfied. "But do not think that I wish to cut off my ties to you, or anything of my past. I choose to remember, and correct. Not to forget just to repeat."
"I see what you're saying." Tenzin hummed. "I should visit Ba Sing Se if it really is as you say it is."
Iroh chuckled. "Oh, trust me. It is so much more than what I could possibly describe in words." His smile still plastered, he began to question what he heard earlier before interrupting their chat. "Now, care to explain why you seem so troubled in Air Bending?"
Tenzin sighed already feeling this was gonna come eventually. "I - just can't do it effectively as I know it should be. Every time I try to do something new regarding the element, it just doesn't seem to cooperate at all."
Iroh hummed. "I see - And that is why you won't succeed." Pacing around him slowly, his arms fell behind his back as his lecturing began. "Do - Or Do Not." Stopping, he glanced at Tenzin once more. "There is no try. If you revert yourself to a constant state of try, it just means you aren't confident in yourself. When it comes to Bending - regardless of the element, the host must always be dominant, but lenient to its energies."
Getting into a stance, Iroh began channeling Fire from out his fingertips as he danced rhythmically to its warmth. "Let it guide you, but do not let it control you. And once you got a good hold..." Shooting his hand forward, a large flame blew out of his palm brightening all that was around them. "You must then, release it." Getting back to the beginning stance, he looked at Tenzin. "Now, follow what I do."
Tenzin raised an eyebrow. "But... that's a Fire Bending technique. I can't Fire Bend."
"It does not matter if you can or can not. Such a thought will only hold you back. Now, hurry... Before my back gives out."
Tenzin chuckled and obeyed his Grand Father's wishes. He didn't want to rebel against his grandfathers wisdom, but even then this all felt like a huge waste of time. How would he be able to Air Bend with a teaching meant for Fire Bending?
"Good, now follow my lead." Iroh began his dance again, moving his body as if he were the flames himself. "Feel the energy flow through you. Remember, when it comes to bending; it normally comes from the breath. You can not force what you can't control, and that is what you are always in control of - Breathing." Their moves were almost synchronized, yet it allowed Iroh with just enough time to be the lead. "It is not an extension of you, for you must become it. Its energies surrounds us, embraces us, and combines all living things into one single source. Do not be afraid to unlearn, what you have learned. And when its stored energy reaches it peak, only then will you release it." He shot his palm forward, and a large flame poured out from the center brightening all that was around him.
Tenzin followed his example exactly as instructed. But even then, their was anticipation and doubt in his movements causing a faint gust of wind to come out. The sight left him feeling frustrated and slightly embarrassed. "This isn't gonna work, Grandpa. I always fail when it comes to this - I just can't learn without a master!"
"Do it again." Iroh spoke. "And this time, do not anticipate its energies. You're cutting yourself from the source just as you are about to release."
"But-"
"Again!" He demanded.
Tenzin groaned, but nonetheless he obeyed. Getting back to the beginning stance, he repeated the process a second time. Iroh watched intently making sure their were no faults in his movements. Seeing as their were none, he smiled.
"Good, relax into the energy Tenzin. Let it guide you. Remember - do not think of it as an extension of yourself, for you must learn to reach without its reach. Feel its presence fill your lungs. You must be the air and its breath itself. Now - release!"
Shooting his palm forward again, Tenzin was surprised to see a strong gust of wind smash against a tree breaking its bark and caving into it a bit. Iroh smiled, and Kya cheered at what her twin was finally able to do.
"I..." Tenzin was at lost for words. He wasn't expecting this at all. Much less from a Fire Bending technique. "I Air Bended." He smiled in happiness. "I did it Grandpa! B-But how?" Looking over at Iroh, the elderly man approached him.
"You say you are unable to Air Bend because you have no teacher to guide you." Iroh stopped next to him. "But you do not see that there will always be something who can teach you, and that is failure." He answered. "Failure is the oldest, and greatest teacher of all. If you don't fail, how do you expect to succeed? You may not have a master who can mentor you, but always remember that failure will always be."
