Hello ALL! So I'm back! I hope you guys aren't getting too bored! Please stay with me! Anyway, hope you guys will still enjoy it, and please read and review! And I'd really like you to tell me what you like about the chapters, if you don't do that already! And where did some of you guys go? I miss you!! Come back!!
A little while later, Zuko walked out into the palace garden. He saw that most of the trees and bushes looked familiar to him. Of course, it's Uncle, Zuko thought to himself. Only he would have a garden filled with tea plants. He smiled and sat down at a small table in the middle. A servant walked up to him. "May I get you anything, sir?"
"No thank you, I'm fine."
The servant bowed and walked towards the palace, and Zuko saw that he bowed to someone out of view. He then watched as Ara walked down the steps and into the courtyard towards him. She was dressed in beautiful red Fire Nation robes, yet her hair and headband were the same. Zuko stood up and bowed. "You know, Fire Nation looks good on you," he said playfully. She laughed. "Yea, it looks good on you too!" They both sat down and waited for Uncle Iroh to come out.
He came and sat down with a big smile. "You two look very grand," he said. "Now for the tea!" he poured the tea for his two guests, and then for himself. "So what is it that you came for?"
"To warn you."
Iroh set his tea down. "Of what?"
Zuko took a deep breath. "We know when my father and sister will attack. The Scarlet Solstice. We need to make plans for every soldier and warrior to come together at the South Pole and then we go and attack on Earth Kingdom soil."
"I see. And I am ready to go. I knew they would use that day."
"How did you know?"
"How could I not?" Iroh smiled.
Zuko frowned. "I hate it when you use your 'wiseness' to fool me." He crossed his arms. Iroh laughed, a big, deep, happy laugh. Ara laughed too. She then got up. "If you two don't mind, I'd like to explore the city. You know, find out about my neighboring nation."
Iroh nodded. "Take one of my guards. They'll show you around, answer any questions you have, and more. And here," Iroh said, pulling a small bag out of his sleeve. He handed it to her. "Some money. Just a gift, if you find anything you like." She smiled and kissed his cheek. "Thank you uncle." She bowed. Iroh clapped for the head guard. He came up and bowed. "My Lord, you summoned me?"
Iroh nodded. "Find the most responsible and trustworthy guard to show this young lady around the city." The guard nodded and went to go pick a guard. Iroh turned back to Ara. "Go and have fun, but be back in an hour. We need to discuss things with you." Ara nodded. "Have fun you two," she said with a twinkle in her eye. Zuko raised an eyebrow. Iroh smiled and waved as the originally guard came up and motioned her towards the gate. She followed him but stopped at her room and grabbed her cloak and put it on to cover the royal clothing she had on. She knew that many were not to be trusted here, and her true identity was not welcome. She also put her hair down and into the Fire Nation bun. She looked at herself in the mirror and stared. She hadn't ever tried any other look before, and it was a little different. She looked like a completely different person!
She stepped out of her room and continued to follow the guard. He stopped her at the gate outside of the palace. "Lee will be here in a minute," he said. He bowed. She smiled and thanked him.
Soon after, she was leaning on the bars of the gate, all of her attention on the city outside, when someone softly grabbed her shoulder. "Are you ready, miss?"
Ara, fully surprised, turned sharply around. "AAAHHHH!!" she screamed, rapidly getting into a fighting stance.
"Whoa!" the young man yelled, falling backwards to the ground, as Ara had scared him out of his shoes too. "OOMPH!" he mumbled as his backside hit the dirt.
Ara looked down at the young man she just knocked over. He was about her age and had dark brown hair. Her eyes widened. "Sir, I am so sorry! I was just looking at the city. I didn't hear you come up behind me." She offered her hand. "Let me help you."
The young man looked up at the girl. She had brown hair and a caring but worried smile. As he took her hand, he raised himself. "I'm really sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you, miss." He brushed himself off.
"And I didn't mean to make you fall over after screaming in your face." She smiled.
"It's okay," he replied. I'm used to it. I have four younger sisters at home." He turned to look at her and their eyes met. They both stared.
His were a deep but shining gleaming gold-brown, like Zuko's. Handsome.
