Please rate. Remember, this is a story based in the Avatar world, but isn't exactly Avatar. You know... no shipping between characters, just a story that goes off of A:TLA RPG (post-to-play). I don't own anything. I am in no way, shape or form associated with the Creators of Avatar or Viacom.
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ACT V
SETTING: Before noon. The sky is clear and the smoke for the most part has been blown away along with the fires. The city of Irashu is completely decimated, with chard wood and stone, metal and bones across the entire city. The Lupuz Soldiers frequently patrol the area and take supplies from the residents. Toward the center of the city, large groups of rebel prisoners are being held as well as people who had nothing to do with the Inner Core War. In the main meeting post, or square, the Founder Elites talk quietly. They seem slightly worried, but for the most part are calm as Lupuz Soldiers return with news that the Coalition is out of the city.
XIZZEN - All of them? You are sure?
LUPUZ SOLDIER - Yes, Sir. We are certain now. The Rebels went into a full retreat after the Hunter-Killer was killed along with their general. (A man next to Xizzen turns to look at the soldier. His face is hidden by a mask and his black hood is up. His sword was in his hand, point in the ground, its curved blade reflecting the flames around. The sound of his voice is cold and ruthless, with no hint of pity or sorrow.)
UINGU (Holding a family ring; Stares at it)- General Izu… I knew him well…Three generals in the past month, six in… (Annoyed) we are not moving nearly fast enough.
KANANI - The problem is we don't have enough soldiers… Every time we kill a General, three more are in his place. If they keep sending Hunter-Killers, then we will truly have problems…
UINGU (Nods in agreement)- True… Good job at stopping the Hunter-Killer, I was half expecting you would not succeed.
KANANI - Most likely not, if Kinseu and Zakku had not shown up… We setup a trap and the fowl beast fell for it. Zakku baited it while me and Kinseu made a surprise attack.
XIZZEN - How much help could a new Elite and a mindless puppy have in helping you…
(A female Elite punches Xizzen's arm. It is Shara. She gives a venomous gaze at the other Elite. Xizzen stares for a moment before shrugging and turning away.)
SHARA - It was good that you were not injured that badly. (Kanani shrugs slightly)… Really, you could have been hurt a lot worse if…humm? (Shara turns as the Elites do as well seeing the team of Regulars they sent to find Zakku and Kinseu. The 'puppy' was being escorted along with Azil to the main group.)
UINGU - Zakku, remember me? (Zakku nods as the other Lupuz Soldiers take Azil from him so that they can see a medic for the injuries.) I am glad… you leg looks bad, have you see someone for it?
ZAKKU - No sir.
XIZZEN - Kanani was just saying how you and Kinseu managed to take down a Hunter-Killer.
ZAKKU - I do as I am ordered, sir. (The Elite turns walking away for a moment as he goes to talk to some of the forward Commanders. Shara smiles at Zakku for a moment before running off herself. Uingu looks back at Zakku.)
UINGU - I have been having Xizzen watch you…even though he doesn't like admitting any positive thoughts, I thinking that you may make Elite…what do you think, Kanani?
KANANI (Glances to Zakku; Glares at Uingu.)- Allow me to talk to Zak…
UINGU (Indignant)- Go ahead… (The Leader of the Organization walks off away from Kanani and toward Xizzen.)
KANANI (Without looking)- What happened?
ZAKKU - I was ambushed… overwhelmed by enemy forces… They managed to get Kinseu… (Kanani takes a deep breath as he looks at Zakku, as if angry.) Me, and Azil tried to stop them but…
KANANI - Puzul likes to stalk my soldiers… at least is appears that way.
ZAKKU - Sir?
KANANI - Don't worry about Kinseu… He is a brave soldier and is willing to fight. I have faith that he will get out…
ZAKKU - I'm sorry, sir…
KANANI - There was nothing more you could have done… The drug I gave you could have knocked you out cold if you over worked yourself too much…could have even killed you. (Zakku stares at Kanani's face seeing for the first time how old Kanani truly is. Angrily, Kanani turns, clinching his fist.) Things are getting to complicated...(Zakku turns his head slightly) Damn that lying bastard.
ZAKKU - Sir?
KANANI - Chizen… His power is starting to defeat us.
ZAKKU - Chizen? I thought Puzul was the leader of the Coalit…
KANANI - Zak, you're young, and I don't expect you to know everything… Uingu wants you to become an Elite... understand that I can not agree to it. You still haven't proven you can… (Zakku stares at Kanani for a long moment.) I can see doubt in you, fear even. You… (Xizzen walks over)…Don't for forget what I taught you… I'm going to try and talk to Shara, see if she knows what Uingu isn't telling me. (Kanani leaves as Xizzen stands next to Zakku.)
