Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Water, earth, fire, air... Long ago, the four nations lived together in harmony. Then, everything changed when the fire nation attacked. Only the Avatar, master of all four elements, could stop them. But when the world needed him most, he vanished.
A hundred years passed and the new Avatar, an air bender named Aang, was discovered. Now travelling by his side are Katara and Sokka of the Southern Water Tribe, and Ashlynn... An ex-member of the Fire nation, and Prince Zuko's lifelong companion...
ATTENTION READERS: This marks the finale of Book 1. I'd like to thank all my readers, whoever they may be. Please feel free to message me anytime; I love comments, questions, supports, and take criticism into appreciation, and as a way to better myself in writing. Enjoy the finale.
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Ashlynn laughed merrily, and applauded as she watched Katara best yet another of Paku's pupils. Aang sat nearby, playing with his air bending. Ashlynn opened her palm out in front of her and created a small ball of air, and directed it to spin around in circles on her palm. She smiled as she recalled the evening before, and shook her head as she accepted the fact that Aang would be incapable of teaching her real air bending without getting distracted at some point. His distractions led to her learning several small air bending tricks used entirely for entertainment.
As she watched the spinning ball of air, she inhaled and allowed it to increase in size, extending to the same size as her palm. "You're getting better at the breathing techniques," Aang said as he allowed his own ball of air to fall flat and disperse. "Thanks, though I don't think a little ball of air will help me fight fire benders," Ashlynn smiled over at Aang. "Well, when you've learned to control the air you can begin practicing balance. When you're balanced, you can ride on that ball of air, like I do! That's helped me evade plenty of enemies," Aang responded, and bended a large ball of air for him to sit on top of. Ashlynn laughed as she watched him roll about the area, ignoring the fact that Katara and Master Paku were growing increasingly annoyed with Aang's lack of motivation to learn water bending.
Ashlynn stopped laughing for a moment when she noticed black flakes floating down from the sky. She stood up and reached a hand outward to catch some that were floating down to her. The flakes crumbled immediately in her hands. She looked over at Katara and Paku, who were watched the black flakes immerse them in a nearby water fountain, turning the clear water into a murky black. Ashlynn frowned as she recognized what it was.
"This is soot... Soot mixed with snow," Katara said as she picked up a handful of snow that had been poisoned with the ominous flakes. "This is what happened when the Southern Water Tribe was attacked."
"That means they're closing in on the North Pole," Ashlynn said, frowning as she realized it was inevitable. "Yeah, and I'd say there's a lot of them, judging by how much soot there is," Katara responded sadly.
"Paku, we need to warn everyone," Ashlynn said firmly. Paku nodded, and turned to a few of his pupils. "One of you go warn Chief Arnook, and another go tell the guards to sound the drums. We must prepare for war," Paku commanded, and immediately two pupils ran off to do so. Several minutes later, the loud, booming sound of drums were heard from nearby. "Come with me," Paku ordered Aang, Ashlynn, and Katara. They nodded, and followed him obediently as they ran towards the palace where the Chief would be.
"Look, there's Sokka," Katara pointed out.
Inside, the Chief stood atop an icy wall before all the people inside. Across the entire floor, people were sitting down to hear what he had to say. Sokka sat along the edge of the crowd, so Katara motioned for them to go sit with him. Paku departed to sit near his Chief and Princess Yue.
"The day we have feared for so long has arrived!" Chief Arnook spoke loudly when the crowd began to settle down slightly. "The fire nation is coming! It is with great sadness that I call each of you, here, before me, knowing that some of these faces are about to vanish from this tribe..." he paused sadly.
"But... they will never vanish from our hearts and minds. Now, as we get closer to the inevitable battle before us, I call upon our greatest spirits! Spirit of the Ocean! Spirit of the Moon! Be with us!" he cried out, and thrust his arms up above his head in an almost ritualistic manner. Many people in the crowd did the same, and Ashlynn bowed her head respectfully. Meanwhile, she ignored the sensation of having Sokka's eyes bore right into her.
"Now, I need some volunteers for a dangerous mission," Chief Arnook announced to his people. Sokka stood up, indicating he wished to be a part of the 'dangerous mission. Ashlynn stared up at him sadly, and watched as people all around them stood up as well. She lowered her head solemnly, and whispered a prayer for the young, brave souls.
"Many of you will not return. If you accept this task before you, then come forward to receive my mark of approval," Chief Arnook finished, and a bowl of colored mud was brought to him so he could mark the foreheads of the warriors with it.