Hers were a beautiful, soft, deep gray, like storm clouds. Beautiful.
He broke the silence. He bowed. "I'm Lee, miss."
"I'm Ara. And you don't have to call me miss." She bowed.
"Oh, but I do. I'm just a guard, and you're a guest of the Firelord."
Ara shrugged. "Please, call me Ara."
He bowed. "Ara," he said. "pretty name. But you're not from around here, are you?"
Ara looked down. "I'm sorry, Lee. I'm not supposed to talk of it."
"It's okay. I shouldn't have asked. But let me show you around. What would you like to do, see, or know?"
She smiled. "Show me everything there is."
An hour later, Lee and Ara had become fast friends. She found out about his family, his past, his favorite things to do; pretty much everything about him. And she found out that he was a lot like her. They bonded instantly, and laughed and talked like they had been friends since they were born. He also showed her the city, and she excitedly took in the amazing setting around her. Lee showed her the best places to go, as well as beautiful entertainment and places by the sea. A few things caught her eye, but she decided to go back later.
They were still talking when suddenly Ara stopped them. "Oh no! I forgot to meet Uncle Iroh and Zu—uh," she broke off when Lee looked at her questioningly. "Firelord Iroh's um—friend, Zulon, is—uh, my—father!" she lied through her teeth. "We just call him Uncle. But I've got to get back now! It's important!"
Lee took her hand. "I know a shortcut! This way!" They fought through the crowds and shops and ran straight into the palace gates a few minutes later. She looked at him. "Wow! Thanks! You really know your way around. Thanks for the tour and everything, and it was very nice to meet you!"
"Whoa! Ara, hold on!" Lee said, grabbing her arm. "I barely know you! Aren't we friends?"
"Yes, but I can't tell you anything about me! It's too dangerous!"
"What? Why?" He let go of her arm, and he looked confused.
"I had a fun time Lee, really I did. Thank you, but I have to go! Bye!"
She left him standing dumbstruck by himself in the street.
Ara ran up the steps, through the halls, and out into the garden. Iroh and Zuko were still sitting there, talking. She was out of breath by the time she reached them, but straightened and sat down. "Sorry I'm late! I forgot the time limit."
Zuko looked up. "No problem. I've told Uncle your story, as well as Aang's, Katara's, and all of ours, so you can take off the headband."
Ara's hand instinctively went to her forehead. "Ara," Iroh said gently. "It's alright. I know. You're safe."
"What about spies?"
"I understand. Just lift it for a second. I need to see the arrow."
Zuko nodded to her and she lifted her headband. Iroh's smile widened. "You are an airbender," he whispered. He then looked at his tea. "Bend the tea."
Ara raised her hand and the tea spun upwards. "And a waterbender!" he breathed. "You are truly special!"
Ara smiled, but she turned to Zuko. "We need to tell him the plans. Now."
Zuko nodded. "Uncle, the Scarlet Solstice is in 5 weeks. We need every soldier, warrior, and bender you've got to go to the South Pole in 3 weeks. Please, we need your help and support. And you are wise. We need to figure out how to keep everyone alive because of the scorching heat of the solstice. We need ships, supplies, and plans. We need you to help lead with us and the rest of the leaders. Uncle, please help us finally end this war."
"Nephew, I give you my support. But know this," he said, raising his hand to them, "my brother and niece will have strength, power, and life that day. Most of us will not." He lowered his hand. "Are people prepared for this?"
Zuko nodded. "People know the demands of war."
Ara raised her fist. "The world is ready to end this war, once and for all." Iroh nodded. He then stood up. "I'll let you two both get settled in your rooms, and we will meet for dinner at sunset. I'll send someone to get you two."
Zuko and Ara stood up, bowed, and walked to their rooms.
Aang, Katara, Sokka, Toph, and Hakoda were in the war tent, planning and strategizing. Hakoda was explaining the plans, Katara was holding her chin with her elbow resting on one knee, Toph listened quietly, Sokka was looking at his father, and Aang sat up straight and memorized the plans. And he didn't tell anyone, but secretly inside, for him, he had given up. It was over. But no one knew.
