Author Note: Sorry for the long wait. But here is the chapter. I don't have much time, but I actually like this chapter and I'll see if I can upload a bit more later. Remember to follow, favorite, and review. Have a great day!

'I could tell you my adventures - beginning from this morning,' said Alice a little timidly: 'but it's no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then. '

Book 3 - Champions of The Force

Chapter 67

Aang awoke with a jump. His body rising as sweat flew from his form.

His hands gripped the fabric of his sheets as he wrenched himself off from the bed frame. His eyes in a haze, darting along the room as the only sound that reverberated was the sound of his hoarse breathing…and his very own heartbeat.

His fingers went to his face. Slowly closing his eyes once again. "What…what happened?"

His gaze wavered, only enlarging as he saw the strange area, he found himself in. His eyes widening even larger as he saw the dark reds of the room, and most terribly…the fire nation flag. Aang lurched up, however he crumpled to the floor.

His fingers going along his hair…wait, hair?

There was a decent amount of hair that had grown along Aang's scalp. "How long have I been out?"

Aang heard something. His eyes widening as he lurched backwards and away from the door as he tried to throw up an airbending stance. However, a horrific pain streamed along the base of his back. Nearly doubling him over from the sudden movement.

Then, it happened…

The door creaked open. The light clouding his eyes as Aang held his hand above his gaze to block the blinding light. However, he heard it…

"Oh my god," A sudden voice murmured. "You were right, Ben."

"Ben…" Aang slowly whispered.

Then, he felt a pair of hands grasp around him. Pulling him close, he could feel the long tendrils of hair that darted along his face and tickled his cheeks. He could also feel the persons tears.

"Your alive…"

The voice, he knew who it was now. "Katara…"

He opened his eyes. Seeing the red eyed waterbender holding onto him as she gazed into his eyes. Looking over her shoulder he saw the other members of team Avatar…also other people who he was not familiar with.

"Come on, Aang," Katara spoke. "We got to talk."

Aang was now within the mess hall of the fire nation warship. The dull dark red lights shone brightly here. He fidgeted within the seat as he dragged his robe around him. It was cold down here.

His eyes made their way towards everyone that was here…strangely, nearly everyone they have encountered was in this room.

Sokka and Katara sat by his sides. While the others sat either at the table or around it. He spotted a couple of Jet's freedom fighters, The Duke and pipsqueak. While Ben and Ty Lee sat on the other end. Likewise…shockingly Zuko and Mai were on the other end of the table. Awkwardly staring at them.

"So, what's been going on?" Aang rose the question.

Sokka turned towards everyone. Parting his lips to speak…however shutting them a second later. This instantly shot a rod of anxiety through Aang's core. Usually, Sokka would speak without thinking. This usually led to him getting in trouble for his brash and usually straightforward way of speaking.

However, he held himself back.

"A lot has happened, Aang." Ben spoke.

Aang turned towards Ben. His friend…and the last Jedi Master. He watched as his friend slowly took a deep breath. Combing through his locks of hair as he let out a heavy breath.

Aang saw how Ben reeled from exhaustion. Dark pits had formed within his eyes, almost like he hadn't slept in days. Hell, it was almost like none of them had any sleep-in days.

Sokka nodded. "Aang, things have been really rough after the fall of Ba Sing Sai."

Aang's lips parted. His gaze wavering as he directed it towards the table. "The fall of Ba Sing Sai," He repeated under his breath. "So, we really did lose that city."

There was a dull silence that set upon the group. A powerful silence that echoed it's own sound…failure and despair. "What happened?"

Everyone's eyes widened as they stared at Aang. "What?" Ben spoke.

Ty Lee's gaze turned towards Aang. "You don't remember?"

Aang shook his head. "What do you remember?" Katara asked the young avatar. Only for Aang to shake his head again.

"I don't remember anything, honestly," He turned around to all the members of his team, both old and new. "I remember bits and pieces. Vibrant flashes of light and that's it…"

Ty Lee sighed. "Okay, that's alright," She spoke. "We all need to get some rest; I say that we continue this discussion in the morning…"

However, Zuko slowly shook his head. "No, we can't." He cut off the Jedi.

