Chapter 16: A Past That Would Never Return

The United Republic of Nations; Central Base of all Nations in attempt to coexist - while also trying to understand the similarities in ones culture. Because of this, it had become a home to a rapidly growing population of citizens and refugees across the globe in attempt to seek a better fortune of life - much like Ba Sing Se. At the top of this recently found democracy - a Council Member chosen to represent each Nation are to gather in this discovered city in regards to their own peoples economical stability. These Council Members; already popular even before their election into office, consisted of four individuals. Fire Lord Zuko of the Fire Nation, Chief Hakoda of the Southern Water Tribe, Chief Arnook of the Northern Water Tribe, and Earth King Kuei of the Earth Kingdom.

Prior to the Earth King appointing himself into the Council, King Bumi of Omashu took the responsibility of representing the Earth Kingdom, seeing as how Earth King Kuei had his hands full after the end of the war. However, in recent years King Bumi had succumb to the inevitable state of death to which all were convinced that he passed of natural causes. His death was mourned by many, yet simultaneously his life was celebrated in regards to the positive change he established.

The founding grounds of this nation was built with a single purpose - the ability to establish peace and lifelong comradery between all who lived. Its main inspirer being the latest and widely praised Avatar known as Avatar Aang. The largest statue ever built in this world was dedicated to the young Air Nomad, in honor of his dedication to halt the tyranny the Fire Nation had reigned upon the world even despite the odds. And now, after the revelations of his inspired beliefs turning bitter and sour - those who knew didn't know what to do.

The Fleet of Fire Nation ships had pulled into the harbor where many onlookers had gathered after hearing the latest and greatest attack ever commenced on its lands since the Century War. The Anchors dropped, and those who descended from the ramp held an aura of gloom as they marched with their heads hung low, and their spirits squashed. This is who they have become now, refugees of a Nation that had been thought to be the most powerful of them all - now left to lick the scraps off another newly formed government in hopes of survival. In the crowd who continued to watch in silence, a mixture of emotions could be distinguished if properly observed. There was sadness, bewilderment, neutrality, and even resent about the new refugees. It seemed many did not welcome these Fire Nation refugees with open arms, like their was some grudge they held continued to hold onto. Two individuals, if seen by a familiar face, could be easily distinguished from the rest of the bystanders.

"So it's true..." A beautiful woman who many would swoon over despite being in her thirties stated. "Do you - Do you think he's alright?" She looked at the woman beside her, her expression remained void.

"If there's anything I truly understood about Zuko, it's that he wouldn't let something as big as this kill him." Glancing at the woman who spoke to her, she continued. "He's alright, Ty Lee. I'm just curious as to how it ended up like this."

Ty Lee sighed, her eyes full of dread said it all. "You're right, Mai. I'm just worried is all... especially about him."

Mai knew who she spoke of, yet she pushed no further on the subject. This was hard for everyone, and now wasn't the time to dig further into emotions that contained only despair. Turning her attention back those who departed, she searched for a familiar crown that distinguished the Fire Lord from all others.

"I know..."


Disembarking from the ship, Sokka refused to speak to any and everyone ever since their retreat from the Fire Nation. It had been hours since their arrival in the United Republic, and those hours had been spent in self-confinement. He sat on his legs - kneeling. All garments from above his torso had since been discarded due to the immense amount of sweat his pores produced. A known sign, signifying his exertion of immense physical activity to hone his abilities in any way he saw fit. Silence remained his temporary virtue, only to be interrupted by a droplet of sweat trickling down his cheek towards his chin. The liquid detached from his skin. As the sound of the droplet resonated softly in his ear, his body tensed while immediately unsheathing the blade snuggled against his hip. His speed was inhumane to many, followed by his swipe as he found himself skidding to a stop on the other side of the object he sliced. Sheathing his blade slowly, he waited for the familiar clink of his weapon to be heard before turning towards the object he repeatedly tried to cut.

"Nothing but a scratch." A frustrating hiss escaped as he spoke.