XIZZEN - Zakku, I need to ask you something, come with me. (Xizzen leads Zakku to follow him toward a group of rebel soldiers that are surrounded by Lupuz soldiers and another group which is Civilians surrounded also by soldiers.) Zak, what is the difference between the Rebels and the Civilians?
ZAKKU (Looks confused)- One we are fighting the other we're not?
XIZZEN (Smiles, but shakes head)- No…In war, there is no difference. In war, you will see that even the Civilians die… It is no different the normal combat.
ZAKKU - But…But they are Fire Nation… Our duty is to protect our nation…
XIZZEN - And we are… The Civilian population here had known about the Coalition and chose not to act…Thus they became the rebellion by aiding it. (Zakku turns his head to see children and younger people in the group that is held by sword point. His eyes are wide as he looks back at Xizzen.)
ZAKKU - You can't honestly be telling me that children, who can not fight, are as guilty as soldiers…
XIZZEN - In fact, Zak, that is exactly what I am telling you.
ZAKKU (Surprised)- Wh—what? Why?
XIZZEN - Uingu is looking to promote you to Elite Soldier. (The groups of people are forced to stand and are moved with ten or so soldiers that have their blades drawn forcing the crowd to move as they want. Xizzen starts walking gesturing for Zakku to follow.) I am the Head of the Elite Division. I need to prepare you somehow…
ZAKKU - Prepare me for what?
XIZZEN - The duties that Elite means. (Zakku looks forward to where the Lupuz Soldiers escort the prisoners. Something catches Zakku's eye as he sees a small bear on the ground. Zakku pauses, picks up the minimized bear, which makes Xizzen give Zakku a questioning look. Zakku looks back up to see a child that seems to be reaching for something. Zakku passes Xizzen, his pace quickened as he hands the bear to small child, who stares at him as she takes it. Zakku pauses, and tries to smile but can't. Xizzen walks next to Zakku.)
XIZZEN - And that is my point that I keep telling Uingu…You care to much for them…
ZAKKU - The Fire Nation is supposed to be about prosperity, greatness, and honor…
XIZZEN (Laughs; Zakku turns)- Idealist fool…
(Zakku glances down for a moment before looking at Xizzen. He turns walking away. Xizzen stares for a moment before raising his head slightly.)
XIZZEN - Where are you going?
ZAKKU (Not glancing back)- To talk to Kanani.
XIZZEN - Wait a minute. (Zakku pauses and glances to Xizzen) I need you to help me with something… Shara has gone off to try and patrol the area, in order to make sure that the Coalition is no longer here… (Zakku looks like he might just leave do to Xizzen's dancing around the order.) I need you to burn something for me…That's all. (Zakku shrugged. The task sounded simple enough. Zakku walked to Xizzen, who lead him threw the Irashu streets till they stopped at a temple like structure. It is a symbol to the Fire Element; however, unofficial it was for all elements. Zakku glanced to Xizzen as two guards looked up as they sat on the ground. They stood after a moment, standing at attention. Xizzen glanced to Zakku.)
XIZZEN - Burn it down…
ZAKKU - W…(Zakku thinks for a moment realizing he almost questioned the orders of a superior. Zakku pauses for a moment staring a Xizzen for a moment before nodding as he takes his Firebending stance. After a moment he puts both hands forward, turns his hands so that his palms faced the building then brought them back. With on arm he moved it forward and did a series of aggressive looking forward harm and hand motions He breathed in even parts as he bended flames straight at the building. Red fire seemed to engulf the upper part of the building. Zakku continued to move his hands in an attempt to keep the flames from going out. After a minute the flames started to burn without Zakku's aid. Zakku paused looking at Xizzen for a moment. Zakku turned and began to walk away when he heard a sound. The Soldier stopped dead in his tracks, a puzzled look on his face. Zakku turned around looking at Xizzen for a moment, but then looking at the building.)
ZAKKU - Wha—t….What was that sound? (Xizzen says nothing as there comes a complete chorus of screaming. Zakku looked completely confused.) Is…Is there people in there?!
XIZZEN - Yes. (Zakku turns completely and looks as if he is going to stop the flames with his Firebending. Xizzen gestures with his head to the two guards. The two guards grabbed Zakku around his arms holding him back.)
ZAKKU (Yelling; Angrily)- DAMNIT! Let me go! LET GO!
XIZZEN - You needed to learn sometime (Zakku looks at Xizzen) that we must do the will and follow the will given to us by our leader.
ZAKKU (Enrage)- What are you talking about?! Have you all lost it?! Why are you doing this?!