Ben nodded. "Yeah, I agree with Zuko. We can't wait to have this conversation. Too much has happened."

Katara rose from her seat. "No, that can wait for tomorrow. Guys, he just woke up from a month-long coma."

The sudden words caused Aang to reel from his seat. His eyes widening in both fear and adrenaline from the reckless words. "A month!" His voice bellowed.

Sokka nodded, his gaze going towards the ground. "Yeah, you've been out a month, maybe a bit more."

"But that means, that we don't have that much time before Sozins commit…we got…"

"A bit over a month, maybe two." Mai spoke up. The usually silent and devoid of emotion girl, now raising her own answer.

Aang's hands went to his head. "This doesn't make any sense. What happened while I was asleep?" His head cocked to the ship. "Where the hell even are we?"

Katara could feel the fear and worry that generated along Aang. Her hands going around his body and bringing him close.

"Listen, twinkletoes," Toph spoke up. Interjecting as Katara held Aang firm and close. "I know that this is a big shock to you. But you need to calm down and listen."

There was a silence that set in. A minute long silence that etched deeply into the room. However, it was Ben that broke it.

"After what happened…we had to leave Ba Sing Sai," Ben sighed. Looking around the faces of the room. "We had to abandon the city to Azula and the fire nation. They were able to take over with a squad of dark Jedi and the Dai Lee secret police."

Ty Lee stirred at the words. "After they took Ba Sing Sai. The Fire Nation started to transport their troops and Dark Jedi in and out of the city. They practically control the whole region at this point."

Ben's hands went to Ty Lee's shoulders. Dragging her close to him as they each looked at the young avatar. "Last I heard, Haru was the only sign of resistance within the region. He's been fighting them for months, but everything else has just been…"

"What about the water tribes?" Aang rose the question. Only to be gifted with the desperate and worn faces of his friends.

"What of the water tribes?" Sokka repeated back. "The Fire Nation has been attacking them for years. They've effectively pulled out at this point and are busy trying to defend their homes. Hell, that's all we practically know."

"This doesn't make any sense," Aang said. "We were doing so good before."

"That was before your coma, Aang," Toph sparked up. "That was before everyone thought you were dead…"

Aang's eyes widened. His heart skipping a beat as he lurched up from his chair. His hands in fist as they slammed hard against the table, causing everyone to lurch up in alarm. "What!" His scream echoed through the vessel. "Everyone thinks I'm dead!"

Everyone was silent. The only sound for a second was Aang's hoarse breathing as his gaze traveled towards his friends, silently hopping for the slim chance that they were joking…that this was merely just one big bad dream. However, that would've been too simple, and this world was far too cruel for that.

"The Avatar was a symbol, Aang," Ben said. "It was a symbol of hope, along with the Jedi. However, the fire nation has been parading around the fact that they have killed you. Likewise, it's been months since you've last been seen."

Sokka turned back towards Aang. "The great soldiers of the Earth Kingdom are fighting in massive battles to defend their home, but there quickly losing against the fire nation. The warriors of the water tribe have went back…to defend their homes and to hopefully rebuild."

Katara grimaced. "Hope is lost, and our resistance has been scattered."

Everything they have done, had it all been for nothing? All those pains, wounds, and trauma that they had to endure…was it all for nothing? All those times that they've fought off the fire nation, the sacrifices that had to be made in the end. Did they just fail?

"The resistance has been scattered across the world. There is no clear general or commander leading at this point. Aang, the amount of work it has taken us to not only conceal our identities, but also to wake you up. It has taken a great toll on us."

Ben spoke those words. Rising from behind Ty Lee as his golden eyes made their way towards Aang. His back was slouched, his eyes worn and tired. But there was something there.

"But now your back…"

The sudden words caused Aang to look at him. His features may have been worn and tired, but his back had straightened. Even as fatigue and stress plagued him, he still remained firm and strong. He cracked his neck. His golden eyes locking at Aang.