Ashlynn let out an involuntary sigh as she watched Sokka step up, receive the mark, give a sad glance to Princess Yue, then walk away. Ashlynn wondered if anything happened between the two of them, but she said nothing about it to Katara or Aang. She looked up suddenly as Aang got up, and began to depart from the building. Ashlynn went to stand up, but Katara stopped her. "Let him think. He has a lot to deal with right now," she warned. Ashlynn nodded as she understood, and turned back to watch the remaining warriors receive their marks of honor.
Afterwards, Chief Arnook dismissed his people, and stepped down from his wall of superiority. Katara and Ashlynn watched worriedly as he paced towards them. He bowed his head respectfully, and Katara and Ashlynn did the same. "Ashlynn, Katara, I'd like you both to remain by the Avatar's side in this battle. However, if you think he should go off alone, let him do so. I trust your judgment," he told them, and then motioned for them to follow him. They did so, obediently, and followed him outside his palace, where he walked up to Aang, who was sitting thoughtfully upon a wall.
"Aang, I've ordered these two to remain by your side, for as long as you wish it," the Chief told him. Aang said nothing at first, but then responded "I wasn't there when the Fire Nation attacked my people. I'm going to make a difference this time." Chief Arnook nodded, and bowed his head.
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Later, the armies were placed together upon the defensive outer walls of the Northern Water Tribe. Aang sat upon Appa, with Katara and Ashlynn on the floor beside them. They were right next to Sokka's team, so Sokka stood with them as well. Yet, he said nothing. Together, they stood and stared out at the horizon, waiting for any signs of the incoming fleet.
Finally, something in the far distance could be seen. Ashlynn squinted as she watched it, trying to make out what it was. She gasped as she realized it, and shouted "Incoming! Everyone du---"
Before she could finish, the incoming massive, flaming rock struck the wall she, and many others stood upon. She, and others, let out a cry of surprise and panic as the icy wall crumbled slightly and cracked in numerous places. Ashlynn cried out as she slipped from the effects of the shaking wall. She pulled out one of the swords she'd been provided with, and stuck it into the ice to keep her from slipping forward. Then, she carefully stood back up and tugged her sword out of the floor. However, she did not put it back.
"They've got open fire!" Ashlynn shouted loudly to the armies around her. Everyone cried out loudly again as another flaming boulder flew over their heads and landed in the heart of the city. Ashlynn fell over again as another rock struck the outer wall, and she screamed as she began to slip down towards the open water below. Then, one of the men of the army grasped her arm, and tugged her back up. She nodded thanks, and then jumped slightly as Appa's massive body flew up past her, out towards to Fire Nation fleet.
Beneath the wall, a small group of water benders inconspicuously rode out on small,camouflaged canoes. They rode out to the lead ship, to where Aang was headed.
"It's not safe here; we'll be massacred if we stay on this outer wall. We need to retreat," Ashlynn shouted to Katara and Sokka. As soon as she said this, an order from one of the army captains sounded out, ordering the soldiers to run to a preparation room. Sokka told them that it was for his squad of warriors, made for the dangerous mission. He nodded Katara a farewell, ignored Ashlynn completely, and ran off with his fellow soldiers.
"Come on Ashlynn, let's go back towards the palace," Katara said, and Ashlynn nodded. Together, they ran through the numerous winding paths towards the palace, shouting warnings to the civilians as they did so. When they neared the palace, Katara said "Look, Princess Yue! Come on, we should go protect her. She's all alone."
Ashlynn narrowed her eyes and held back a groan of annoyance, but she did not protest. She reluctantly ran after Katara as she climbed up a final fleet of stairs to the Princess, who was standing looking out at the horizon. "Princess Yue, you should get somewhere safer," Katara suggested as she slowed down to catch her breath. "I don't want to run and hide. It's not right, these are my people. I plan on staying right here," she responded. She let out a short sigh, and Ashlynn could feel her worried and sad vibes radiating off of her. Katara nodded, and stood by her side. Ashlynn reluctantly stood on Princess Yue's other side, and said nothing.
Minutes later, the fire ceased suddenly. Ashlynn looked up at the sky, and saw it was growing dark. "They've stopped firing..." Princess Yue murmured. "It's getting dark. The Water Benders draw their power from the moon, so if they continued the attack they'd lose. Zhao already calculated everything; he knows what he's doing," Ashlynn stated matter-of-factly.
