Greetings, avid readers!
I'd like to start with thanking all the reads, favs and follows in this story. Even if silent, your support means a lot. As for the ones that took their time to write a review, thank you as well!
It's been a lot of ups and downs, and yes I am aware that I am posting two days late, consistency is *not* one of my qualities. Cleearly. As proven previously. I want to give a personal and public thank you to you Dommie, for literally *flying out* to me. I already know what to get you for Christmas, it will be a keychain saying 'I love you for who you are, but that dick sure is a bonus'. I'M JOKING! But really... your hug is something that I can never replace in my life. And I can only hope that you find the one in your life. I will be a little jealous of her, but ultimately happy for the both of you.
ANYWAY, LIFE IS SOMETIMES GOOD, SOMETIMES SHIT AND WE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.
My weekly obsession is... thrifting. Shut it, I don't wanna hear it, it's amazing, and nothing a good wash doesn't solve. I got this adorable heart-shaped pillow that was just perfect to finish my livingroom! Yes I bought more blankets, I am not to be faulted, they are *adorable*. MOVING ON, 30th November is almost here and so is Lianne Kay's book!
Brain Fart, thank you!
Dommie, according to the lore, yes, it is Northern Tribe custom, but given that Katara gives so much value to her own mother's necklace, I thought it would be okay to apply that to Kataran in specific, not to the Southern Water Tribe. There isn't any lore on how marriage was perceived in the Southern Water Tribe, so it is assumed that it was a wedding band, as most are. I'm glad you liked it and... thank you. You know for what.
This is my first try at a Avatar fanfiction. Go easy on me. Reviews and flames are always welcomed, for they keep my cat and I warm at night.
Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar nor any of the characters. Such credit should go to Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko. I do own a... certain amount of characters that will be recognized further into the story.
Thank you, and enjoy the chapter!
Chapter XXI: The Beginning of the End
X—X
They stood in front of the wind barrier. Suki squeezed Sokka's hand and gulped. The young chief tugged on his boomerang handle and looked at Katara. The waterbender gave him a sweet smile and an encouraging nod. Zuko watched it carefully, noticing the structurally sound protection. Ahria stepped forward and placed her hand on the barrier.
The hole began to open, and she stepped forward. Aang motioned them to the barrier and they all followed the airbender. After a few minutes, they stepped out and froze. Zuko gasped, it was just as Aang had described it. The land looked like an Air Temple. The tall building that rose in a tower had a few younglings hanging from the cone roof.
"REA!"
They all turned to see a little girl run up to them. Ahria smiled brightly and fell to her knees, taking the young girl in her arms in a tight hug. A few others stepped up to them, all in Air Nation colors, and a few even greeted Aang. The Avatar was quick to introduce everyone and even got a hug from the little girl. He smiled and combed her hair back.
"Avatar Aang. Rea."
They both looked up. "Li Mei."
The woman looked at Ahria sadly. "You're back."
"Of course I am. I promised I'd bring back the Avatar." she smiled. "Are you okay?"
"You should have stayed gone." she gulped.
"Li... Mei?" she cocked her head to the side. "What do you mean?"
"The Elders have been informed of your arrival, Master Avatar." Li Mei bowed her head. "Please, gather your leaders and follow me."
"Thank you, Li Mei." Aang nodded. "Ahria-!"
"Master Avatar, she-!"
"I have some things to do first." the curly-haired woman interrupted them both. "Go on. I'll meet up with you later tonight."
Aang looked into her eyes, but she simply shook her head. She waved and, with a flourish, she left. They exchanged looks but ultimately followed Aang, who followed Li Mei. The woman led them to the tower, up the stairs, and finally through the corridor. Once they got to the room where the Elders were, Li Mei bowed to them.
"I wish you the very best, Master Avatar."
"Li Mei," he called. "What's going on?"
"Nothing you won't find out soon, Master Avatar."
"Li Mei."
"Yes?"
"... is Ahria in danger?"
"... I'm not at liberty to answer that question," she whispered. "Please. Do your best."
The gaang entered the room. They found the Elders sitting in a line waiting for them. Aang bowed, and everyone followed suit. They all took their seats and the Elder with bright eyes – Aang believed his name was Bao – began to speak.
"Greetings, leaders. Master Avatar, it is a pleasure to have you back within our walls."
"The pleasure is all mine, Elder Bao."
"Please, introduce your guests."
"Elders. Allow me to present Master Katara, Ambassador for the Water Tribes, Sokka, Chieftain of the Southern Water Tribe, Master Toph, founder of the Earthbending Academy, and sole inventor of metalbending, Suki, leader of the Kyoshi Warriors and Fire Lord Zuko."
"...Fire Lord?" Elder Shiro raised an eyebrow.
"Yes." Zuko nodded.
"You did say you'd bring the leaders of the nations to us." The elder smiled.
"What will this attend to?" Elder Boqin asked.
"This attends as proof, Elders." Aang declared. "A decade ago, it would be impossible for the leaders of all the nations to be in the same room together, let alone all gathered at a table aiming for one goal alone. A decade ago, this room would have been the first to burn down. A decade ago, Water Tribes and Fire Nation would not stand face to face, let alone sit next to each other."
"That is true."
"I asked you time to gather them and bring them here to bear witness to the unity I told you of outside these walls. Is their very presence here not enough? I remember a time when Fire Nation wanted me, and all of us airbenders dead. Today, I stand here and tell you that the man who rules the Fire Nation, leads it into the light, and out of the dark roads it once traveled is one of my closest friends. A man I would gladly give my life for. A man that I know would give his life for me in return."