"Now, we got work to do."

Katara and Sokka were momentarily stunned at Ben's words. Out of everyone they would've expected Ben to tell Aang to take it easy, and they'd deal with it tomorrow. But they had forgotten that Ben had changed.

He had taken in the stress of their journey. The trauma, the sacrifices, and the wounds. Some that would never go away, but that did not stop him. The old Ben would've crumbled by now, he would shatter like glass or fallen back to his old ways. However, this Ben wasn't like that…this one had learned from his mistakes and resolved to do good.

"Your back, and you lot know what that means,"

He flashed a smile. That smile…that confident smirk caused them all to brighten up. "Aang is back, he lives!"

There was a triumphant roar of approval that filled the dining hall. Team Avatar slowly stirring back to their old spirits. Ben approached Aang as both boys stared into the others eye. "Alright, Aang," Ben spoke. "Now, this is the perfect time to strike. The team is back, and this means that we can finally take the fight back to the fire nation. A major strike is what we need to take rally the troops and put a permanent end to the war."

Aang heard those words, and for a second he smiled. But he felt something…the pain. The lingering pain that coursed along the base of his back. The faint memories that felt more like vibrant strands of colors as that electrical current traveled through him.

"I died…"

The suddenness of those words stirred everyone within the room. The grave reality of what had happened to Aang had set in. They were children, but they were at war. Now, Aang had died and been brought back…but they had failed to realize what that meant.

"It was so cold, I didn't even realize what happened to me at first," Aang slouched within his chair. Katara's hand resting on his own, only for Aang to shake it off him as he wrapped his arms around himself. "I was there, at that point between life and death. I heard the airbendors calling out to me…I don't know why I didn't just give up and see them again."

Ben's arm was raised to comfort Aang. However, his eyes locked to the arm…seeing the steel and wires that made up his prosthetic. He and Aang had both been brought back from the fringes of death. The only difference was how Ben tried with all his might to never think about it, trying his best to block it out. While Aang was trying to process what happened to him.

"Now, I have to deal with everyone thinking I am dead…that I am just some…failure!" He spat the last word out like venom. Everyone visibly wincing at the young avatar.

Aang's teeth pressed against each other in a feral growl. "I did fail!" He snapped. "I failed, now the fire nation is going to come after us and who knows what is going on!"

Toph interjected. "Relax, Aang," She cut him off. "No one here blames you!"

"I blame myself!" He snapped back. Causing the earth bending master to wince at his sudden yell.

His breath was heavy. His hands combing through his new hair as he looked towards Zuko and Mai who merely and awkwardly watched the exchange. "What is Zuko and…"

"Mai…" Ty Lee introduced.

"Fine, what is Zuko and Mai doing here?"

Benjamin sighed. Turning towards the pair. "Zuko and Mai turned away from the fire nation. You don't remember but they helped fight off Azula and Rowan. They really did come in to back us up."

"On the Brightside, now we got you a fire bending teacher." Sokka interjected with a wide smile. However, no one responded back to that one. The members that were present still remembered Aang's first experience firebending, and the effects it had on Katara.

Aang sneered. "There is no hope," He snapped. "How am I meant to learn firebending with so little time. I'm not even sure if I want to learn firebending."

Ben shook his head. "Aang, we don't have time for this. Don't you realize how little…"

"Yeah, I know," Aang snapped. "Sozins comet is coming really soon, and we don't have much time to prepare for it!"

However, there was a resounding silence that entranced everyone. Aang looking at their faces to see if anyone would say anything, however it was Zuko that rose.

"We are not attacking on Sozins comet." He spoke.

"What?" Aang responded back. Looking at everyone's stone cold features. Wasn't there whole journey practically dictated by the running time clock of sozins comet that would end the war?

However, Zuko shook his head. "Black sun."

"Black sun?"

Ben nodded. "Black sun," He turned towards Zuko with a nod. "It's a fire nation royal secret."

"Before Sozins comet. Around this time there is a solar eclipse…a day in which blocks the sun. Remember during the siege of the north, remember what happened when the moon was gone."