Anger filled his bones after witnessing how little progress he made. A simple repeated attempt to try and cut Titanium, yet time and time again the outcome proved unchanging. This was it, a final test left by his Master Piandao just days before he succumbed to the inevitable of death. Ever since that day, his attempts to accomplish what even his Master claimed to be impossible left him wondering why he continued to try. At first he thought nothing of the idea, to be able to cut an element with nothing but the strength and swiftness of a normal human body - it was laughable. Now, after the death of his wife and child responsible through the hands of him. The laughable idea of surpassing human capabilities began to grow into an obsession.

Sokka walked up to metal object that remained idle from where he placed it. Eyeing it with anger, he kicked the object until it fell and remained still on the ground. He didn't know what to do. He regretted having a hand in killing Aang all those years ago, or at least he thought they killed him, but now realizing his late friend had also been the one responsible for taking his life away. It was hard to miss him. Don't get him wrong, his actions that day had broken him many ways but one. Aang was like a brother to him, a brother that he honestly wished he had. Thinking of his distant relationship with the fallen Avatar, he's never realized how much he's missed having a family. Katara was taken from him so long ago, followed by Aang, then Momo, and now Suki. It just made him wonder... how many more will he lose until death calls for him just like the rest? Days perhaps, but who knows.

Speaking of Momo, the little lemur had been a hard one to lose just like all others. The life it once held had surely taken a big impact after the sudden change in atmosphere. No longer with Appa, and then not being able to stop Aang from succumbing into this pit of sorrow - it had taken too much out of it. Momo had just managed to get by in spirit day after day after that fateful night. His purpose - lost through the ashes of those who found him. Within the next two years, Momo had also passed into the spirit realm - and most believed it to be the cause of a broken heart.

Nothing was how it was anymore. This lie they all fed themselves believing that this world has truly changed for the better, it was but a fragment of what reality truly was. Because of this, even he had troubles of finding his own place of self identity. Long before, he had believed that the tragic path to revenge was reserved for self-righteous fools... but now, with such temptations blooming through his blood, he questioned if he would begin his walk down this same path he shunned. No... it wasn't revenge. It wasn't vengeance - but justice. He would bring about justice to all who had suffered from this. He would bring justice to those who had perished in the Fire Nation, who was slaughtered in that of Kyoshi Village, who murdered Suk- no, his life.

His teeth chattered together as he convinced himself that his acts of aggression would be for justice, and justice alone. But this justice, couldn't be achieved as he was now. No, the Avatar was his fated opponent. As impossible as it may seem, he a nonbender to go against the master of the four elements, it screamed suicide; but what choice did he have? Would he step back and allow the cruelty of this world to engulf what pride he had left? He would not. His eyes hardened again as he once more focused on the titanium object he had fixated back into its original position. His hand on his sheath, ready to continue his repeated attempts.

"Um... Sokka?"

Sokka released a breath he didn't know he was holding onto. His attention turned to that who called his name. His eye's landed upon those he hadn't seen for some years now, but even she could only bring little joy to his enraged heart.

"Ty Lee?" He blinked. "This is odd - I was sure I locked all of the doors leading into the dojo."

"You did, but you seem to forget I'm an expert in acrobatics." Her smile brightened. "I just jumped through that window." Her thumb pointed behind her.

Sokka peeked over her head to see she was telling the truth, the window that was placed high above the building was open.

"...I see." He sighed. "Why are you here?"

"Wow, we haven't seen each other in over a year and this is how you treat a lady?" She acted offended. "I'm disappointed, I thought you were a ladies man."

He chuckled. "I was." Muttering softly, he grabbed a towel he had placed neatly on a bench before using it to wipe off the sweat from his face before doing the same to the rest of his body, "I wasn't aware that you were gonna be here honestly."

"Really?" She lightly blushed at his exposed torso, but then reverted to a dumbfounded expression. "Last time we met, I was sure I told you that I would be starting a new life in the United Republic, you know - to get away from it all."