"Aang!" Katara cried out suddenly. Ashlynn looked towards where Katara was pointing, and saw Appa flying towards them. Aang landed his furry companion on the large platform beneath where they were standing, and Katara ran to greet him.
As they neared Aang, he slid off Appa and almost collapsed entirely on the cold floor. "I can't do it!" he cried, and attempted to hold back tears. "What happened, Aang?" Ashlynn questioned worriedly as she and Katara sat down by Aang. "I must've taken out over a dozen ships, and they just keep coming. There's too many of them..."
"You have to fight them! You're the Avatar! We'll die if we don't..." Princess Yue cried out, almost sobbingly. Ashlynn shot her a warning glance, not wanting to upset Aang any further. "I'm only one person..." Aang said, and put his face in his hands. Katara hugged him comfortingly, and allowed him to have a moment to release some stress.
"Come on, we should go get some rest. We'll need it for tomorrow," Ashlynn suggested. "I can't sleep," Aang said. "I didn't say you had to; let's just go rest up inside the palace."
Aang looked up at Ashlynn, and then nodded. "Follow me, I know a good place to stand for a little while," Princess Yue said. Ashlynn glanced over at her, and then back at Aang. He nodded, and motioned for Katara to follow. Together, the three friends followed the Princess up the cold steps of her palace. She then made a turn at the entrance, and led them to a little balcony that had a pleasant view of the ocean and the moon.
By then, the moon was high in the sky, and it complete nighttime. Ashlynn crawled up onto the balcony's edge and leaned against one of the supporting columns. "The moon is so beautiful," Katara spoke after several minutes of silence.
"The legends say the moon was the first water bender. Our ancestors saw how it pushed and pulled the tides, and learned how to do it by watching it," Princess Yue stated quietly. Ashlynn looked over at her, and was suddenly jealous of her beauty. It's no wonder Sokka's attracted to her... she thought to herself, and frowned.
"I've always noticed my water bending is stronger at night," Katara replied. "Our strength comes from the spirit of the Moon, and our life comes from the spirit of the Ocean. They work together to keep balance..." Princess Yue continued speaking of her knowledge of the spirit.
"Spirits..." Aang exclaimed suddenly with a grin. "Aang! Maybe you can..." Ashlynn started. "Talk to them, I know," Aang finished her sentence for her.
"Maybe if I talk to them I can get their help!" he stood up straight as he spoke. "How is that possible," Yue said and giggled, almost as if she didn't believe him. "Since I'm the Avatar, I'm like the bridge between this world and the spirit world. I can talk to spirits," Aang explained.
"Well... Last time you got to the spirit world by accident. How can you do it this time?" Katara asked, instantly killing the mood. "I have an idea, follow me!" Princess Yue responded excitedly, and the group perked up with hope again. She rushed off inside the palace, and the three friends followed her immediately.
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"Is this the way to the spirit world?" Aang asked.
Princess Yue had led them to a courtyard in the back of the palace. The moon shone over the pathway perfectly, and revealed a very small wooden, circular door at the end of the pathway. Princess Yue giggled, and said "No. You'll have to get their on your own, but... I can take you to the most spiritual place in the entire Northern Water Tribe." Then, she opened the small circular door for them to walk through.
Aang walked through first, and Katara followed. Ashlynn followed Katara, and Yue shut the door behind them. When Ashlynn stepped through the little door, she was suddenly filled with a sweetened sensation. She felt comforted, and serene; like there wasn't a whole lot to worry about... Like someone was watching over her, protecting her with every step she made.
She gazed out in wonder at the scenery before her: on the other side of the little door was a pool of water, with narrow walkways on its side. The walkways led to a small altar that sat on a portion of grass. In the center of the grass was a separate pool of water, where two fish swam together in perfect and synchronized motion. The moon shone directly on the spiritual place, and the icy walls stretched out for yards and yards above them.
Aang ran across one of the pathways and over a little bridge right onto the grass. He laughed and fell over on the green herbs, and said "I never thought I'd miss grass so much!"
"Wow, it's so warm here," Katara said while removing her winter cloak and sitting down next to Aang. "It's the center of all the spiritual energy," Princess Yue explained. "Yeah, I definitely feel it," Ashlynn said while staring down at the two fish in the pond below.
Aang got up, and walked over to the altar. He sat underneath its arch, and went into a meditative stance. "You're right. I feel it too... It's so... tranquil..." he spoke quietly as he soaked up the sensation.
