Chap. 44
New Dawn
The crowds looked upon the cloaked figures, unsure of what their appearance meant. Only Aang and the others knew what the name of the Architects meant, but even they stood and looked on, unable to believe that the gods were standing before them. But that didn't last long. Slowly, the figures reached up and pulled back their hoods, revealing their faces to the crowd. The people gasped in awe, as they looked upon the faces of their gods, marveling at the figures of old stories and legends come to life. Ralin of Light, his long white beard flowing down from his narrow face onto his golden robe. Rastla of Shadow, black hair framing a pale, beautiful, face, highlighted only by amethyst eyes. Ruta of Water, her blue robes decorated with seashells, her blond hair dripping over her smooth, porcelain skin. Chirron of Earth, his square, blunt face covered in short brown hair and skin cracked and hard. Darya of Fire, his white beard and hair cropped short on his time worn face. Aire of Air, her pale blond hair that hung to her shoulders and framed her pastel face and almost translucent eyes. Demtia of Forest, with his crown of leaves above a youthful face and long wild brown hair. Zeuia of Thunder, his bald head gleaming in the sun, even as his narrow eyes darkened. Hephia of Metal, his muscular body straining against his robes, as his soot covered face looked onto the crowd. And last, Naru of Desert, her tanned skin and narrow eyes in a face that had earned her the name, 'Jewel of the Sands.'
But despite this recognition, or perhaps because of it, no one in the crowd moved, not even the Avatar Gang. They remained upright, staring in shock. That is, until Tierra, who was still kneeling with the other Knights, turned to his friends and hissed through his teeth, "Bow down, stupid!" That was all it took, as Aang and the others quickly regained their senses and knelt before the Architects. The crowd took the hint as well, as they began to bow in unison before the gods, no matter their allegiance. The Architects merely stood in silence through all of it, watching with stern, unreadable eyes as they looked over their worshippers. Then finally, Ralin smiled, gave a shake of his head, and spoke in a loud, clear voice.
"Rise good people, rise! You has proven your worth this day, and we thank you for it."
The people looked up at that, then slowly began to rise up, as the Architects moved down to where the Knights knelt. As their children rose to meet them, Ralin looked at Oscuridad and said, "Our thanks to you, sister-son. Thanks to your aid, this world has restored its balance."
"You have made us proud, my son." Rastla said, as she moved over and gently stroked the bat's face. "You all have. We are indebted to you once more."
"You owe us no debt, Mother." Oscuridad replied. "It is always our honor to serve you."
"Do not be so hasty." Demtia said teasingly. "A debt from us is quite a thing to have."
"Agreed, Father. But I think we have enough debts at the moment." Bosque said. "There are others more deserving of your power this day."
"This is true." Ralin said. "And we had not forgotten." Turning to the Avatar Gang, he said, "Come forth, young ones. We would wish to speak with you."
The gang looked at each other, then nervously walked up to where the gods stood. As they approached, Ralin stroked his beard and looked them over.
"Water. Earth. Fire. Air. All these I see before me, and it gladdens my heart. Even in the darkest times, the knowledge that you were able to honor the balance was beacon to shine the way. Aang, Katara, Sokka, Toph, Zuko, Iroh, Azula, Jin, Ty Lee, and Mai you have made your names shine even in the heavens above, and have earned the thanks of the Architects."
"You have each carved your own paths." Ruta said.
"Walked the roads both hard and yielding." Said Chirron.
"With only your beliefs to sustain you." Added Darya
"And you have risen to the mountaintop." Finished Aire.
"Um… well….. it's…. it's not something anyone else wouldn't have done." Aang said, looking down at the ground and rubbing his head.
"But it is." Ralin said. "Were it not for you and your friends, young Avatar, this world would have been plunged into chaos and disorder."
"Speaking of which." Darya interrupted. "I have a matter to attend to, Brother. Would you mind if I attended to it now?"
"Of course not." Ralin answered. "Forger, bring forth the man once called Fire Lord."
"With pleasure." The spider replied, as he grabbed the chains that held Ozai by the stairs and dragged him before the Architects. He dumped him there with little grace, as they moved aside to allow Darya to stand before the former leader. He glared down at Ozai, as he slowly looked up at the god.