"I-" Tenzin sighed. His gaze momentarily fell to the floor, grateful for the wisdom and lessons his Grandpa continued to provide. "I don't know what to say." He bowed. "Thank you, Grandpa. For everything."
Iroh chuckled. "Oh, don't be so thankful. I'm just doing what I please." His chuckling soon stopped, yet his smile remained. "Now, how about we go have ourselves a nice steaming cup of tea as we catch up on things."
The two looked at each other and smiled. Iroh walked passed the twins as he headed for the palace, the two shortly fell into step behind him. It was a nice night out, and Iroh found the company of his two grandchildren to be quite calming to where it began ease his old and tiring soul.
As they silently walked, Tenzin and Kya soon found themselves clutching their heads in pain. It was like something was picking inside their brain, and it hurt tremendously. Iroh turned back after hearing the groans from the two, but flinched due to an overwhelming brightness. He was forced to shield his eye's from the glow for a brief moment, but when they dimmed allowing him to see what was happening - his eye's slightly widened at the state they were in.
Tenzin's right eye began to flicker into a bright blueish and white glow, the same thing could be said for Kya's left eye. The atmosphere around the two changed dramatically as energy built around them. It was as almost as if they were being forced to tap into a hidden power - and it is a power that was incomplete. Their eyes briefly saw through that of another man they had no recognition over. His forceful bindings of Fire Nation Soldiers entrapping their feet to where they stood, and his departure up a cable car as it witnessed those many soldiers burn away from two flying beasts. It was confusing, yet haunting at the same time. The pain settled, and their singular eyes that were affected by the glow reverted back to their normal colors once more. The two panted and fell to their knees as they struggled to comprehend what had just happened.
Iroh quickened towards the two and knelt before them. "Are you two alright?" His concern was clear. "What happened."
"I-I don't know." Kya shakingly spoke. Her eyes turned to meet Tenzins unknowingly thinking of the same thing. "You saw that too... didn't you?" She was the first to address.
Tenzin gave a small and hesitant nod. "Y-Yeah, I did."
Witnessing the shock between the two twins unfold before him, Iroh sighed as he realized Zuko had yet to reveal the suspicions they had regarding the two..
"Has your Father not told you anything?"
The two looked at Iroh, curious and confused.
"Told us? Told us what?!" Tenzin nearly demanded. His annoyance began to grow due to his suspicions over the muteness of his Step Father. "What isn't he telling us, Grandpa? What - What are we?"
Briefly closing his eyes, he pondered about the revelations he should or should not speak of. Despite knowing that it wasn't his place to reveal of the suspicions they had regarding the two, he knew that they couldn't go oblivious towards the possibility any longer. Zuko's overly protective behavior over his children didn't always do good, and at this stage in life it would just begin cause more harm than what was intended. It was time - Or at least, it had had been for quite some time now.
"Kya, Tenzin." He began. "Due to the abnormalities you two have grown into, we believe that you two were chosen to be the next Avatar."
Ba Sing Se
A powerful and extremely wealthy place to live in. It's history as being an impenetrable city was spoken of for decades, up until its first successful inside invasion when corrupted officials took control behind closed doors. However, with the passing of the long overdue century war, its lifestyle reverted back to one of normality where the influence of the Fire Nation has since left its walls. The day was like any others, its citizens went about their business as it should, and the exchange of coin or various goods continued to bring wealth into the great city.