XIZZEN - It is a necessary evil… We are phantoms…there is no other way that we can exist… This is the only way, Zak. (Zakku struggles more.) The only way for we must do what is necessary. Allowing these people to live endangers our mission. They would join the rebellion and aid our enemy. And then this war will continue… More people will die if we do not do this. The entire Rebel army outnumber us. If we allow ever one to join them, then we will fall. We can not allow this.
ZAKKU - But…but they…They are Civilians…THEY ARE HUMAN BEINGS!
XIZZEN - Did you expect that you wouldn't have to kill people? Did you honestly believe it? (Zakku shakes his head as he still struggles. Zakku remembers the child that he had given the teddy bear to.)
ZAKKU - Not…Children… (Kanani walks by but stops as he sees Zakku being restrained. He runs to try and get over to what is going on, but is stopped by Uingu.)
KANANI - What is going on?
UINGU - I am accelerating your apprentice's learning…(Kanani stares at Uingu then to Zakku) … He needed to know sometime.
KANANI - He is a WARRIOR! Not an Elite! (Uingu faces Kanani)
UINGU - Did you think that you could have hid him from the truth? Did you honestly think that? We need more soldiers, we need more Elites, this…this was a necessary evil for the greater good.
(Zakku is still trying to get the two soldiers off but is unable to as Xizzen walks in front of Zakku)
XIZZEN - 'Gaia gives to you, her blessed gift… Freedom to live and choice; some choose to torment, while others choice bliss. But ultimately a single thread of truth arises; the single truth that never lies, and is absolute. The paradox between mind and soul…'
ZAKKU - What are you saying…why are you confusing me…
XIZZEN (Ignores Zakku)- 'We search for her guidance to our very purpose… what purpose is that of men? We are free to choice, free to decide, free to ponder the meaning of our being.' Epic, no… You have made the choice to tread this path…and you should remain. You choose to join the Organization for personal duty of redemption. You choose to fight against the Rebellion in the name of honor. Look now… There is no other way. Bloodshed and strife are the only way to achieve peace and order… 'Like the wind on the water surface, gentle, but certain.' No matter how you turn or twist, or call to yourself to say it is not real… It is. Humans are violent creatures in nature, as violent as fire, and as harsh… Can you deny that? (Zakku shakes his head but says nothing) Can you deny that mankind is heartless and cruel? Look, at yourself, they took away your family, your home, your right that you deserve to have. Those people there take for granted what they stole from you, and could careless about you, and spit upon the sacrifices and trials that they push onto you. (Zakku shakes his head more muttering 'no' quietly for every word that Xizzen says) You believe that there are still good people…but how are they good, when they allow evil to spread? They are as evil as the evil that lives… The rebellion is as such…an evil, and the people there are atoning for the sin of allowing it to be.
ZAKKU - Bu--But the children…
XIZZEN - Would have grown up with hatred for the Fire Nation for taking away there parents… You can not refute that you are hateful to the Fire Nation as are all members of the Organization. (Zakku says nothing, but looks down, unable to face Xizzen.) Ultimately, the children would become adults and create a new rebellion, and this war will be unending, just as the strife within mankind's heart is. (The screaming from inside the building dies down as the flames start to burn into the lower area, killing anyone there by heat, or suffocating smoke. Zakku goes limp slightly, knowing that he is unable to do anything Xizzen walks to Zakku and whispers quietly into the disbelieving soldier's ear.) …'like the wind on the water's surface…' (Pauses so the words can sink in, with a unnaturally calm tone.) … 'Quietly…but certain' (Xizzen backs off as he nods to the two guards to release Zakku. They do and Zakku falls to his knees. He stares down in complete disbelief of what has just happened.)
KANANI (Looks on, clinching his fist.)- … You better get away before I kill you. (Uingu moves away as Kanani walks forward toward Zakku. Zakku has his head on his knees and is slouched over. Kanani stares at Zakku with what appear to be a sympathetic face. He hears sharp, staged breaths come from Zakku. The young soldier's hands are in fists as he hits the ground. Kanani sees Zakku's body seemingly convulse as he tries to force the tears back, to keep them from coming. Kanani kneels next to Zakku, closing his eyes for a moment, apparently moved slightly by Zakku's reaction. Kanani places his hand on Zakku's head, as Zakku continues to cry convulsively.) …I'm sorry, Zak… I didn't mean for this to happen… Not till you were ready. I'm sorry… for letting you down as your mentor… (Xizzen and Uingu watch coldly, before hearing nothing but a silents about the place, with only sharp interruptions from the sounds of regret and sorrow coming from Zakku.)