"No, I don't recall. It must've slipped your mind" He shrugged. "Why'd you come here anyways? I thought you were happy on Kyoshi Island? You were an amazing Kyoshi Warrior after the war had ended."

"No, no. I am happy for it. I really am, but... it just wasn't for me. I don't know why, but I still felt empty despite my joy being a Kyoshi Warrior. Like there was something missing... someone missing." She whispered the last part to herself. Shaking her head, she gave him a stern and playful glare. "Hey! I didn't come here to talk about me leaving."

Sokka chuckled. "Alright then, tell me why did you come here?" His mood seemed to brighten, only temporarily.

Her playfulness had faded, blinking into that of hesitation. Now having the spotlight entirely on her, she didn't have the courage to go through with her initial thought. But what choice did she really have?

"It's because, I'm worried." She admitted, her head tilting slightly down. "...about you."

"I don't understand. As you can see, there's nothing wrong with me."

"To the common stranger this may seem normal..." She looked into his eyes. "But you forget, I'm no stranger. We've spent a lot of time together after the war. I've learnt so much about you these past decades, enough to understand the difference in atmosphere between now and then despite the shortness of our reunion."

"Stop speaking in riddles, Ty Lee." He seemed to grow annoyed. "Just say what you want to already, or just leave me be."

A light gulp was felt in her throat. "Sokka - are you okay?" She finally said it. "I... heard about what happened to Kyoshi Village... to Suki. Word travels fast when something as tragic as that occurs. It pains me to know of what happened, and I'm truly sorry that-"

"Now let me stop your right there." He interrupted. "You're not sorry, okay. And you have no idea what pain I have been experiencing because of this. So don't go acting as if you know, because you don't. You have no idea what loss is. I do not want you or anyone to speak of her name again."

An eerie silence enveloped the two; and it was one that was not easily broken. Ty Lee's voice clogged in her throat momentarily because of this, and her heart had felt as if another painful hole had penetrated through. She felt tears beginning to take effect in the back of her pupils, but she blinked them away before it was able to present itself. Maybe he was right, maybe she could never understand the pain he was currently experiencing. The loss he felt must be foreign to even her, to lose so much in his life and forced to keep living was a haunting thought to many. Perhaps she could never understand, but that wasn't entirely true. Like him, she's shared her fair share of loss. Suki had grown on her much like a sister should.

Her guidance and friendship in discovering this new way of life a Kyoshi Warrior had was an eye opener. She could never thank her enough for accepting her as her own after abandoning her life in the Fire Nation. A foundation of support was what she needed, and Suki was the one who answered her call. If it wasn't for her, or Mai who had accompanied her this entire time - she didn't know what life she would be embracing. Maybe it would be better than what she currently had, or perhaps it wouldn't. Regardless, the idea remained an annoyance in the back of her mind. Because to her, Suki, Mai, and even Sokka had become her home. Wherever they were, home would always be established - waiting for her return. But now, one of those homes had been buried - never to return. And because of this, a sense of paranoia had grown. She didn't want to lose another anytime soon, she couldn't.

She had grown fond of the Southern Water Tribe warrior after the first few years they had accompanied each other across the globe. Their destinations being simple tasks to strengthen to comradery between each existing Nation. Because of these missions, they had much to learn about one another. Her romantic ties to Suki had spiked her interest in his personal life, and because of this he had actually opened up to her more than she thought he would. It was like reading a book, a book that presented every last detail to its reader while leaving no secrets to hide in the shadows. She loved that bond they had grown accustomed to, it felt like he's given her a sense of need that he could give no other human being. Before realizing the full extent of its effect, she realized at one point a few years prior that she loved him, but was too afraid to admit it - even to herself. Yes, she loved him; and with that fluttering joy in her heart also came a disgusting sensation of betrayal.