"Waterbendors take their powers from the moon," Katara spoke. "Firebenders get their powers from the sun. Now, what would happen if the sun was blocked…"

Aang's eyes widened at what he was hearing. "The day of black sun, that will be a day in which no one can firebend!"

Zuko nodded vigorously with Aang's assessment. "All firebendors…even my father will have their bending nullified."

"That's the day, Aang," Sokka said. "That's the day in which the war ends…we'll put an end to it on the day of black sun. We've been planning an invasion. A small invasion of well-trained friends and allies that we could put together. A task team that will storm the fire nation royal bunker and put an end to this damn war."

Aang heard the sounds of his friends and allies. This made a lot of sense to everyone, but Aang…a part of Aang hated this plan. "Everyone thinks I am dead, that the avatar failed and that there is no hope."

"Yes, Aang," Ben spoke back. "But we can use this to our advantage. You think the fire nation is going to expect their own warship to be packing a whole legion of troops. Alongside with the avatar who has already mastered three out of four elements, alongside the Jedi Grandmaster and a squad of Jedi. We can't lose this."

Aang grunted. Slowly shaking his head. His eyes locking towards Zuko and Mai. "…and we can trust them, right?"

Ben's eyes widened in alarm. Sure, he knew that Aang and Zuko had their issues…well that would be an understatement. However, Aang was the type of person that would usually let things go and look at the brighter side of everyone.

"Of course, they can be trusted," Ty Lee spoke back. Rising from her seat as she wrapped her arms around herself. "Zuko and Mai fought with us during Ba Sing Sai."

"Really, Ty Lee. Because I have very vivid memories of Zuko trying to kidnap me for months!" He snapped.

Zuko remained speechless, his eyes going towards the table as Ben turned back to Aang. "Zuko has proven himself, Aang. I would've known if he's been lying to us."

Aang grimaced, his teeth pressed against each other. His hands balling into fist. "Whatever," He snapped. "But that doesn't change the fact that people are dying right now, and that we can be doing something to stop it."

"And what would you have us do, Aang?" Ben shot back. "You want to fly off and play hero or something!"

"It's better than sitting around here and being idle. The world thought I've been dead for months, and now here I am. We can inspire them to fight back and…"

Katara shook her head, her hand going back to his palm as she tightened her grip along his hand. "Then, the whole plan would be a bust, Aang. I know it's not what you want to hear, but this is something we have to do…this can lead to a definite end for the war."

Aang groaned in anger. "We're slinking around like cowards!"

Ben's eyes widened. "What the hell do you think we've been doing, Aang!" He shot back, silencing the young avatar. "While you've been comatose you think we've been sitting on our asses doing nothing. We've been out trying to salvage the situation and trying to find out what we can do!"

He snapped his head around the many faces. "We're at war Aang!" He snapped. "You want to reveal yourself to the enemy, for what? You'll be hunted down and killed by Sith assassins while we're within enemy territory the moment a single inkling of you being alive is found. Then, the war will actually be over as hope is lost. You'll let this world die, you'll let every fucking sacrifice go to waste for what…to play the fucking hero!"

Ben's metallic hand slammed into the table. His eyes radiating with righteous anger. "You selfish little shit!" He insulted.

Aang latched himself up from his seat. However, everything went groggy and discomforting as he stumbled only to be caught by Katara. "Okay, you got to rest." Katara spoke.

Aang could only sigh. Shaking his head as he turned away from the members of the crew. Now, the only thing that could be heard was the dull sound of breathing and the encroaching silence that filled the room.

Ben and Ty Lee's room within the ship was of decent size. Inside, there was one mattress applied to the side of the reddish metal walls. Fitted with an ingrained nightstand to the side and a desk with a chair pressed against the opposing wall.

One big window in a rectangular shape allowed the two too gaze outside. However, it was a rough night. Streaks of purple lightning cracked along the horizon, splintering the sky in wonderful cracks as the rain poured.