"Come on. If he's going to get into the spirit world, he'll need some peace and quiet. Let's just go stand over there," Ashlynn said, and motioned towards the edge of the grass. Yue and Katara followed her, and together they stood in silence.
After several minutes of no spiritual activity, Princess Yue began to whisper to Katara and Ashlynn. "Nothing's happened. Is there any way we can help?" "I don't think so; he just needs to keep meditating. It takes all his concentration," Katara whispered back. "Guys, hush. Do you think he can concentrate if he hears us talking?" Ashlynn warned them.
"Come on guys, shut up! I'm trying to concentrate and I can hear everything you're saying!" Aang shouted at them. Immediately the three girls shut up, and Aang went back to meditating. Princess Yue gasped when his tattoos began to glow. "What's happening? Is he alright?" she asked, instantly panicking.
"He's in the spirit world now. He'll be fine as long as we don't move his body; that's how he gets back into our world," Katara reassured her. "Maybe we should get some help?" Princess Yue suggested, and began to walk towards the path. "Really, it's fine. I'm capable of protecting him, and Ashlynn is here too," Katara reassured her again.
"Well, aren't you a big and responsible girl, now?" came a familiar voice. Ashlynn's heart stopped for a moment, and she had to force herself not to gasp loudly in anguish and shock.
"No..." Katara whispered, and she and Ashlynn looked over at the nearby bridge to see Zuko, more than ready for a fight. "Yes, hand him over... And I won't hurt you," he demanded, and balled his hands into fists.
"Ashlynn, take the Princess and go find help!" Katara commanded. Ashlynn didn't hesitate, and she turned, grabbed the Princess's wrist, and ran back towards the small wooden door. She allowed Yue to exit first, and then she followed and slammed the door behind her. "Who is that?" the Princess questioned as they began running back out of the palace.
"He's the Fire Nation prince; he's desperate to capture Aang, which is why it's important we find help. Listen, you keep going. I don't fully believe Katara can best Zuko, especially since the sun is beginning to rise. Find some help, and bring them back here as soon as you can!" Ashlynn ordered. Princess Yue gave her an obedient nod, and continued running out of the palace.
Ashlynn spun around, and tried to remember which way was the path back to the spirit spot. She shielded her eyes as the sun began to rise into the sky. She took a deep breath, and began to run as fast as she can back to the hidden spot, using her air bending to make herself run faster. All the while she kept Aang's tips about agility and avoidance in mind.
She air bended the little wooden door open when she reached it, and jumped inside. She made it back just in time to see Zuko making his way up one of the icy walls with Aang bound and thrown over one shoulder. Katara was passed out underneath the altar, and Ashlynn pondered for a moment whether to help her, or to chase after Zuko. She looked up at Zuko, who had already climbed halfway up the block of ice. Ashlynn wondered where he intended to take Aang, since there was nothing but frozen wastelands up above; but, she decided to follow after him. Help would be coming for Katara soon, anyways.
She pulled out her two swords, and began using them as climbing tools. She groaned in frustration as two sides of her mind spoke an argument within her.
Just air bend your way up to him. It'll be faster, and you can easily best him and get Aang back.
I don't want him to know I'm an air bender. He'll jump to so many conclusions... he won't understand!
You've already shown him you don't care about him. You already know he thinks you hate him. So why do you care if he finds out about your air bending abilities?
I do care. I'm not throwing away years of friendship for nothing.
She cast away the voice telling her to air bend and reveal her true self. Instead, she continued to climb up the icy wall, determined to reach her old friend, and his captive.
"Zuko!" she cried out, and continued to do so as she continued her trek upwards, towards the barren, winter wasteland.
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Ashlynn collapsed onto her backside when she reached the top of the dangerously high mountain. She shivered as the thick snow instantly covered her arms, but she forced herself to ignore the biting cold. She coughed slightly, and raised one arm to block her view of the snowstorm raging around her. When she recuperated, she rolled over onto her side and quickly eyed the fading footsteps Zuko had left behind. She took a deep breath, and stood up and began to follow them.
Every so often she'd catch a glimpse of Zuko in the distance, but mostly all she saw was the constant snowstorm. As she slowly followed her companion's trail, she forced her mind away from the thought of freezing to death. She wrapped her arms around herself, and bent her head towards her chest to keep the snow from getting into her eyes.
After several minutes of walking she noticed she was catching up to Zuko. He was no longer in the far distance, but rather consistently in her line of view, steadily getting closer. She pondered for a moment whether he knew she was following him or not.
