Earth...fire...water...air...

Whenever justice does not see the light of day, it shall be avenged in the shadows!

AVATAR

The Celestial Sailors

BOOK THREE: DEATH

20: Happiness is Fleeting

Gurio looked just as embarrassed as Naru as they stared at each other in the dressing room. His deepest secret—that he had been portraying the Avenging Shadow this entire time—was exposed at last, but what that portended remained to be seen. If he could find any comfort in this situation, it was that the person he trusted most in the world held his secret.

"You?" Naru said, bewildered and skeptical. Gurio laughed humbly.

"Yeah, uh, not exactly what you were expecting, huh?" He broke out into self-effacing laughter again; Naru just shook her head.

"But this is impossible." Gurio saw the stricken look on her face and deflated. It was one thing for him to play the character against all expectations, but to have Naru, the person he cherished, withdraw so incredulously...

"Yeah, I get it," he sighed. "Wimpy little Gurio playing the part of a swashbuckling hero... I know I'm not manly or daring or even that brave in real life. I don't blame you for not believing me—"

"It's not that," she interrupted, offering that kind, loving smile he knew he was unworthy of. Her face twinged crimson as she reached into her purse and pulled out a large black cloth. Inside the cloth was a featureless black mask, which the Avenging Shadow wore. Naru briefly covered her head with the mask, draped the cloth over her shoulders, and instantly resembled the famous hero. "I thought I was the Avenging Shadow." Gurio's mood immediately brightened, and he grinned at Naru with more excitement and zeal than he could manage.

"Waah! Yayayayayou're the Avenging Shadow, too?! But I thought...wait, you must be my stand-in! How often do you do the performances?"

"Four times a week," she said, removing the mask, "but only for the repeat performances. What about you?"

"Four times as well, but it's usually new material."

The two looked at each other with renewed awe, respect—and admittedly, more than a dash of teenage hormonal influence.

"So when did all this start?" Naru asked. Gurio grinned proudly and told her everything. Technically, he wasn't the original Avenging Shadow, merely an extra in the second episode (where the hero had, fittingly enough, employed a duplicate to confuse an enemy). Gurio had been the right height and build for the role, so the producer chose him spuriously. He was later asked if he would mind standing in for the character whenever they needed an extra, and soon those stand-ins became regular, until the original retired and Gurio believed that he was the only one.

"So he just picked you right off the street?" Naru asked. Gurio nodded enthusiastically.

"The producer was part of one of my tour groups, and I guess he liked my energy. Memorizing long lists of history and culture didn't hurt my chances, either, and it turns out I can do a decent impersonation of the Avenging Shadow's voice with some practice. How'd you get roped into this?"

"It's a little embarrassing," Naru giggled: "The producer visited my mother to pick up some cheap props and saw me helping her. I guess he got struck hard by a bolt of serendipity, because the next thing I knew, he was asking me if I'd like a job. One awkward conversation later, and I learn he wants me to portray the Avenging Shadow a few days out of the week. I just laughed at first, and told him I had no idea how that would work out, since I'm a girl. But then he looked me dead in the eye and said, 'That doesn't matter. The Avenging Shadow can be anybody. Only a fool will care about your identity. The true beauty behind the Shadow is what he, or she, does.' Well, I decided to go along with him, just for fun—and I didn't really have much else to do with my free time. Some scheduling and acting classes later, and here I am."

"Remarkable," Gurio murmured. He smiled shyly at Naru and said, "I guess he was right. The Avenging Shadow can be anybody. I was beginning to wonder why you sometimes rescheduled our dates."

"And why you were sometimes 'unavailable', even when I knew you weren't working." They laughed at each other again, and not knowing what else to do, they embraced.

"This is wonderful," Gurio whispered, shuddering from happiness. "This is absolutely wonderful. I don't even know what to do or say..." Naru nodded, likewise.

"You should probably get dressed. The show must go on, right?"

"You don't want to step in for me?" he offered, eyes twinkling. She grinned.

"Nah, you got this. Go show Usagi and the King what a hero looks like." He laughed, kissed her boldly, and fought his way into his costume, he was that excited. Umino vanished, and the vigilante who avenged justice in the shadows took his place.