However, even a place that holds a powerful reputation is bound to corruption at some point; And that is what was currently taking place secretly behind the private doors of royalty. Between the Earth King, the Dai Li, and a reemerging Long Feng who surprised them all. Conflict grew in the cracks separating the three parties. The Dai Li is meant to be a secret police force that ensures the safety and well-being of the Earth King; while also upholding his/her laws and decisions. But even this group of elites were greatly influenced by power and domination - and that is exactly what Long Feng had been promoting into the minds of the Dai Li. His reemergence and presence to reclaim the organization wasn't enough to stir much disloyalty among those he had lost, but the Avatar who he now served proven to be more effective than he had on these simple minded warriors. His influence was more than he could ever think to accomplish, and to an extent it was quite admirable. The nerve wrecking glare Aang gave them all made it obvious about who the Dai Li would serve.
"T-This is Mutiny!" Earth King Kuei glared at Long Feng. His teeth gritted against one another as he felt an inner desire to fight. But even then, the Dai Li restrained him. "Traitors, all of you! Traitors to the Earth Kingdom!"
"To think you would've learned after all these years, Kuei." Long Feng chuckled. "You were always a timid ruler. So, I should be thanking you for making this all too easy."
"You won't get away with this, Long Feng!" Kuei responded.
"I already have." Pulling out a hidden dagger from his robes, he went to slice the Earth Kings neck, expecting to see him bleed like a useless animal as his eyes would slowly cease of all activity within them.
"Stop!"
He irked knowing not to betray his demands. Pulling the dagger away from the Kings neck, he turned to look at the balcony above to which Aang glared down at them from. Long Feng took a knee and bowed before him, knowing that his demands of respect ran high. "Is there are a problem, my lord?"
"You imbecile." Aang began. "Killing the Earth King would make my plans falter in the long run. As much as it would seem fit to get rid of him, it is crucial that he remains alive and oblivious for now."
Rising to his feet, Long Feng questioned his motives. "Then what do you expect me to do? He already knows of our presence. He would inform the world of our existence which would cause unneeded attention."
"I don't answer the issues you've caused, Long Feng. This problem is yours to deal with, but whatever you do - he is not to be executed."
Earth King Kuei looked up at who Long Feng conversed with. Observing the man concealed in robes, his eyes narrowed slightly at the familiarization of his facial structure. "A-Avatar?" He softly spoke, yet loudly enough for Aang to hear. "A-Avatar!" His eye's widened. "You're alive! I can't believe it! You've disappeared for nearly the last two decades! W-Why, why are you doing this!"
Long Feng turned to the Earth King, and with a demanding tone he gestured him out. "Get him out of here and back on his throne, but first make sure he gets a quick check up at Lake Laogai." His smile widened at seeing the horror in the Earth Kings eyes grow.
"N-No! I won't forget, you hear me!" His screams became softer as he was dragged further and further away. "I won't!"
As the Earth Kings departure remained fresh, Long Feng looked up at Aang once more as if seeking his approval. The Avatar nodded, and without another word he turned and headed back into the room he came from more than satisfied that the Dai Li was now under his control. The best part about this small expedition was the fact that no one even suspected a thing. Feeling as though someone were watching him, he glanced in the corner of his eyes to see Azula curiously and somewhat fearfully watch his every move. He narrowed his eyes lightly causing her to retreat back from where she came - embarrassed that she was caught stalking him red handed.
"Azula."
She lightly jumped at the sound, but eased once she noticed it was her father. "Yes, father." She questioned.
"Be careful of that man." He warned. "We may... serve him, for the time being; But he is clearly not the same as we remembered him to be. He's dangerous, and unstable." An unusual and foreign emotion fell over the Ex-Fire Lord; He felt care and worry for Azula, the reason for such an unexpected emotion was due to the thought of losing the last person he could consider family. It was unheard of, especially regarding Ozai. "I do not wish to lose you after we have just reunited."
She was surprised that her father expressed such care for her. It was a rarity to ever see such emotion regarding her well being, especially from her father; but even if she was - she surely didn't show it. "I know, father. It's just, don't you find it to be at least a little enticing as to how he could've become to be so monstrous? It just doesn't make sense. Was his entire personality before just a lie? Was it all just - just..." She struggled to find the words to even describe his revelation. How could you describe a man who was once the most kindest, understanding, and pacifist person to ever roam - to a literal mad man? It was unheard of, and quite nearly unbelievable as well.