"Zuko!" she cried out desperately, and then retreated to another cough. She grew hopeful when he turned around for a moment, but instantly frowned when he turned his back on her. So, he's ignoring me now. I wonder if our friendship will ever heal... she thought to herself.
As she walked forward, Zuko got even closer. Soon, she only paced no more than ten feet behind. Still, he did not acknowledge her, nor could she sum up the energy to run to him.
Suddenly, a crackling in the ice beneath them was heard. Ashlynn stopped in her tracks, and saw Zuko had done the same. The cracking continued, and Zuko began to run. Ashlynn gasped when she realized the ice was breaking, and she began to run forward too. Zuko reached a safe part of land, but Ashlynn couldn't make it.
She let out a cry of helplessness as the ice beneath her crumbled. She ran faster over the failing mountain, and barely made it to the ledge of the safe side of land, where she grasped desperately to its edge.
She looked beneath her into the icy abyss, and felt her fingers slipping upon the frozen grounds. "Zuko, help!" she cried out as panic began to swell up inside of her. She regained some hold of the ground and placed her feet upon the mountainside for better footing. She knew that she couldn't climb up due to how slippery the terrain was, so her only hope would be Zuko.
"Zuko, please!" she cried out again as she re-grasped the mountainside. Suddenly, one of her arms was grasped tightly, and she felt herself begin to rise. She smiled as she recognized Zuko, even beneath the cloth he wore around his face.
She was pulled up over the top, where she lay flat out on her back again as she fought to catch her breath. She watched Zuko walk off to where he'd placed Aang. Ignoring her still, he threw Aang over his shoulders and continued walking. Ashlynn wondered where Zuko planned to take Aang in such a wintry place. She still ignored the growing fear that they'd freeze to death.
Ashlynn stood up again and ran after Zuko. When she caught up to him, he slipped on the icy ground beneath him. Her reflexes caused her to instantly move under him and keep him standing. She put one arm under his, around his back, and the other arm onto his chest to keep him from falling to the floor. She looked up at him, and he looked back for a moment, but then turned away and continued walking. Ashlynn chose not to move her arms from his body.
"Zuko, where do you plan to go? This wintry mountain will kill us both if we don't find some shelter, or a way out," she said after a moment of silence.
Zuko suddenly pointed out ahead of them, and she looked towards his direction. Several yards ahead there was a small cave awaiting them. She nodded in agreement, and together they walked, still carrying Aang, to the small and empty cave.
Inside, they were free of the blizzard that threatened to kill them. Zuko placed Aang down in the back of the cavern, and bound his hands together. "Do you really think that's necessary? He's asleep, Zuko," Ashlynn said as she sat down and leaned against one of the frozen walls.
"He's in the spirit world. He'll be back," he said quietly.
"They're coming back from him you know. You won't stand a chance," she sighed bitterly in response. "I took down the girl before, and I can do it again," he retorted as he sat down while pulling the cloth from his face. Ashlynn saw he bore several cuts that were in the process of healing, and his face was slightly swollen.
"What happened?" she questioned as she crawled over to him to get a better look at the damage he had done to him. "Just another accident," he murmured and turned away from her. "Accidents happen to you a lot, it seems," Ashlynn muttered as she turned away from him, bending her outstretched arm back against her chest.
There was a moment of silence before Zuko spoke.
"I've been searching for him for years," he said, and motioned towards Aang, who was glowing brightly as ever. Ashlynn stared over at Aang, but said nothing."I've finally caught him, but I can't take him back to my father because of this blizzard. There's just... Always something..." he trailed off into deep thought.
"Have you ever thought that maybe capturing him wasn't your destiny," Ashlynn asked, and glanced over at Zuko. He looked back for a moment, then closed his eyes and hung his head. "I know my destiny," was all he said.
"Zuko, you don't understand..." Ashlynn sighed as she leaned her head against the cold wall and shivered. "No, I understand perfectly. It's you, all of you," he said, waving an arm to indicate that Aang was part of the equation as well.
"It's you who don't understand. All of you are just like.... like Azula! Everything came easier to her. I've always had to struggle. Don't you recall, Ashlynn? My father said she was born lucky, and that I was lucky to be born," he spat and glared at the floor before him. Ashlynn flinched as she remembered the Fire Lord verbally putting Zuko down in every way possible.
"I don't want luck though. I'm strong, I don't need it."
Ashlynn looked back at Zuko, and bit her lip and she fought to find what to say. She sighed dejectedly as she failed to muster up any motivation to say words of encouragement. "It's okay; you don't need to say anything. I already know what you think of me," Zuko murmured as he shut his eyes again.