"Well, miss," he said, whirling his cape, "from one Shadow to another, I bid you farewell. Enjoy the show!" Naru waved after him, smiling proudly.

"Don't worry, Mr. Shadow. Your secret's safe with me."

…...

"And now, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, your royal highness, and her ladyship the Avatar, the Ember Island players are proud to present another exciting chapter of...THE AVENGING SHADOW!" The familiar stirring theme song of the Avenging Shadow roared to life as the lights dimmed, and the small audience applauded. The actor portraying him came onto the stage, in full costume; Naru grinned proudly as he swept his arm.

"Whenever justice fails to see the light of day, remember that it shall always be avenged in the shadows!" The Avenging Shadow leaped dramatically across the stage, hiding behind the curtain as his theme song played again. The audience applauded again, and the narrator resumed:

"Tonight, we are proud to bring you a special episode of The Avenging Shadow, dedicated to King Endymion III. We're taking our mysterious hero to the bitter tundras of the Southern Water Tribe, where he soon confronts a dangerous wolf spirit, and learns a terrible secret that may change the course of human history forever! And now, without further ado, tonight's episode: 'White Wolf, Black Moon'." All the lights dimmed, save for the main spotlight. A wolf's howl, or a striking facsimile, called out, followed closely by its shadow as something streaked across the light. A snarl, baying, the pitter-patter of paws, the crunch of snow, and then...a guttural, growling, screeching cry, not just inhuman but inorganic. Wolves shrieking, growling, barking and fighting. A louder, more terrible screech, like the roar of abominations. Battle. Bloodshed. Screams. The only thing the audience could see was darkness, and a shaft of light; this was a story told through sound and imagination, and it was quite effective. Mamoru was already invested; Usagi was clutching onto his hand. The sounds of slaughter ended suddenly, followed by trembling footsteps (some people swore they actually felt the vibrations). Then, silence.

Then, a wolf's howl. The lights all came on, the curtain parted, and the play began.

For the next two hours (with two intermissions), the audience sat spellbound as the tale of mystery, violence, and mysticism wove before them. The people of the Southern Water Tribe believed that the great wolf spirit Amaguq was behind a recent string of deaths and destruction. Hunting parties were already being assembled by the time the Avenging Shadow got word of it, and of course, he took all the stories with a heavy grain of salt. Amaguq, he argued, may have been capricious and unpredictable, but rarely violent. After a bit of detective work (with more than one clue accompanied by some harrowing danger he had to overcome), the Avenging Shadow theorized that another party was involved, but the locals wouldn't be so easily convinced. He enlisted the help of several like-minded people, and after a few more adventures, scrapes, and clue-gathering, came to the conclusion that a much more dangerous entity was almost certainly at large. Before the identity of this mastermind could be unveiled, the second and final intermission was called, so everyone went outside to stretch and refresh themselves.

The conversation between Usagi's friends almost universally revolved around the play, and who or what this dastardly unknown villain could be. Usagi personally couldn't wait for the play to start again; she had been so invested in the action and story that her body was stiff from leaning on the edge of her seat. Mamoru bought her some popcorn to settle her nerves, and watched in a daze as she wolfed down an entire bag. He smiled feebly and offered her his bag, which she decimated in one mouthful.

Before she could reach in and shovel out another handful, Usagi froze, her eyes bulging wide. She was finally being called again.

Avatar. It is time. Come to us.

"Is something wrong?" Mamoru said. Usagi put the snack away, nodding somberly.

"Yeah. I...heard the Lion-Turtles calling me just now."

"Ah." He smirked. "They've got lousy timing. If we leave now, we'll miss the end of the play." He chuckled as she gave him a desperate, haunting expression. "Just kidding. This is far more important. I'll have someone prepare you a transport immediately. Are you going by yourself again?"

"No," she replied firmly, as if she were protesting an invisible enemy. She braced herself before adding, "We'll all go. Together. Everyone deserves to hear this."

"Would the Lion-Turtles be okay with that?"