Ben sat within the middle of the room. On his knees as his lightsaber, or rather the parts of his lightsaber were separated and laid in front of him. His eyes were closed as the bits floated within the air, slowly deepening his breath he let the pieces come together.

This was his mediation practice for years…before everything, he would do this. Letting himself deeply enmesh within the force and letting the pieces flow back together. His bare feet were pressed against the cold metal of the room, the cool air tickled his bare chest.

He took a final deep breath as he began to inch out of his meditation. Taking back his rebuilt lightsaber and attaching it back to his belt. Rising from his meditation as he took a stance near the window. His false arm pressed against it, taking in the wonderful power that mother nature produced outside of his window.

He turned to his side. A faint sparkle of a smile darting along his features. Along their table held a bunch of random items. Recovered Jedi Holocrons, a tool set to help attune and make any sort of modifications to their lightsabers. Yet, it was the illustrated photos.

A couple of just him and his friends, while there was one in a portrait of just him and Ty Lee. His smile widened as his good hand went to his chest. Lightly rubbing the ring that hung over the necklace that Ty Lee had gave him. It contained his wedding band, and likewise she wore an identical along her neck to prevent losing it.

It was ironic in its own way…on a world torn by war. He had found not only a new family…but the love of his life. He heard her slightly ruffle within the sheets, hearing her shallow breath rise and fall as she turned towards him. "Ben, your still up?"

He nodded as he turned to her. Yawning as he took a seat along the edge of the bed. Her arms draping along his stomach and bringing him closer. Her chin resting along his back.

"Sorry, Ty Lee," He murmured. "Just lost myself a bit within the meditation. You know how it helps me sleep."

"Yeah, I know," She chuckled. "You need to do it more often, Benji. You really need to sleep more…"

Ben smirked. "I'll sleep after we win this war."

He was expecting Ty Lee to smile back, but her original features betrayed her. Her hold on him tightened as she gazed into his golden eyes. "I feel that's going to be the harder part, Ben," She watched as the confusion registered across his face. "You know what I mean. The world is in ruins Ben, and we are going to need to learn all we can before we can restore the Jedi Order. I worry that within restoring balance…we'll have a heavy responsibility on our hands."

Ben nodded along with Ty Lee's assessment; she was right. There was a lot of work that was eventually going to need to be done. Fixing relations with the fire nation, restoring the Jedi Order, and likewise a million variables that would come up within their journeys. Who knows what was going to happen within the future.

"Benjamin, what about us…"

Ben turned towards her. Ty Lee's cheeks lighting up in deep crimson. "I want a family, Ben," She confessed. "I want to have your children, but I don't want our responsibilities to overshadow us as parents and…"

"Ty Lee that won't happen. I promise you that."

Ty Lee sighed, her hands combing through her brown straight hair. "I know, Ben. You're a good man and you are going to do right by me, but to the world. But I don't want to hold you back and…"

Then, Ty Lee was muted. Ben's lips locking along hers in a vibrant and heavy kiss that silenced her, his mechanical arm urging her to come closer. Her own arms wrapping around his own as he brought her towards him.

"You will never hold me back."

Ty Lee was flushed. Her head on his chest as her arms were wrapped tightly around him. However, she could feel it.

"What's wrong, Benjamin?" She asked. Ben remaining silent for a second, slowly shaking his head.

"It's nothing, Ty Lee."

She shook her head at that response. "You're lying to me," She said. "What did we talk about with lying to me about what's bothering you."

Ben sighed. "It's about Aang. Do you think I was too hard on him?"

Ty Lee stared into Ben's eyes. Reminiscing on the prior conversation they had within the ships mess hall. Slowly sighing as she slowly shook her head.

"No, I don't think so," She responded. "Aang is young, I think many people forget just how young and inexperienced he is. He died and we were able to bring him back with that spirit water…"

Ben rose suddenly, his body going towards the window as he once again stared at those cracks of purple lightning. At the sparks that radiated, the power that very well reminded him of his own unique talents within force lightning.

"No, that's not what's bother you. It's something else…isn't it?"