Hakoda was explaining with a map. "There are mountains along the coast of the Earth Kingdom. This southern coast," he pointed, "is the perfect spot to organize the troops and set up camp. We will need to first send and messenger hawk to Iroh, along with Zuko and Ara, asking them to meet with Ozai and tell them to back down for the last time. He will not, of course, so Iroh will tell him the battle can be on the spot we've said. This is a large open prairie, with equal ground. We will camp on the Southern half of the peninsula and Ozai will rest on the Northern half. We meet past the northernmost river leading out to the sea, and attack. Aang, send messenger hawks to all major populated areas and rulers and tell them to go southward on the land. We cannot afford to lose them to the army's ships. Katara, write a message to Chief Arnook at the Northern Tribe and tell them to leave now. Toph, write a letter to—."
"Sir, I can't write."
"Oh, of course, sorry. Sokka, write a letter to the Earth King and the neighboring Earth-kingdom bases, telling them to be at the battlefield by the time of the solstice."
"Dad, what if some cannot make it by the time of the solstice?"
"Katara, they have to. They are needed to finally end this war. We are all needed."
"What if Ozai changes the location?"
"He won't, Sokka," Hakoda said. "He wouldn't want to fight on Fire Nation soil. We'll be ready to fight him, even if he decides to go. He wants to show us his power, and if he has an army, he'll want to use it and destroy us all."
"Chief Hakoda," Toph asked. "How many people are we actually expecting to fight for us?"
"I'd say, what, 450 here, tripled by the Northern Tribe, the earth king's army of 75,000, plus hundreds, thousands more around the world, and Firelord Iroh's army of 30,000. I'm guessing by pretty much the whole world minus Ozai's army, minus many small towns and villages, I'd say we'd have 90-116,000."
"Against?"
"I'd say at least 50,000 of the best firebenders, soldiers, and fighters, plus the Dai Li. We still have a possibility of loss, but we cannot lose, not for the world's sake."
Katara closed her eyes. She then looked up and turned to her husband. He was the only one who hadn't said anything. He looked asleep. "Aang, are you okay?" she shook him, but he didn't respond. The rest looked up.
"Aang?" Sokka asked.
They gasped as his tattoos glowed for an instant, and then went back to light blue. He opened his eyes and looked up, gasping as he saw that they were all staring at him. "I'm sorry, I have to leave." He quickly got up and ran outside. Katara moved to follow him.
"No, Katara," Hakoda stopped her. "Something tells me this is Avatar business."
Aang ran. He didn't know where to, but Roku's voice echoing in his head, repeating his name over and over in the war tent meant something. He ran to the edge of the ice, and he instantly sat down, bent an ice chamber over him, and meditated, entering the Avatar state. His tattoos and eyes began to glow.
He looked up and saw Roku. His face was serious. "Aang, we need to talk." He
led the airbender to a large, grassy courtyard. The sun in the spirit world shone bright, and Aang hadn't seen such a beautiful spot in a long time. But as he looked harder, people appeared. He saw Kyoshi, Yangchen, and Kuruk, as well as many other people sitting on the grass, facing him and Roku.
"Roku, who are all of these people?"
"Aang, you should know them. These people are all of your past lives."
Aang's eyes widened, but he bowed. They all nodded their heads to him. "Why did you call me?" he asked. Kyoshi stood up.
"Aang, this war has changed and affected the world for more than one hundred years. And for being one still so young, we are all proud of your bravery, strength, and wisdom in guiding the nations so far."
Avatar Yangchen stood up. "We have all called you here to not give up yet. Yes, we have seen your thoughts. And in your heart, you have already given up. But you mustn't."
Kuruk then stood. "We all will be with you on the Scarlet Solstice." He raised his hands outwards, and as Aang watched, all of the past Avatars stood and bowed to him. Roku put his hand on Aang's shoulder. "The Avatar State fills you with all of our own spiritual energy. But on this next Solstice, our physical power will fill you as well. We will all be with you on that day, fighting within you. Don't give up."
"Don't give up," the others said in unison. Aang watched as they all faded away. They repeated it over and over.
Finally, Aang turned to face Roku. "Do not give up, Aang. We will be with you on the solstice." He faded.
Aang smiled. "I won't. I won't give up."