"Do you know me, traitor?" Darya hissed, his face tight with anger. "Do you know the face of your father?"
"I knew you once." Ozai replied. "But I shunned you long ago. I cared not for your teachings or your belief, only the power you wielded. I had it once. I shall have it again."
"You shall have nothing!" Darya roared, his face going purple in rage. "You have corrupted my people, abandoned my teachings, and turned my country into a land of repression and fear. You killed your father, turned your children into war machines, and killed your own wife, all to further your own lust for power. You stained your own name with the blood of your own people and the blood of the Nations. But no longer. It ends this day Ozai. I hereby strip you of all you held dear. I strip you of your title, of your rank, of your wasted honor, and most of all, I strip you of your Firebending!"
"Wha… you…" Ozai sputtered, but it was already too late. Ozai suddenly stiffened, then fire shot from his eyes and mouth, right into the waiting hand of Darya, who absorbed it as it flowed into him. Within seconds, the fire stopped, and Ozai toppled back, too stunned to even speak.
"It is done." Darya said, as he reached forth and withdrew the royal headpiece from Ozai's hair. "You are what your choices have made you, Ozai- a powerless nothing, bereft of all joys. As of this day, you will wander the Four Nations a homeless beggar, who shall be turned away at every door until the day you die. Perhaps, you may learn humility by then. Forger will release you, and then, you will leave my sight if you wish to live."
The Architect of Fire glanced at Hierro, who nodded, and with a thought, withdrew the chains that held Ozai in place. The man who rose to his feet that day gave Darya a last look, then glanced at his children and his brother, who turned away in disgrace. Finally, Ozai, once Fire Lord, turned and ran into the crowd, who parted for him as he left the city, to begin the life of shame and degradation he had earned for himself.
The Architects watched him leave, and then turned their attention back to the group. Darya looked over at Zuko, and fingering the headpiece in his hand said, "Well, I seem to be the god of a leaderless people. Perhaps one of you could help me?"
Zuko looked at the Architect nervously, then took a breath and answered, "It is my responsibility. And I will do it."
"I am pleased to hear that, Prince Zuko." Darya said, as he stepped forward. Placing his hand on the boy's shoulder, he said, "I am pleased to see that the wisdom of your uncle was not wasted on you."
Turning to the old general, Darya said, "And I am pleased that you have remembered my lesson, old friend."
"I could never forget, great Darya." Iroh said.
"Good, good." The Architect replied. "And I would be amiss if I did not make mention of another. Azula, have you any heart to gain the gift I am to give your brother?"
"No." Azula said, speaking in complete truth. "This is Zuko's right. I have no claim to it."
"Well done." Darya said. "You have reminded how even the roughest gem may shine with hard work. I see I was right to loan you my power."
"Thank you for it." Azula said.
"Um, no offense, but could you crown him already?" Sokka said. "I'll feel a lot better when Zuko's on the throne."
"Ah, youthful impatience." Darya chuckled. "I see your Tribes have not lost their subtlety, sister."
"Not as long as Sokka lives." Ruta replied with a smile. Sokka just shrugged.
"Still, I should attempt to please the boy. But if I am to do this, I shall need a matched set. Hephia, do you have what I require?"
"Of course." The Architect of Metal said, as he with drew from his robes the royal headpiece traditionally associated with the Fire Lady.
"What is that for?" Zuko asked.
"I would not crown you Fire Lord alone, Zuko." Darya replied. "I understand that you have someone who would stand by your side."
"But….. I can't…… I mean…."
"Yes, he does." Jin said, as she took her place at Zuko's side.
"Jin no! I can't ask you to do this. What about…."
"You're not asking me. I'm choosing it." Jin replied. "I chose it a long time ago. I'm not leaving you alone again. Besides, do you honestly think you can run this whole country by yourself?"
"I'd listen to her." Darya said. "Even I have not the power to change a woman's mind."
Zuko sputtered out a few more words, then looked over at Jin, stopped, gave a weak smile, and said, "Oh what the hell. I couldn't do better for a queen."