"I don't care," she said fiercely. "Either we all go or none of us do: you, Rei, Mina, Mako, Ami...and I want Setsuna, Haruka, and Michiru to hear this, as well."

"What's going on?" Minako said, as she noticed the two of them standing around stiffly. Mamoru explained everything to her and the group, and the mood darkened. Only Setsuna smiled.

"It's a pity we have to leave now, but it can't be helped. Just when it was getting to the good part!" She chuckled daintily, which caused everyone else to smile. Setsuna agreed that everyone should come, but there was no way Artemis could carry them all, so something else needed to be arranged. Minako, Rei, and Ami went off to ask Motoki and Unazuki to take care of Artemis while they were gone, while Naru approached Usagi and Mamoru. She did a little curtsy for the king before speaking.

"Your majesty, I know this might sound unusual, but the Avenging Shadow wishes to speak with you backstage. He knows that this may be inconvenient, but if you could spare him a few minutes..."

"I'm sorry, my lady, but I cannot even spare that much. Usagi's being called away on urgent Avatar business, and she's asked that I accompany her. Give the Avenging Shadow my regards, and my congratulations on an excellent performance."

"I beg your forgiveness, sire," she persisted, "but you don't understand. He says it's about the White Lotus." Mamoru gave a jolt and stiffened, along with Usagi and Makoto. He was startled to hear his secret project being talked about so openly, and wondered how the Avenging Shadow knew about it. Had Makoto or Usagi mentioned it in passing to someone? No, they had sworn to only let their family and closest friends in on it. Uncovering the truth behind this question was enough of a reason for Mamoru to curtail his obligations, and Usagi followed him backstage. The others promised they'd be ready to leave when she came back.

"So, closest and oldest and dearest of all friends of mine," Minako called out cattily, glaring at Makoto, "what exactly is this White Lotus, and how is it that you know about it and I, your maid of honor, your most trusted confidante, your Sister from another Mister..."

"Okay, okay, I'm sorry! Just give me a moment and I'll tell you. Ami, Rei, I may as well let you in on this as well."

…...

The Avenging Shadow was even more impressive a persona up close. He wore a button-down black coat, with long sleeves ending in black leather gloves, large boots meant for rough travel and terrain, a black cape he used to bind or distract his foes, and a plain black mask that covered his entire face. He bowed, tapping his fist to his palm in the traditional Earth Kingdom greeting.

"Your highness, Avatar Usagi, I am honored you have come. Forgive any inconvenience this may cause you. As all of our reputations precede us, I do not believe introductions are necessary."

"Indeed," Mamoru replied. "I've never met an actor before, least of all one who portrayed someone so famous and influential."

"I have done my humble best to impersonate a paragon," the actor answered meekly. "If I am able to make an impression upon the king of Ba Sing Se and the Avatar, it is far more than I could have hoped for." Mamoru patiently held his hand up.

"Forgive me, but neither my ladyship nor I have the luxury for pleasant conversation. I was told you know of the White Lotus, and for the life of me, I cannot imagine how."

"Ah." The actor hesitated, apparently finding the situation a touch awkward. "That is...a touchy subject, if I may be so bold." He rubbed the back of his head, while Naru stood off to the side, hands folded and smiling eagerly. She seemed to know more than she let on. Usagi had told her of Mamoru's ambitious idea earlier, so unless she was equally intimate with the actor who portrayed the Avenging Shadow, how else could he have...

Wait. Wait. No. It couldn't be...

"Explain yourself," Mamoru insisted. The actor hesitated, looking to Naru, then to the king. He sighed in resignation.

"Very well, your majesty. I believe I can trust you and the Avatar with my closest secret." He then, somewhat anticlimactically, removed his mask, casting aside the Avenging Shadow and resuming the facade of Gurio Umino. Usagi was so appalled that she froze on the spot, choking and sputtering.

"Wait! Umino's the Avenging Shadow?!" Mamoru managed to keep hold of his dignity.

"It would appear so."