Ashlynn frowned, "What do you mean?"
"I saved your life, and you ran out on me. You said you'd always be there for me, and you left to join forces with the very thing I'd been hunting for. I've been a more loyal friend to you than you ever were to me!" he said angrily, his voice rising with each word.
"I died the day you were burned and banished. You were my best friend, and we were unstoppable. We did everything together, and we were always there for each other. In the end, I was still there for you, but you were gone. All you cared about was the Avatar. You stopped caring about me, about your Uncle, and even about your mother. All you wanted was to please your father. I left because you weren't Zuko anymore," Ashlynn spat in return. Zuko flinched at the mention of his mother.
"No, you're the one who stopped caring. If I didn't care, I wouldn't have bothered saving you from Zhao. I wouldn't have saved you from the crumbling mountain just now. No, you've always ran out on me. You're the one that never cared, and now you're the one that cares about the Avatar. That's the only reason you're here right now, Ashlynn!" he shouted, and Ashlynn watched as his fists lit up as he grew even angrier.
"We wouldn't be having this conversation, if that were the case," Ashlynn responded calmly. Zuko gave no response to her comment.
Aang's chest suddenly rose, and a deep inhale was heard from his body. Both Zuko and Ashlynn jumped at the sudden interruption, but settled down again as they realized Aang was still in the spirit world. "We're going to be here a while, huh?" Ashlynn questioned quietly. Zuko nodded, but said nothing.
Ashlynn wrapped her arms tighter around herself, and held her breath to keep from crying. She quivered, and then exhaled, and allowed a single tear to fall down her cheek. After the single tear, she felt herself calm completely. She curled her legs up to her chest, and laid her forehead on her knees so that her face was hidden.
After a moment, she felt Zuko's warm hand on her arm. She looked up, and confirmed that he'd moved closer to her. He does still care... she thought to herself as she looked at him. He gave her a reassuring half smile, and Ashlynn nearly choked on more tears as she took in the moment. She hadn't seen him smile, even half smile, for a very, very long time.
"I'm sorry..." she whispered. He nodded, and looked down at the ground. She knew he was sorry too.
Suddenly, the light radiating from Aang faded. Zuko stood up instantly, and prepared to fight him. Ashlynn remained seated and watched as Aang awoke from his slumber. "Ashlynn?" Aang pondered quizzically, almost as if he wondered why he was tied up yet she was there. Then, he figured it out, and sat up and turned to look at Zuko.
"Welcome back," Zuko murmured. "Good to BE back!" Aang responded flatly. Before Zuko could do anything, Aang blew a gust of wind in his direction, which sent him flying into the frozen wall of one side of the cave. The gust of wind sent Aang flying in the opposite direction, outside the cave and into the thick snow. Ashlynn finally stood up as Zuko chased after him.
Outside, Zuko had regained a hold of Aang, but it wasn't enough. Ashlynn was surprised to see Appa, bearing Katara, Sokka, and Princess Yue, flying down upon them. Zuko snarled, and let Aang fall beside him. "Here for a rematch?" he asked in an almost prideful manner as Katara slid off the flying bison.
"Trust me, it's not going to be much of a match," Katara said confidently, and quickly bended the snow around Zuko, causing him to rise into the air, then fall into the hard floor below him. He instantly passed out from the fall.
Sokka hopped off of Appa too, and went to cut Aang's bonds. Ashlynn cried out quietly and ran to where Zuko lay. She fell to her knees beside him, and pulled his head up onto her lap. She brushed the snow from his face for a moment, and then looked up at her companions, who weren't paying her any attention.
"We need to get to the oasis," Aang said as Sokka freed him of his bonds. Together, Aang, Katara, and Sokka climbed up on top of Appa. "Come on, Ash," Sokka ordered.
"No!" Ashlynn cried back and allowed a few tears to fall from her eyes onto Zuko's face. She curled her arms around his head in a protective manner and gazed up at Sokka. "We can't just leave him here..." she pleaded.
"Yes, we can, now let's go!" Sokka ordered again, beginning to grow angry and impatient. "But he'll die..." Ashlynn whimpered. "Doesn't matter, now come on," he commanded yet again.
"No, we should bring him," Aang said and jumped off Appa. "Sure, that makes sense. Let's save the guy who has been trying to kill us," Sokka retorted sarcastically.