"So be it." Darya said, as he held up the headpieces. Zuko and Jin bowed their heads as he brought them down and placed them in their hair. Zuko and Jin raised up their heads, then turned to face the crowd.
"People of the Fire Nation!" Darya said, his voice booming. "All hail Fire Lord Zuko and Fire Lady Jin!'
"The King is Dead! Long live the King!" Fuego cried out brandishing his spear in the air, as the entire crowd, both Army and civilian began to applaud. As they cheered, Jin looked out at the crowd, more then a little stunned.
"Is it always going to be like this?" she asked Zuko.
"I imagine so. If you want, we can still give it up." Zuko replied.
"Hmmm…. Nah." Jin said, as hundreds of people continued to applaud her. They would have continued, had Darya not raised his hands and asked for silence.
"Zuko, Jin, I must ask something of you." He said, as Ruta, Chirron, and Aire stepped forward. "The Fire Nation has done much evil in the world. You know that it falls upon you to redeem it. This is what you must do. The Fire Nation Army must repair all the damage it has done. The world must be rebuilt, from the mail-chutes of Omashu to the igloos of the South Pole to the mosaics of the Air Temples. This will be your responsibility. Do you accept it?"
"Yes Darya." Zuko said. "I promise you we will."
"I don't suppose you could help us with it though." Jin asked. "It sounds pretty expensive."
"We thought of that as well." Ruta answered. "While this reconstruction happens, the remaining Nations will send aid."
"Money, livestock, supplies, whatever it takes to keep the Fire Nation going until the reconstruction ends." Chirron said.
"The world must learn to respect itself once again." Aire said. "Do the Nations accept these charges?"
At that, Ozena stepped forward and said, "I speak for the Water Tribes. We shall heed your commands, Ruta."
"As will the Air Nomads, Aire." Malu added.
"We shall send the most delicious of foods, Chirron." Bumi added. "Such succulent roach pie."
"Er, thank you Bumi." The Architect of Earth said, his eyebrow raised.
"Then let it be so." Ralin added. "The world shall be as it was once again. Our duty here has been fulfilled."
"What? You're leaving already?" Toph cried out. "Come on! Zuko and Jin get a whole country and I don't even get a gift bag or something?"
"TOPH!" Katara yelled. "Don't be rude to the gods!"
"It's all right." Ralin said. "I simply meant our duty to the world Toph Bei Fong, not to you and your friends. For you have earned our thanks, and such a deed does not go un-rewarded. Come to me, child, and I shall give you your earnings."
"That sounds more like it." Toph said, as she walked over to Ralin. When she was close enough, the Architect of Light leaned down and whispered, "What do you wish above all, Toph?"
"I don't know. Maybe some new clothes; even I think these stink."
"I know what you hope for Toph. And I can give it to you."
"You can? But… I can't. I need…."
"I know. And I have thought of that. You shall have more then you have now, but lose nothing. Is that acceptable to you?"
"….Yes."
"Good." Ralin said. With that, he held his hand in front of Toph's face. As the others watched, there was a sudden, blinding flash of light that dazed everyone. But after a moment, it faded. As everyone's sight began to return, they saw Toph back away from Ralin, and then turn around, as if she could hear something, only to stand still. As she stood there, everyone wondered what was going on. But despite all who stood there, it was Ty Lee who figured it out.
"Mai, I need one of your saw blades." The acrobat said suddenly.
"Why? You could never throw those things." Mai asked as she took one from her belt.
"No, but they make good mirrors." She replied, as she took it and moved towards Toph. She handed it to the young Earthbender, who took it with trembling hands. Toph held it out for a moment, then brought it in close to her face. It was then that everyone finally understood.
"She can see." Agua whispered, as Toph slowly put down the blade and looked up at them with dark green eyes, eyes that were clear and focused, and functional.
"Oh my God." Luz whispered as a smile slowly crept across her face.
Toph just looked at them, her eyes moist and filled with water. Finally, she said, "You were right Katara. I am pretty."
"I told you Toph." Katara said, her own eyes watery.
"Yeah. Too bad I can't say the same for you guys."
Katara started at that, then started to laugh. The others began to join in, as Toph's eyes began to weep with joyful tears. She turned back to Ralin, and opened her mouth to speak.