"A Masquerade?"
The sound of his voice put the two on edge. Now realizing that they were now in his presence, they greeted him the same as Long Feng had. With a knee bent and their heads bowed as to promote obedience and submissive understanding of the man they knew to be in control of their lives. They remained silent, not sure as to how they should respond with due to being caught speaking of him.
"Your - sudden curiosity to the unsuspecting changes of my aroma." Aang brought up the topic they knew they were speaking of. "You wish to describe my prior mentality to be nothing but a Masquerade. Am I not correct - Azula?" He slowly approached, the continuous steps getting closer and closer deliberately beginning to rise fear within them. "If one were to witness my actions as you have, I have no doubt they would think of me a villain; But I assure you, I am no villain here." Turning away, he gazed out the window towards the sun that gradually began to set on the opposite ends of the city. "No, I am your savior. My sole remaining purpose would to be to exterminate the wickedness that thrives within those who believe to be cleansed. They do not acknowledge their tainted ways, and for that they will pay. From the ashes of all they've struggled to build, I will bring about a global order where it shan't leave a single soul to feed off the scraps of what the successful managed to achieve."
The silence continued, and Aang suddenly began to grow annoyed with their unchanging muteness. "You will speak, when I am speaking to you." He warned.
"I-I..." Azula gulped, unsure as to what he'd have her respond with. She didn't want to anger nor annoy him anymore than she had, but her curiosity to learn more of this new side of the Avatar remained unbroken. His presence alone threatened her already crumbling sanity, and she secretly found herself lusting for more of this uselessness and reliance towards him.
Ozai rose to his feet and spoke in place of Azula. "M-My lord..." Those words painfully seethed through his teeth. For Aang however, those particular words brought a sense of - delightment. It's effect only increasing in pleasure when hearing it come from the Ex-Fire Lord. "Please, disregard my daughters questions of you.. She meant no foulness nor disloyalty from it. We do not intend to test your righteousness or what you stand for, and we will support and reinforce whatever task you may give us."
Aang blankly stared into Ozai's eyes before slowly averting his gaze to stare into Azula's. The hesitancy and shyness that was in them left him unsatisfied. "Hmph." He scoffed, disappointed. "I expected more of a backbone from the great Fire Princess Azula." He turned away and made his departure, but not before leaving one final insult. "However, I shouldn't be surprised. You are outdated past your prime. It's a shame that even prodigy's such as yourself find nothing but silence when confronted by an opposing force."
Leaving the two Fire Benders to themselves, Aang continued to disappear around the opposite ends of the walls as all gazes ceased to keep track of his whereabouts. Azula found herself releasing a breath she didn't know she held onto, and Ozai now kneel'd beside his daughter hoping she didn't take a mental beating. As Ozai's concerning and caring words ringed in her ears, her gaze fell upon the spot Aang was last spotted. Bewilderment fell upon her as the interaction between them brought more depth into the severity of how low the Avatar had fallen. The corner of her lips twitched upwards slightly, and something deep within her heart began to tingle at the thought of this new Avatar. It was a foreign emotion. She couldn't quite understand this feeling that left her bones tingling and chest beating faster than what it was suppose to be. It was truly terrifying, especially for her - but despite all of that, there was no doubt in her mind about one thing regardless of how it made her feel...
She wanted more of it.
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End of Chapter 10
That's another wrap.
To be quite honest I wanted to make this chapter about another 1k words longer, but this felt like a really good stopping point. I hope you guys enjoyed, please let me know your comments, questions or concerns about this story or chapter. I appreciate all who has taken an interest in this story and has supported it through its ups and downs. Other than that, I will see you all when I drop the next one.
Ciao
~TheLivingMyth