He opened his eyes and his tattoos stopped glowing. He got up, bent the ice away and walked slowly back to the war tent. Katara was the only one left, waiting for him. He reached out his hand and she gladly took it. He pulled her into an embrace. She just stood there, hugging him. "You okay?" she asked softly.
"Yea. We've got more help for the solstice. And I've got my hope and strength back."
Around an hour later after they had left Iroh, Zuko and Ara were relaxing in their room. There were two bedrooms and one living room that joined the two. Ara was bending an airball around her head, and Zuko was reading a scroll about Iroh's (already-made) battle plans and strategies for the solstice.
He got up and rubbed his chest. "I'm going to take a bath. My chest aches. Can you bend some water from the pump into the bathtub?"
"Sure," Ara said casually. She let go of the airball and lifted herself onto her feet with airbending. She then bent a large amount of water out of the pump and walked to Zuko's room. She poured it into the tub and he heated it. As she turned to leave, he stopped her. "Ara, can you help me take off my shirt? I still can't move my shoulder up, down, or any direction."
"Sure," she said again. She helped him get it off and she left. "Yell if you need anything," she said as she closed the screen door. He looked in the mirror at his bandaged chest and shoulder and winced as he unwrapped it. It still caused him agonizing pain.
He looked at the disgusting opening on his chest, and noticed that even though it looked horrible and was surrounded by one huge disgusting bruise, it was healing.
"But not fast enough," he said to the reflection.
He eased himself into the tub and clenched his teeth as the steaming water hit the wound. But he grew used to it. And for the first time in years, he relaxed.
Outside his room, Ara was bored, so she yelled to Zuko. "I'm going to explore the palace a bit, 'kay, Zuko?"
"Sure!" came the reply.
She took off her cloak, redid her hair into the traditional water tribe bun and loops, and stepped out. She walked down the hallway and examined every corner she could find.
She finally found a long corridor, which had murals on one wall and open to a beautiful, grassy courtyard on the other. She walked down the hallway and finally came to the end, where a large mural of Iroh looked down at her. Then she realized; these were all of the past firelords.
She gazed intently at the tapestry of the Firelord before Iroh, at Ozai, Zuko's father. She was told so many stories when she was young of the cruelty of him, how he showed no mercy, and how so many innocent people were killed because of him.
She sadly turned to the two firelords' murals before Ozai. She knew of Azulon and Sozin as well. She knew of the comet. She knew of the Day of Black Sun. She knew of it all.
She turned away and walked back to the room.
Zuko was putting his hair into the traditional style, and with only his pants on, the deep explosion of a wound across his chest stuck out profusely against his fair skin, but Ara didn't notice much. She had gotten used to seeing the horrendous gash. But she called his name, and he looked up when she walked in. "What'd you find?"
"I saw the murals," she said sadly. "And it reminded me of all of the bad things you've told me about the war and your forefathers—." Zuko's shoulder's dropped a bit when she said that "—but it makes me realize that I need to fight just as hard, if not harder, than all of you, for what the Fire Nation has done to my family, my past, and my own life."
Zuko smiled. He straightened up, but then fell over and groaned. "Ara, I'm going to take you up on your offer," he said, sweat beginning to form on his brow. "Can you at least close my wound?"
"Can't you heal yourself?"
"For some reason, my abilities don't work on extreme injuries."
"Okay. Lay down. I'll do what I can."
Zuko lay down on a lounge pillow and relaxed. Ara bent some water from her pouch and covered her hand in it. Her hand turned blue, and she turned to her older friend and mentor. The ugly gash and scar were healing, but still looked awful. She ran the healing water over his chest and breathed in deeply. She let it out and bent the water back into her pouch.
The young airbender just sighed at her work. The wound was now almost completely gone, but ugly bruises stood out around an even uglier yet still-healing scar.
Zuko sat up. His chest felt numb and raw, but the extreme pain he felt was almost completely gone. He looked at Ara kneeling next to him and he pulled her into a giant hug. And she was more than happy to return it.
Hey again! So I hope you liked it! And please read and review! Don't really have much to say today, except have a great weekend! And I'll keep posting though!
Avatarone3