"Thank you," Ashlynn said to Aang as she wiped some tears from her eyes. He nodded at her with a smile, and bound Zuko with the rope they'd taken from him. Together, they carried Zuko on top of Appa, and then Sokka steered Appa back towards the Northern Water Tribe, where the Fire Nation was still attacking.
Sokka and Aang flew Appa together, while Ashlynn sat in the back of the saddle with Zuko's head rested upon her lap. As they flew, the moon suddenly turned red, cause the surrounding area to illuminate with a blood-like color. "What's happening?" Ashlynn whispered, growing more and more fearful of what awaited them.
"I feel faint..."Princess Yue gasped as she put a hand to her head. "I do too..." Aang said.
"The moon spirit is in trouble!" Aang explained.
"I owe the moon spirit my life..." Princess Yue spoke sadly. "When babies are born, they usually cry. But, I was born like I was asleep. Our healers told my parents I was going to die. Then, on the night of the full moon, my father took me to the oasis. He pleaded with the Spirits, and asked them to save me. He placed me in the pond, and instantly my hair turned white and I began to cry. They knew I was going to live. The moon spirit saved me, and that's why they named me Yue... for the moon," she finished her tale like she'd told it a hundred times over.
No one responded, but watched as Appa flew towards the oasis, which was now well in their line of sight. Zhao and his soldiers stood in front of the pond. One of the fish that was in the pond before was missing, and instead was in a bag that Zhao held. Ashlynn then understood that the two fish must've been the mortal forms of the ocean and moon spirits. Thus, Zhao had captured the moon spirit, which took away the water bender's bending.
Aang had Appa land on the other side of the oasis, where he could be facing Zhao. Sokka, Aang, Katara, and Princess Yue all dismounted, but Ashlynn stayed in the saddle with Zuko.
When Zhao noticed the newcomers, he ordered his guards to march forward to better protect himself. They did so, and Aang readied his staff. "Oh, don't bother," Zhao spat as he lifted the bag with the spirit, and threatened to kill it.
"Zhao! Don't..." Aang said, and instantly dropped his weapon. "This is my destiny... To destroy the moon.... AND the water tribe," he muttered in a rasped yet confident voice. "Destroying the moon will hurt everyone, Zhao, not just the water tribe. Everything would fall out of balance without the moon," Aang explained calmly, trying to keep Zhao from killing the spirit.
"He is right, Zhao," came a familiar voice. Ashlynn looked over to the side to see Iroh in a defensive stance, also trying to keep Zhao from killing the moon spirit. Ashlynn continued to run a hand along Zuko's face and through his hair as he continued to sleep.
"General Iroh... I should've expected your treachery," Zhao chuckled. "I'm not a traitor. We need the moon too, because every one of us depends upon the balance. Whatever you do to that spirit I will unleash on you, ten times more! Let it go, now!!" Iroh commanded in rage. Zhao hesitated a moment, and then let the fish back into the pond.
Ashlynn jumped as Zuko began to stir. "Ashlynn..." he muttered as he regained consciousness. "Shh," she soothed as she continued to run a hand down his cheek. He gazed up at her, almost longingly, for a moment, and then blinked to clear his vision.
Ashlynn, too, noticed that the moon had lost its red color, and was back to normal. Yet, both of them gasped, when the moon finally went completely dark, and vanished from existence. Ashlynn glanced towards where she knew the pond was, and immediately understood that Zhao had killed the moon spirit.
The area lit up with flames as Iroh attacked Zhao repeatedly.
"Ashlynn," Zuko said loudly over the battle sounds coming from nearby. She looked down at him, and locked eyes with him every time the fire in the area permitted them to see. "Let me go, please," Zuko pleaded. Ashlynn bit her lip as she pondered for a moment, and then nodded. Zuko sat up, and she quickly undid the bonds. Without a word, he silently jumped off Appa and ran away into the darkness.
Ashlynn ignored the feeling of loneliness she now felt, and jumped off Appa to join the fray. Zhao had retreated, it seemed, and had left his guards to fend for themselves. Iroh had finished them off by the time she reached the other side of the pond, where Aang had taken up mourning the death of the spirit.
"There's no hope now..." Princess Yue said, and turned to cry into Sokka's shoulder. He placed an arm around her for comfort, while the rest of them mourned for the death of the spirit, and began to fear the beginning of the end.
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After several moments, Aang began to glow. Everyone looked upon him, terrified for a moment. When they realized he'd gone into the Avatar state, they settled. "It's not over," came the voices of all of Aang's past lives.