She thought she could control these emotions, but with time after her realization, these feelings had only grown stronger. The only other person to ever know this was Mai. She listened to her issues with no judgement whatsoever. Why? Because she was the only person to ever who would understand her. Zuko had chosen another woman instead of her. Even with her proclaimed death, she didn't pursue him any longer. Instead, she would allow fate take the wheel. If they were destined to be together, they would return into each others arms. Otherwise, she would completely stay out of his way. Ty Lee admired Mai for her decisions. Because of this, she too had to get away before she'd end up doing something she would surely regret. Even now, she refused to speak with her heart - otherwise she'd feel disgusted with herself; because it would feel like she was trying to use Suki's death to wedge her way into a heart that didn't belong to her.

"You're right." She finally said. "I - I probably will never understand what you may be going through. I would never wish that upon anyone, no matter their ideology. Crying over a past that would never return, it's a waste of time. I have but one wish, a wish that the traces of our reunion would not taint that of tomorrow."

She made her departure, leaving Sokka to think of her words momentarily before resuming his struggle in accomplishing the impossible.


Days had passed since their arrival in the United Republic, and these days had proven to be difficult to even to the wealthiest of them all. Demand to meet the needs of thousands of refugees in an economy that was still considered to be premature for its age had spiked. Shelters had been overcrowded beyond their maximum capacities, and many have chosen to set up tents in spaces they were able to get a hold of. Prosperity seemed to come to a halt as their attention was primarily focused in taking care of those in need.

Fire Lord Zuko had summoned the rest of the Council to once again gather in a much needed discussion. Such a summon didn't come without time, and that is what was currently transpiring. Earth King Kuei was the first to arrive, deeming how easy it was to travel from his territory in the Earth Kingdom into that known as the United Republic. The rest had yet to make their appearance, but shortly now they would arrive. A message from the Fire Lord himself had been sent just moments after their arrival in the United Republic, a message to all Fire Nation citizens and soldiers alike who were now scattered around the globe to not return to the proud Nation he failed to protect. Instead, he urged those who weren't obligated in any military service to remain as far away from their home as possible, while summoning the rest of the Fire Nation Armada to the United Republic in hopes of gathering them for a much needed counterattack.

The only problem ceasing such an operation from commencing would be the resources that was being used for recovery to soldiers and refugees alike. They were using more than what they produced, and at this rate within the next few month the United Republic would too fall into economical crisis. They needed help, now was the time for the rest of the world to hear their cries for assistance and build them back to a state of individualism. The only fear lingering would be if they would actually heed their pleas. The scars of the century war they had unleashed upon the world was still fresh to the generations who grew in it, and the younger generation born just after would likely side with whatever their elders say.

Tenzin, the known Prince of the Fire Nation had remained isolated from all. The moonlight had illuminated gently off his skin as his gaze remained glued to the horizon of the distant sea. His thoughts had scrambled into that of an irreparable mess. Avatar Aang, the man responsible for killing his mother and father had remained as the primary source of his foul mood. He knew his real fathers murderer was out there, he absolutely knew it ever since the revelation of his heritage Zuko spoke of when he was only ten. The answer Zuko had given left him pondering about the true fate his fathers murderer had met. Now, such suspicions proved to be reality as Zuko's declared act of vengeance remained unfulfilled.

His sister had come into mind, his oh - so sweet and beautiful sister, Kya. Her absence too filled him with rage, and his concern for her safety had continued to grow through the passing days. He knew of his destiny now, he was certain of it. To fulfill the declared vengeance his father never received, and to save his sister from her captor before she too met the same fate. His destiny became much more clearer now, and he would be damn if he failed like Zuko had.

But what could he do? His father had stated earlier, his opponent is none other than a fully realized Avatar. Unlike he and Kya - Avatar Aang was on a different scale of power. He'd be lying to himself if he said he wasn't afraid on facing the wrath of the Avatar - no, he wasn't afraid. He was afraid of failing. Failing was an idea that haunted his very core, because when you fail - others begin to look at you differently. Deny it as much as you want, but it has been proven even long before his birth. He didn't want to be viewed as someone who was incapable of handling a conflict when it came down to it. He wanted to be relied upon, to prove that he was more than a simple Earth Bender who had yet to even be an amateur at Air Bending. But how could he get stronger, much less in such a short amount of time. He was stuck behind an impenetrable wall once more, a wall that even a hundred nights of intense training would only bring about little progress to his full capabilities. He didn't have such time, his sister needed him - she need him now.