"You're welcome." Ralin said first. "You earned this gift Toph. And remember, you may return to your blind state for Earthbending without fear. I am sure your parents will be overjoyed."
"I can't wait." Toph said, as she wiped her eyes.
"I doubt you will have long." Rastla added, as she moved up to them. "Now, I come bearing gifts for the rest of you."
With that, the Architect of Shadow raised her head and four black orbs appeared over the group. Slowly, they descended, changing shape as they did, moving right over Aang, Katara, Iroh, and Azula. They reached up and grabbed them, only to find four small, albeit familiar statues.
"What is this?" Aang asked, as he looked at a small statue of Monk Gyatso. Iroh looked at Lu Ten, while Azula and the siblings looked at their mothers.
"Allow me to show you." Rastla said, as her eyes began to glow.
The statues followed suit, glowing an eerie black. Suddenly, each one exploded in a puff of black smoke. Those caught in it coughed hard, but then each one felt a hand clapping them on the back. And then Iroh heard a voice say, "Careful. You don't want to choke before afternoon tea, Father."
"W-What?" Iroh sputtered out, as the smoke began to clear. Suddenly, a young man was visible, and then he could be seen clearly.
"Lu Ten?!"
"It's good to see you again Father." The young man said, as he smiled at his father, arms outstretched. Iroh stared, then grabbed his son and nearly crushed him in a bear hug, crying all the while. Around him, there were screams of shock and happy recognition, as Aang was reunited with Monk Gyatso, Katara and Sokka with Kyla, and Azula and Zuko with Ursa.
"Wow. I didn't know they could bring back the dead." Ty Lee said.
"They can't." Oscuridad said. "But this doesn't make sense."
"Yes it does." Tierra said sadly. "Because I can't smell them."
"I am afraid so." Rastla said, as the reunions paused and all eyes turned to her. "I can't raise the dead forever. Your loved are only here from sunset to sunset, then they shall return to statues. You may call them thrice more by holding the statues and calling their name, but only thrice and then the magic shall end. I wish I could do more, but only the High God can truly raise the dead."
The reunited families looked at one another then, pained at the news of their separation. But then Azula cleared her throat and said, "Then we need to make the most of the time we have."
"Well said, Princess." Monk Gyatso added. "It is not the amount of days, but rather, the one day."
"I see you talked like that while you were alive too." Kyla said with a laugh. "I thought maybe death had something to do with it."
"Still, he's right." Ursa said, as she looked down at her children. "We have to make the most of this, before we go back to being watchers. We should tell our kids how proud we are."
"I think they know." Luz said. "After all, they never stopped talking about you."
"We knew that too." Lu Ten said, putting his arm around his father.
Iroh smiled at his son, then said to Rastla, "Thank you, Lady of Shadows."
"I need no thanks. I was happy to do it." Rastla said.
"And now, I fear we must leave this plane, err our post be left unguarded." Hephia said. "But we shall not leave without our respects paid to all." With that, he pointed at Mai, and suddenly a long, elegant dagger appeared in his hand. Tossing it to the girl, he said, "That is the finest dagger I have ever carved. It is sharp enough to cut through anything, and it will always return to your hand, so long as you remain true. Use it well Mai, Daughter of Hai Chi."
"I will." Mai said, nodding at the Architect.
"What about me?" Ty Lee asked.
"You shall have something special." Demtia said, as he walked up to the girl. Placing his hands on the acrobat's eyes, he closed his own and released a flash of green light. When he removed his hand, Mai looked at her friend, raised her eyebrow, and said, "He turned your eyes blue."
"Really?" Ty Lee gasped. Grabbing Demtia she hugged him tight, all the while saying, "Thankyouthankyouthankyou."
"You're welcome." The Architect of Forest said with a laugh.
"I don't get it." Mai said.
"I simply introduced some forest oils to change her eye color."
"But why?"
"Because Mai, I have six sisters at home that all look like me. But now I'm different!" Ty Lee exclaimed, as she began to cartwheel around.
"OK then." Mai said, not wanting to go any further.