Aang walked into the pond, where the ocean spirit swam around him constantly. Finally, the ocean spirit began to glow as Aang did, and Aang sank into the depths of the water. All-around them, the oceans and rivers and canals began to illuminate, presenting an almost spiritual blue glow. It lit up the area, permitting them to see. Aang had taken control of all of the water in the area, and was going to use it to defeat the Fire Nation that attacked the Northern Water Tribe.
On the opposite end of the oasis a monstrous figure with the head of the fish rose from the water. No... It was made of the water, and Aang stood at its very core, controlling its every move. Princess Yue fell to her knees instantly, and bowed down to her savior. Each of them did the same in turn, including Ashlynn. The water being patrolled away from the oasis to go finish what the Fire Nation had started there.
Each sat back up as Aang and his watery form walked away. Everyone looked down at the dead fish, and instantly grew sad again. "There must be something we can do..." Ashlynn whispered, even though she knew it was hopeless. "No... It's too late, it's dead..." Katara sighed.
"You have been touched by the moon spirit," Iroh said suddenly, and pointed at Yue. She glanced at him and said nothing. "Some of its life is in you," he explained.
"You're right. The moon spirit gave me life.... Maybe I can give it back," she said calmly, and stood up from Sokka's side. "You don't have to do that!" Sokka cried out as she stood up, and grasped her hand desperately.
"It's my duty Sokka," she responded sadly. Ashlynn felt foolish, knowing she had never been brave like Yue was at that moment. She realized instantly how Princess Yue was better than herself in many different ways, and knew why Sokka had decided to pursue the Princess, instead of a lowly girl from the Fire nation.
"I won't let you! Your father ordered that I protect you..." he said, trying everything to keep her from doing what had to be done. "I have to do this," Yue said, and walked over to Iroh, who was pulling the dead fish from the water.
Iroh presented the fish to the Princess, and she placed her hands upon it. Instantly, the fish lit up with a bright white. Yue stood for a moment, and then exhaled her last bit of breath, and fell to the side. Sokka cried out, and caught her as she fell. She checked her for a moment, and then confirmed she was dead. He held her close to his body, and began to cry.
Ashlynn felt a tear fall from her face, and looked away from the scene. Princess Yue was brave... I am not.
"Iroh," Ashlynn spoke suddenly. He looked over at her questioningly. "Don't tell Zuko... But, I'm an air bender," she blurted out, and proved it by creating a ball of air upon her hand. He nodded, almost as if he weren't surprised. "Another story for another time," was all he said. She looked at him quizzically, but nodded, not wishing to press further on the subject.
"I won't tell Zuko. That is something from him to understand when he has learned to understand other parts of his life and the life of others," Iroh replied. Ashlynn nodded her understanding, and thanks.
Suddenly, Princess Yue vanished from Sokka's arms. The fish that Iroh still held in his hands lit up, and he immediately placed it back in the pond. The pond lit up, and Yue's ghost rose from the illuminated pond. She gazed at Sokka, and said something that only he could hear.
Yue's ghostly form floated over to him, and gave him what appeared to be a kiss, regardless of the fact that there was no body for him to kiss, but merely a transparent form. Then, the form disappeared, and both fish began to swim in their eternal dance once again. The moon in the sky lit up once more, and Ashlynn instantly felt better, and like there was hope again.
"Come on, let's go find Aang," Katara said. She, Ashlynn, and Sokka stood up, and left Iroh behind as they ran to go find Aang. Ashlynn knew Iroh's job was to find his missing nephew, and that their job was to find their companion. They hopped upon Appa, and flew off to find the watery beast.
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It was daybreak, and Ashlynn had finished packing the supplies she needed. She'd been given new travelling clothes, a new cloak for the cold times, and a new swim outfit, for when it was time to swim. She'd been given a new bedroll as well, along with a few moccasins to last.
Aang had fought off the fire benders the night before until the moon was revived. When it lived again, the Fire Nation retreated from the North Pole, knowing they'd lost that battle. Many brave water benders had died, but not in vain. The city was in ruins, but it would become a magnificent city once again, given some deserved time.
Master Paku had decided to go to the South Pole to revive their sister tribe, and appointed Katara as Aang's new water bending master.
Ashlynn tightened the sack that held her items, and then flung it over one shoulder. She then departed from her room, and walked to the front of the palace. There, Appa, Katara, Aang, and Sokka each waited for her. She ran over to them. Together they turned to face the horizon, where another adventure awaited them.