"We meet again..."

Tenzin had sprung from the resting position he was in. Grabbing a hold of his staff, he twirled and pointed the blunt of the weapon into the face of the intruder who dared sneak up on him. The person before him had glowed in a gentle and bluish color. He blinked a few times, wondering why he glowed in such a state. His eyes soon widen realizing who it was.

"You -" He lowered his defenses. "You're, Avatar Roku."

Roku gave a solemn nod. "I am."

The young prince had a bewildered look as if he still couldn't accept this rare and fortunate event. Here stood a man, a legend, born before the tyrannical Avatar who lives today. He couldn't quite fathom the importance of this encounter, and perhaps he may never will.

"You're... alive?"

"No." He answered. "I have been dead for over a century now, but that does not matter. I figured you would have been expecting us, after Avatar Yangchen had stated that we will come for you."

Tenzin thought back to when the three Avatar's appeared before them, defending them all from the wrath of Avatar Aang. "Yes, I do." He answered. "My apologies, but I have had a lot to think about these past few days. Her words have since faded from my mind from that horrific moment."

"I see. No matter, I am here now. As promised, it is time for us to go." He extended his hand for him to take.

Tenzin took a slight step back. "Now, wait a minute. We're leaving now?" Hesitation had erupted from his core. "Why now?"

"Tenzin, this world is in great danger. Avatar Aang has begun his plot to control the mortal realm just as he has done to the spiritual. He must be stopped."

"I know he does." He glared. "I want to kill that man more than anything or anyone I've ever met. But I have questions. Questions that everyone I've ever met has either refused, or were unable to answer. Seeing as you are an Avatar like myself, I want some of these questions answered - now!"

Roku remained silent, pondering about his demands. His hands had once more concealed itself within sleeves of his robes, and without another word - he agreed.

"Very well, but I can not say much. My presence here will put you all in grave danger if he manages to pin point my location. We have to make this quick."

Tenzin nodded and wasted no time. "What - what am I?"

"You are the Avatar." Roku answered. "An Avatar unlike anything we've ever seen before. You have our abilities, our talents, even our potential - but for some reason a huge part of it seems to be missing. Like it was severed."

"Severed into my sister, right?"

"You are correct."

He sighed, the response hadn't helped with much. "Why us? Why was Kya and I chosen with this - this curse?"

"It is not a curse."

"Well sometimes it fucking feels like it." He bitterly snarked.

Roku ignored his little outburst and continued. "The Avatar operates in a cycle. Fire, Air, Water, Earth... the next Avatar is chosen based on the element of origins in the cycle - but in your case it has somehow... mutated."

"Mutated - how?"

"Just as you've come to learn. Instead of one Avatar, there are two. Instead of four accessible elements, you're able to use two. These are abnormalities I can not understand. But with this unforeseen change comes new possibilities - like, what if you and your sister are somehow able to open up your senses to your restricted elements and become fully realized Avatars? What course would this effect have to the Avatar Cycle? These are confusing times we live in, I can only understand as much as I've experienced."

He was left disappointed with what he heard. "No, there has to be more to it than that. After thousands of years of Avatars migrating through a continuous known cycle, there's no way it would change without reason."

"I'm sorry, but I speak the truth when even I am unsure. But - there might be someone who does."

His spirits had perked a little. His interest had risen as he hoped this lead was not some hoax.

"Avatar Wan, the first Avatar to ever exist may know the reason as to why. The only problem, is trying to find him."

"What do you mean? He's not among you?"