"Now then, there is only one thing left to do." Chirron said, as he moved to stand with Hephia. The two Architects stood side by side, looking out over the destruction in the city. As they looked on, the stone and metal rubble suddenly began to rise up and fly around. As everyone looked on, the buildings seemed to rebuild themselves in a matter of minutes. Soon it looked as though the city had never endured a battle.
"Now then, I think that's everything." Zeuia said, as his brothers rejoined him and the other Architects. "We'd best get back."
"Indeed." Naru added. "But know this children; you shall have the gods at your side."
"Farewell, worthy heroes." Ralin said. "Until we meet again!"
With that, there were ten flashes of light and the Architects disappeared, leaving a group of well-rewarded heroes in their wake.
It was many hours before all the hubbub died down. The crowds wanted to see their new ruler, who of course, only wanted to spend time with his mother while he had her. The Army members needed a place to stay And then there was the instance of Katara and Sokka's 'mothers' to consider. But all in all, the most important development came that night.
Aang stood on the palace balcony, looking over at the ocean. For the first time in a long time, Aang felt truly at peace. Or at least, that's how he was supposed to feel. But something was still wrong. Aang could still feel an emptiness inside him. But he knew it was one he could never heal. Which made what happened next all the more difficult.
"Hey Aang." Katara said suddenly, as she walked out onto the balcony.
"Hey." Aang replied.
"So. We finally did it. I still don't believe it."
"I know. It really seems unreal."
"No more then having a brother who has his own country. But you know what? I still feel I'm missing something."
"Like what?" Aang asked.
Katara took a deep breath, then said, "Aang, I need to tell you something. It's taken me a long time to accept it, but I need to tell you something."
"What is it?"
"I-I…..I like you. But not just as a friend. I mean, I like you like you."
"What?" Aang sputtered.
"I know, I know, it seems so crazy."
"No it doesn't. I've felt that way too."
"What?"
"Ever since you pulled me out of the iceberg. I just couldn't tell you."
"Oh Aang, I can't believe…"
"I know." Aang said sadly. "But it doesn't matter now."
"What? Why?"
"When Guru Pathnik trained, he taught me to let go of a lot things." Aang said. "One of them was my earthly attachment. It was the hardest to do. Because all I kept thinking of was you."
"Aang…"
"But I did it Katara. I let it go and I got into the Avatar State. And I can't grab it again. There's so much to do, I still need the Avatar State. I'm sorry."
"Why are you sorry, my boy?" a new voice suddenly said. Aang and Katara turned to see Guru Pathnik standing behind them.
"I was telling Katara about the chakra." Aang replied sadly.
"Oh I heard. I just wanted to know." Pathnik replied. "But Aang, just because the chakra is open now, doesn't mean it must always be."
"Huh?"
"Aang I choose the spiritual life, but you don't have to. You need to be able to let of your attachments when you need to, but not always."
"I still don't get it."
"It means you can go out with her, dumbass!" another yelled.'
"You idiot, they heard that!"
"Luz? Fuego? What are you two doing?" Katara asked.
Sheepishly, the two Knights moved out from behind the door, as Luz said, "Well Pathnik said you were out here, and well…"
"We wanted to see what would happen." Fuego said.
"What do you mean about the chakra?" Aang said, wanting to get to the point.
"Aang, you had to let go of everything to open the chakra." Pathnik said. "But only a man of true faith need keep it open always."
"Wait, you mean, he doesn't have to…"
"No."
"What?!" Aang yelled. "But then all… you said… I thought…"
"If you knew it didn't have to open it all the time, you never would've been able to do it." Pathnik said simply.
Aang stood there stuttering for a moment, then realization set in, and he turned back to Katara. He looked at her, laughing nervously. She looked back, playing with her collar. Neither made a single move.
"Oh for the love of God!" Both Knights yelled out. Moving over to their friends, they grabbed the two of them and brought them in close.
"Hey!"
"Luz, let go!"
"Believe me, you'll thank us later." Luz said, as she grabbed Katara's head. Fuego grabbed Aang's and then the two of them pushed Aang and Katara's lips together. For a moment, their eyes widened in shock, then it faded as they relaxed and moved to grasp one another. As the Knights let go, and their friends continued to embrace, Pathnik smiled, as Toph's voice said from the doorway, "Well it's about time!"