Ben nodded. He would not run away from this; he would not put his emotions deep down within himself and isolate himself. He had seen where that took him before, and he would be damned to repeat those same mistakes.

"It reminded me of my old conversations with Meetra. How she would be the voice of reason and I would be the one arguing against her," He spoke, a faint smirk along his face, but the next second it disappeared. "The only difference. Aang wants to save the world, while back then I believed it wasn't my business."

Ty Lee took in the words, taking a deep breath as she stared upon the man that she loved. "You've changed," She simply said. Ben turning back towards her. "You've changed and learned from your experiences. You're not the same Ben that crashed upon this world or the one that was on that island…you've become not only a better Jedi, but a better person."

Ben shook his head. "Everyone keeps saying that, Ty Lee. Everyone keeps saying that I've changed and done so much good, but I don't feel like I've changed," His expression soured, his fingers rolling into two fists as he stared into the brilliant grey of his fiancé's eyes. "I still feel…rotten."

Ty Lee didn't speak or change her facial features. Only listening as Ben continued. "I don't know why I feel like this still. Maybe, it will change after the war is over, but I have all this guilt and bad feelings and I don't know what to do."

Ty Lee rose from the bed, moving the sheets away as she began to advance towards Ben. "I've tried to let the guilt go, but it's so hard, Ty Lee. Jet, Aang, and…" His breath grew hollow. His fist now unclenched. "Arya and Rowan…why do I feel guilt for what happened to them, I loved Jet, and they…and they…"

Ty Lee grabbed along Ben. Her fingers digging into him, almost like she refused to let him go as he brought her into a deep embrace. "Aang, he nearly died because of me. If I just didn't hesitate with Arya and Rowan…if I just killed them before, then Jet would've still been here. Aang wouldn't have to play dead."

However, Ty Lee shook her head. "You are not omnipotent, Benjamin. You couldn't tell what the future was going to hold and you are punishing yourself for it. Jet was your brother, and Arya and Rowan to you were practically a second family. No one blames you for…"

"…I blame myself," Ben spat back. His features warping into guilt as he shook his head. "I've killed so many people Ty Lee to the point I've lost count. But when it came to Arya and Rowan…I hesitated, and Aang was hurt. I was so angry and I…"

Ben swallowed a sob. Slowly shaking his head as Ty Lee and him both separated. "Arya, Rowan, and Jet are now dead. Aang is now injured and who knows what sort of lasting damage he is going to have to deal with."

"Aang is going to be fine," Ty Lee interjected. She seized his false hand, bringing it to her face. Her eyes locking towards him. "You need to forgive yourself, Benjamin. Jet and Aang do not blame you for what happened. You've become a man that Meetra would be proud of, a man that we're all proud of…you need to forgive yourself."

Ben stared at Ty Lee, he stared at his fiancé that asked him that question. Her eyes dazzling underneath the dark red of the fire nation warships lights. He could feel his heartbeat as he looked at the woman he loved. It was a simple request to her…but to him it was like a great mountain.

He's killed so many people that he's practically lost count. The self-hatred had gotten better, but it still lingered deep within. How could he come back from what he had done, even though he felt all this anger still. Deep down he still felt like a monster.

Maybe, that was why he looked back into those dark grey eyes already knowing his answer. "I can't…"

Ty Lee parted her lips to speak. However, there door quickly popped open. A tired Sokka dressed in his sleepwear had busted into their door. However, right before the two could speak, the young warrior already bellowed out his response.

"Aang, he left the ship!"

Aang flew unsteady. The pains of his body had nearly worn him out, and even on a good day…it would still be a struggle to glide through the sky. Now, this was a horrible day. The heavy dark clouds blocked the natural light of the moon, the cracks of lightning boomed within his ears as he struggled to maintain his balance.

Anger, it streamed along the young avatar's movements. Katara had tried to heal him, but it failed, he was a failure. Aang felt the bite of tears etch along his face. He thought back to how he left the air nomads, how he thought about abandoning his team to leave Appa…wasn't he making the same mistake again?