"No." A depressed sigh escaped his lips. "Actually... none of us have truly been together for quite sometime now. All of the Avatars have been... killed once again - reverted to nothing but a powerhouse for Avatar Aang. It was too sudden for any of us to remember. Once the first of us fell, we all began to fall like flies. A war in the spirit realm had broken out, one that would begin the fate of not only our world - but yours as well... we lost that war. An unleashed foe we labeled as the Night Hordes had brought a terror across the spirit realm. These - spirits, of terror had overwhelmed our defenses, and then - one by one we became simple fodder for his own greed. Witnessed by own very eyes, Avatar Wan was the last Avatar to take a stand against him. Their battle was unlike anything I'd ever witness. The power they radiated by just glaring at each other, it was like watching two gods reshape the very world itself. I dared not stick around to see the outcome. At first, I thought Avatar Wan had too succumbed to his opponent - however, there is a distinct rush of dread an Avatar embraces when one of our own ceases to exist. That feeling of dread hasn't passed with him. Because of that, I believe he is still out there - waiting. He would reveal himself when the time is right, but until then we have to take action ourselves so that we could cease such an opportunity."

Tenzin leaned against the wall as he struggled to understand everything he's heard. This was all too much, he didn't even know where to start at this point.

"I... I had no idea." He muttered. "Will the same happen to us?"

Roku closed his eyes. "I fear the worst. The fall of the Fire Nation was just the beginning, in time he would do the same to all of the other Nations until all bows before him. I just pray that he doesn't use the Night Hordes like he's done to us."

"We have to do something."

"And we will." Roku extended his hands once more. "But you have to come with me, we must begin your training immediately if you are to have a chance against Avatar Aang."

Tenzin shook his head. "No... It would be useless. I won't stand a chance unless I have my sister with me. If he's as powerful as you say he is, my sisters abilities is needed if we're to come out of this alive."

Roku once again sighed. He should've expected for this to happen. "I give you until dusk tomorrow." Turning away, he left with one final note. "I know you will make the right decision Tenzin, the fate of this world now lies in the hands of the three Avatars, I just hope the one responsible for this doesn't come out victorious."

With that, Roku had faded from Tenzin's view. The young prince had looked out the window once again, a new troubling thought wedging its way into the front of his mind. In the distance, the sunlight had begun to illuminate over the horizon as daylight was about shine upon them once more.

"I have to do something - but what?" He muttered.


The sound of wet footsteps had resonated throughout the halls, its destination coming closer and closer after each passing step. Torches had dimly lit the hallways promoting a vacant and haunting atmosphere to all who walked through its quiet pathways. Turning the corner, two figures standing in front of a cell came into view. Approaching the two, they suddenly grew tense as they snapped themselves into attention when noticing the intimidating presence of the person coming forth.

"Is she awake?" His authoritative voice shook the two.

One of them squeaked out. "Y-Yes, My Lord. She has been for a few hours now."

Nodding, he gestured for them to open the cell. They complied immediately and allowed him inside before closing it to allow privacy. In the corner of the cell, a woman glared at the person who entered. Her anger was clear, he would enjoy breaking her. But now, there was other things he wanted answered.

"It's good to see that you're awake." He walked up to the cell and grasped its metal poles with his hand.

The woman didn't respond, her glare remained fixated into his pupils as if trying to burn a hole through his head with her eyes.

"Quiet, huh?" He chuckled. "Now, that's something I can't have you doing. Besides..." Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out the beautiful blue necklace that was once gently tied around her neck. He brandished it lightly. "I think it's time we had a little chat, don't you agree?"

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End of Chapter 16

Sorry for that cliffhanger, I felt so evil doing that. But I want a good part of this to have a chapter of its own, which is why I'm saving it for later. I don't have much to say besides thank you to everybody who continued to support me in this story. Sometimes I wished I had a little more publicity like some of my other stories I kind of abandoned, but I'm not entirely complaining. As stated, a good half of this chapter was dedicated to Sokka while the other was to Tenzin. Let me know what you guys think, any questions, concerns, or even suggestions on what I could've done better? Other than that, I'll see you all in Chapter 17.

Ciao!

~TheLivingMyth.