"What is the Fire Nation doing to redeem the destruction it once caused?" Elder Shiro asked.
"We are working alongside the Earth Kingdom to open the trading routes. They have been closed for far too long." Zuko declared. "The Fire Nation is sending aid and support in the form of technological advances, raw materials, and humanitarian support."
"And the Water Tribes?"
"We are currently working to unite the two Water Tribes all the while expanding and opening our seas to verified trading ships for easier and quicker routes. The Southern Water Tribe is the main supplier of ice for all the Nations and the Northern Water Tribe is crafting a deal with the Fire Nation to handle and begin the trade of indigo, a precious stone out of which you can build strong weapons."
"I see. And the Earth Kingdom?"
"Psh, we let them do it all." Toph scoffed, crossing her arms.
"I beg your pardon?" Elder Boqin raised an eyebrow.
"What Master Toph means is that…" Katara cleared her throat. "The Earth Kingdom is not only the main supplier of steel and metal to build the types of machinery that the Fire Nation exports to aid lands in need of mechanic help to heal after the war, but also enables the biggest trading route currently existing."
"Not to mention, you guys are in Earth Kingdom territory." The blind woman let it, and Sokka kicked her shin under the table.
"The Earth Kingdom is also currently responsible for the training of the most experienced builders and machine operators thanks to their amazing training courses." Katara took a deep breath. "And to add, they are also helping the Fire Nation building a multitude of healing clinics in all Nations to help those who cannot access a central hospital to be healed."
"What she said."
"And who will… do that healing?"
"The Water Tribe is known to have the greatest knowledge of healing methods in all the Four Nations. The healers are being trained as we speak so that they can be dispatched to the many clinics once they are finished being built." Sokka declared.
"The world has changed, Elders." Aang smiled. "It is becoming a United Nation, one people once more. The war is over and has been for five years now. It is time for the Air Nation to come out of hiding… and take their place in the world once more."
"What guarantees do we have that it will not start all over again should we accept your proposal?"
"Fire Lord Sozin was a madman that only committed genocide of the Air Nation out of fear of the birth of the Avatar." Zuko declared. "The Air Nation will not be chased, hunted, or ostracized. I believe it will be quite the opposite, you will be received in open arms as the people who survived."
"And the Air Temples?" One Elder asked. "They were destroyed."
"The Air Temples will be restored." Aang declared. "With the help of all Nations, we will restore the Temples to their glory, and the air Nomads to their homes."
"Master Avatar." Elder Boqin spoke up. "How did you find us?"
"I met Ahria. I followed her here and she let me through the barrier the first time." He frowned. "You know that. I've told you that before."
"I was simply making sure your story did not change."
"Why would it change, I'm telling the truth."
"Allow us time, Master Avatar. Masters Katara and Toph, Leader Suki, Chieftain Sokka and Fire Lord Zuko." Elder Shiro spoke. "As I'm sure you understand, this is not a decision to be taken lightly. Please, feel free to explore the city for today. We will have a response for you in two days time."
"Thank you, Elders." Aang stood up and bowed deeply. "Thank you for receiving us and considering our offer."
"Thank you for bringing the proof you promised." He nodded "You may be excused."
The group left the room and Li Mei was just outside to receive them. She greeted them with a smile that did not reach her eyes and a kind word that did not reach her soul. Aang expressed his desire to show them around and Li Mei immediately agreed. She then appointed a student to take them to their rooms for the night and a guide around the city.
"Li Mei?" Aang called. "Could I have a word please?"
"What do you need, Avatar Aang?" She frowned. "If the room is not to your liking, I am sure we can appoint you a better one."
"No, it is quite fine. I wouldn't even mind spending another night with Old Man Mako." He smiled. "No, this is… about Ahria. The Elders told me nothing. What is going on?"
"… forgive me, Master Avatar. But I cannot say."
"Please, Li Mei. I know you care for Ahria. Please tell me what happened."
"Ever since… you first came here, and Rea brought your presence out of the dark, the people have been talking more and more about what's to come on the other side of these walls. Some are content, yes, but others… others are starting to see what Rea always meant by the Air Dome being a prison."
"The people are rebelling."
"Not quite yet, I'll admit. Most still agree with the Elders. But the youngest, and the most curious… they side with Rea. They yearn for freedom. And now that you're back, and you brought with you the leaders of all nations, working together. I fear it will only go downhill from now on."
"Why did you say Ahria should have never come back?"
"…I fear for her safety, Master Avatar." Li Mei whispered. "We follow the ways of the Air Nomads, but emotion is not something alien to us. And the Elders… especially someone as radical as Elder Boqin… he is not against making an example out of someone. Even if that someone is… Rea."
"Do you think he could… kill her?"
"I do not believe he would go that far. But hurt her?" Li Mei took his hands. "Yes. It would not be the first time. Please keep her safe."
"I'll protect her with my life." Aang declared, tightening his jaw.
"You're in love with her." Li Mei realized.
Aang gulped and looked away. "Matters not. I will keep her safe, Li Mei. Don't worry."
A/N: The beginning of the end. Where are we going from here? I wonder. I got to the point of no return where I can't drop the story... but still. Keep in mind, I'll keep this story up or drop it depending on your feedback.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to review if you want, or if you don't, I hope you liked it!
First to review gets a cookie!
Lots of love from this weirdo,
LoneeWolf :)