Aang swallowed a massive gulp. The wind rocking his nearly destroyed glider as he struggled to drive the contraption straight.

Then, the pains of regret started to drift into his psyche. Slowly starting to realize how big of an actual mistake he had made. It was the headband, the talk of going undercover within the fire nation, and likewise…his failure.

He sneered, but then he heard it. A rioting sound that echoed along his eardrums…a roar. A familiar sound that he knew by heart. "Appa?" He spoke.

He whirled his head around as he saw the sky bison break through one of the dark clouds. The wind starting to stream harder, causing Aang to close his eyes for a second. Not before being jerked helplessly through the skyline.

The fabric of the glider ripped, the wood nearly snapping in half as Aang was wrenched away. Freefalling as the cracks of lightning boomed with such a sound that drowned out the young avatar's scream.

Yet, the suddenness of the water claiming his life did not come…rather he found himself levitating. "I got you!"

Ben's voice echoed as with a quick pull, Aang was wrenched backwards and into Appa's saddle. "Ben, you came…"

"Not now!" Ben snapped. Grabbing the reins of Appa as Aang began to realize just how close they were to the ocean. Dodging a massive wave that darted as Appa's left leg and tail were nearly dragged into the current.

Ben pulled, Appa instinctively dodging another wave. But this time striking the bison along his side. Aang seizing one of the handlebars along Appa's saddle as the harsh waves began to overtake the trio. The suddenness of the wave knocked Ben away and into the water. The young man crashing as the air was knocked out of him nearly instantly.

His body quickly sinking as he could spot the figures of Aang and Appa to his side. He was brought back to that moment all that time ago. The time in which Darth Ruin pierced his blade through his chest after severing his arm.

His eyes began to close…but he saw Aang. He saw the blast of bending might as his vison began to darken. As he felt his consciousness suddenly start to fail him as the cold felt so comforting. As the whirl of bending martial might began to consume, and what Ben hoped would save them…he saw it.

Ben was stunned during this moment. As his mind reels he does not see his past as a Jedi Apprentice or as a Dark Jedi serving Lord Revan. Rather, he sees his future. In brilliant clashes of vibrant colors, he sees it unfold in front of him.

For a second, he had returned to the force. Walking along this narrow current of force energy as the force blessed him with a vision of what is to come. The current, the brilliant current made him see things in fragments, like a broken mirror, he witnessed the paths grow separated and jumbled.

The fragments were, much harder to comprehend…

He saw Katara. She looked so terribly angry and sad…standing on the edge of a forest clearing as she stared down a dark figure. He could feel the terrible and great power she held, but he did not know what it was. In the distance, the screams of people echoed. Demanding justice for all they have suffered.

He saw Sokka looking dirty and tattered. His arm in a sling as important looking generals and commanders gave Sokka important attention. He bore the standard WaterTribe armor, and likewise a strange new sword.

…a person, or rather a thing. His robes and armor rent to the flesh in over a dozen places, standing in the wreckage of a mighty battle. Dead fire nation soldiers and Dark Jedi lay in pieces on the bloody floor surrounded by fragments of shattered stone and metal. The thing rose softly, almost like it was overlooking something.

Rising as Ben could hear the mechanical servos of his false limbs creak from the damage they underwent. His dark grey skin, his bald head, and his ripped apart face…who was he?

The being put a hand to it's scarred face, making him wrinkle his nose in disgust. "He is dead." The being spoke. With difficulty coming from his broken and shattered face. He could hear something to his side…a dark figure that was shadowed by the darkness. "Then, he has surpassed not only you…but of the greats as well."

He was once again taken within the darkness. His hands lashing out trying to find anything he could grasp or hold onto. Only to feel the foundation of his vison shake, he could tell it was slowly starting to end. However, there was a strangeness…the final thing he saw.

He saw…somewhere far away…he saw Ty Lee in a warm and pleasant yellow light that surrounded her. It felt nice and safe, but he watched her form. She was on both knees and was wailing on the ground. Her face clouded with a mess of tears as she screamed.