"Yeah," Gurio said, smiling bashfully, "it's me. I know it's not who you were expecting, but...yeah, I've been the Shadow since...almost the beginning. You can go ahead and laugh now." Usagi was still too gobsmacked to laugh, or do much of anything. Mamoru approached the young man, placing a proud hand on his shoulder.

"I respect you too much for mockery. One of the Avenging Shadow's greatest expressions is that he can be anyone. Why shouldn't one of the Avatar's friends personify that belief?"

"Um, yeah, about that," Naru interrupted. She grinned sheepishly, reached into her purse, and pulled out her own Avenging Shadow mask. She put it on and did a pitch-perfect impression: "Like you said, your highness, the Avenging Shadow could be anybody!"

"NARU, TOO?!" Usagi screamed. Naru removed her mask and chuckled, which caused Mamoru to laugh a little as well.

"That would explain why Master Umino knows about the White Lotus: bun-head over here must've told you, and you must've told him."

"Guilty as charged, your highness," she saluted. "Umm, I hope you don't mind."

"Not in the least. The White Lotus needs trustworthy people on its side, and I can think of no one better than two friends of the Avatar."

"Oh, that reminds me," Gurio said. He dug into his pockets and pulled out a small flat chip with an image painted on it. Mamoru recognized it immediately: it was the white lotus token Pai Sho players used. "I thought it was appropriate," Gurio elaborated, somewhat sheepishly. "Maybe people can use it like a calling-card, or a special sign. Um, I'm actually not too bad at Pai Sho myself..."

"Oh, don't let him fool you, your highness," Naru giggled. "Gurio's one of the best players I've known. He's won every match I've seen him in."

"Th-th-that's not true!" he stammered, "I've gotten a stalemate lots of times, and you've beaten me before!"

"Only because you were teaching me," she added warmly. Gurio blushed. Mamoru, meanwhile, smiled proudly, feeling relieved that his vision was not entirely unappreciated. If the Avenging Shadow endorsed the White Lotus, then maybe it had a chance.

"My friends, you have made me a very happy man today. I was nearly ready to give up on my idea, but here we have two of the finest people in the land ready to rally behind it."

"I think you mean three," Usagi said, now recovered from her shock. She smiled gracefully. "Obviously. I mean, I don't have one of those pieces, but..." Grateful beyond words, Mamoru simply took her into his arms. He kissed her temple and whispered his thanks. Knowing that the king's time was precious, and not wishing to use up any more than necessary, Gurio cleared his throat and excused himself. Mamoru left as well, leaving Usagi and Naru to stare at each other, a newfound love shared between them.

"So. You're the Avenging Shadow."

"Sometimes," Naru said humbly. "Gurio handles it most of the time."

"How long have you, ah..."

"About four months." She then explained how the producer had chanced upon her mother's shop one day, and had been inspired to given Naru the role.

"That's amazing," Usagi whispered, truly awed. Naru glanced away.

"Ever since you became the Avatar, I felt like...I was being left behind. No, that's not right: I felt like...I wasn't doing anything. Like I was just going to school and helping my mother out at her store. I mean, I had a life, but...you were out there saving the world. I couldn't just float around aimlessly while you took that burden all on your own. I know that pretending to be a fictional character isn't on the same level as the Avatar by any stretch of the imagination, but...I had to do something. I think that Gurio felt the same way. He had something to give, and wanted to contribute. I know it's not much, but..."

"Hey." Usagi hugged her tightly, simultaneously proud and humbled. "Don't say that. Just having you in my corner is more than I sometimes deserve, and now I hear you're playing a hero? Listen to that." The third and final act of the play was beginning; the audience applauded long and loud as the curtain rose. Naru was humbled by their reception. She always thought that the accolades were for the performance, or the sensationalism. Never for the message.

"That doesn't sound like 'not much' to me." They smiled at each other, and Usagi left her to ponder this.

…...

As if to impress upon Usagi the importance and gravity of the situation, the skies glared above her, clear and bright in spite of the natural order. The sun had very clearly set, and even its most persistent beams had retreated, but Evening as they knew it was gone. It was a day without the sun, eternal noontime, an age without shadows—or stars. By the time the group made it to their boat (for no other transport would be able to take them where they were going), a feeble attempt at evening was made at last, and some fleeting shade was eventually cast over the sky—but it did not last long. Scarcely five hours after the dark had settled in, the light overcame it once more, and hours later still, the sun rose. Everyone bore witness to this unsettling phenomenon, but couldn't bring themselves to speak of it. Setsuna was the one who finally broke the silence:

"We are running out of time." She looked to those around her, friends and allies and warriors-in-arms, closing her eyes in contemplative woe. "I do not know what is happening to our world, but the power behind it is rapidly gaining strength. Soon we may never see another night again." She looked down, where one might expect to see a silhouette, but there was only brightness, light everywhere, surrounding and choking them.

"It's gonna be tough for people to sleep like this," Makoto assessed. Michiru shook her head.

"It's more than just that. Think of how much heat will build up. Plants won't be able to grow properly; water will dry up; animals will become disoriented and dangerous. The light may become so overwhelming that it blinds us all."

"I always thought that light was a good thing," Minako said. She looked up wistfully, squinting as an unyielding sun beat down upon her. "Like, darkness was evil and light was good. How can light be bad?"

"Anything can be good in the right hands, or evil in the wrong ones," Rei murmured. "A blade can sever life one day and break bonds the next. But...I have to agree with you; I can't imagine how light itself could be evil."

"'Not all light is good,'" Mamoru said, quoting the last words Vainamoinen had spoken to him. He and Usagi shared a knowing look.

"'And not all darkness is evil.' Well, regardless, hopefully we can get to the bottom of this soon." The ship sailed on, guided by Usagi, away from the shores and into the wide ocean, where there was no sound but the lapping of waves, no company but the wind, no beginning and no end. Time could no longer be measured, and was soon lost. Solemnity overcame the group, and they were silent and still. When Usagi gave the word, the sails were furled and the anchor was lowered. All crew went below; only eight women, one man, and a cat remained on deck. Usagi stroked Luna patiently as she waited for the Guardian Kings.

And then, there they were, mountains moving in the ocean, scarcely making a sound or a ripple, and no less majestic. None of the others had ever seen a Lion-Turtle before, so there was some gawking.

The Lion-Turtles could not help but notice that Usagi wasn't alone this time, but if they had any objection to the extra company, they didn't express it. They merely accepted it, and lowered their large heads in greeting. Usagi bowed as well, everyone else following her example.

"Greetings, Avatar Usagi, and friends of the Avatar. Thank you for coming."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," Usagi replied. The Lion-Turtles nodded.

"Although we are grateful for this second meeting, as one among you has observed, time is no longer on our side. You, Lady Akarana, are most welcome. It is good you have come."

"Yes," Setsuna answered. "It's been far too long since we last spoke—but we're not here for me."

"Indeed," they sighed. "Let us not stand on ceremony. Doubtless you have...questions."

"Yeah," Usagi whispered. The Lion-Turtles blinked, peering into her soul, to the living servant of balance residing within her.

"Forgive our elusive behavior from our previous encounter, Avatar. If it is any consolation, we deeply regret withholding information from you—knowledge that may have curtailed your suffering and brought much clarity. But it was not the proper time."

"And now it is," she surmised. The gargantuan creatures nodded.

"Yes. Avatar, it is time we spoke of your true purpose...and of The Bent One."

A chilling fear passed over everyone, a horror they couldn't describe hiding behind a mystery they couldn't penetrate. They didn't know why hearing this description, Bent One, filled them with such dread: it simply did, as a child dreads the dark.

"Who is this Bent One?" Haruka asked. The Lion-Turtles became visibly uncomfortable, withdrawing and grumbling. One of them eventually spoke, though with great hesitation.

"He is your...he is our enemy. He is...was...our predecessor, our prototype, the best and most powerful among us, beloved by the Primordials. He was...our friend...and the reason you, Usagi, are the Avatar."

"Tell me more," Usagi insisted, rushing to the edge of the ship. She stared intensely at the Guardian Kings, her heart pounding. "Tell me everything!"

So their story began.

The end of "Happiness is Fleeting"

Next time: "The Lord of Light"