He saw what she clutched within her hands…a heavy pair of white and brown robes. However, Ben's eyes widened as he realized the truth of those robes. Jedi Ceremonial Robes, one of the greatest rewards a Jedi can ever achieve. Only awarded to Jedi Knights that have exceeded past their required service and died to stop the darkness or any other great tragedy.

However, why did Ty Lee hold onto those robes…why was she clutching them so greatly, and crying?

Then, a bitter and sour emotion shot through his body. His teeth clenching as he knew deep down why she was given those robes. He knew that she was screaming his name as he let out a small sigh, she was given those robes…because he couldn't accept them.

He saw it…somewhere so far away…or perhaps at the furthest edge of the universe. Ty Lee Wilum was grieving the loss of the man she loved.

Ben gasped. His back rising quickly as he was taken aback by the warm winds that surrounded him. His eyes quickly widened as he took a quick glance at his surroundings. They were on a volcanic beach, his gaze slowly softening as his hand went to his face.

"Ben, you're up."

Aang's sudden voice caused him to stir as he looked to see Appa sleeping soundly. Ben turned to him. "That was really stupid, Aang."

"I know." He responded back.

Ben sighed. Turning back to the young avatar. "Why did you do that?" He questioned.

"I don't even know. I just did…I didn't even realize that I left, but," He hesitated. "I can't deal with this, Ben. I can't deal with the whole world thinking I failed again."

He rose. His eyes going towards the rising sun that began to part through the storm filled skies. "We were doing so good Ben. What happened?"

"Life happened," Ben simply responded to the young air nomad. "We are in a very crazy time. This world is at war, and I think we're losing…but we haven't failed."

Aang turned back to him. "We have done a lot of good, Aang. Sure, we may have mis stepped a couple of times, but we'll atone for all the bad we've done. I promise you, Aang."

Aang took a deep breath. Taking a seat next to Ben. "I know, this is going to be hard for you to accept and deal with. But Aang we have to do this. To atone and fix the mistakes we have made, we must go along with this plan."

His hand went to Aang's shoulder. "For the world to have light, it must remain in darkness for a bit longer."

Aang softly nodded along with Ben's words. His arms wrapping around himself as all Ben could do was watch and sigh. Ben thought at the very least that Aang would understand and listen. And that was all he asked for.

"Aang, I am going to need you to do me a favor," He spoke. Aang's eyes widening as he looked towards his friend. "If I die…make sure Ty Lee can find happiness again."

"What?"

Ben nodded. "I don't know what will happen, but I got a vision…a bad one." He chuckled, but Aang didn't laugh. Only staring at him in pure shock.

"Like, the vision you saw with Jet, the one in…"

"The one in which I died in," He responded. "I did die in that one."

"But you didn't, Jet brought you back and…"

Ben nodded. "Yeah, Jet did bring me back, and he isn't here to bring me back a second time."

Ben began to explain in detail what he had witnessed to the young avatar. When it was all said and done, Aang looked like he was about to bawl into tears.

"Aang, I am trusting you with this information because I need someone to watch after her when I am gone."

"If," He snapped back. "If you do die. You told me before that visions aren't concrete. Maybe, there is something that you…"

"I know, but trying to stop a vision can sometimes make it come true. I am just asking you to honor this wish…can you do that?"

Aang didn't speak, rather watching Ben rise as saw the faint smoke of the fire nation warship approach. Ben smirked, his eyes lighting up as he took it all in. "What a beautiful sunrise," He spoke. Taking a deep breath as he looked across the sea, taking in the fresh salty smell as he gazed upon the brilliant beauty of the planet.

"I've lived a short and dangerous life…I've done so much bad that it probably out ways the good, and I have much to feel guilty for. However, I promise you I won't let none of those Dark Lords live. Maybe, just maybe if I kill them…if I sacrifice myself to restore balance…maybe I'll find my redemption, and finally be absolved of this guilt."

With those parting words, they watched as the sun began to rise. Blanketing them within its brilliant orange glow. Purifying and spreading its touch across the land.