Sorry for the long wait! I really appreciate the kind reviews, they mean alot to me. As a thank you, here is a long chapter! It's very intense and things are starting to come together for the Red Lotus. I really enjoyed writing this new character so I hope you all love him too! or hate him ;) Anyways! enjoy! -AnUnknownStranger
Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar:The Last Airbender
The gang left for the Earth Kingdom, specifically, Ba Sing Sé for their Peace Celebration. Aang's vision of the Air Temple and Roku was still weighing heavy on his mind along with with his encounter with Szeto.
Katara noticed her husband's deep pondering from atop Appa's head where he steered. She left Sokka and Suki in the saddle and slid down to the quiet airbender. "We can still turn back around and stay home." Katara placed a hand on Aang's shoulder where he grasped it with his.
"No…it'll be a sign of weakness and look like I am favoring one nation over another." Aang frowned.
Katara nodded with understanding. "Being the Avatar has always weighed on you greatly but it seems like recently it has done so more often." Katara confessed gently.
Aang nodded slowly while looking ahead. "I can feel that something bigger is coming…and I'm not sure I'm prepared for it. The Fire nations peace celebration proved that."
Katara wrapped her arms around Aang's arm and placed her cheek on his shoulder. "This time we will be…and you'll have help." Katara comforted.
Aang wanted more than anything for her words to ease his worries but it couldn't relieve the ache he felt about what was to come.
When the flying bison landed, the gang was immediately approached by the the Admiral and several generals. They all stopped abruptly in front of Aang and bowed. "Avatar Aang, we have come to inform you that the protection of the Peace Celebration is our number one priority. We have soldiers stationed within every block of the celebrations perimeter." The Admiral informed.
Aang gave Katara and Sokka wide eyes and raised brows to show his cynical expression toward the leaders forthright debrief. The avatar turned back to the leaders and raised his hands with a fist to his palm before giving a short bow. "Thank you admiral, your efforts are appreciated."
They returned the bow before leaving. The gang went separate ways to prepare for the nights festival.
Aang opened a closet in his and Katara's shared quarters. He groaned at the attire that the Royal tailors provided. "You have got to be joking…" Aang pulled out the chosen outfit and revealed it to Katara who laughed.
The tunic showcased all four elements in a harmonious and balanced design. The tunic seemed to be made of a lightweight and breathable fabric much like his airbending tunic with an dark yellow sash across the chest representing the air nation. The rest of the tunic featured intricate embroidery and patterns that represent the earth element, with rugged textures and earthy tones.
On the sleeves there were flames etched on the cuffs and the pants were black with a dark red embroidered on the sides on each pant leg, much like the fire nation school uniform he wore. The collar was surrounded by swirling patterns that represent the element of water, with cool and calming hues that contrasted with the fiery sleeves.
"They can't really be expecting me to wear this." Aang scowled as he tossed the outfit on the bed. "I know it's ridiculous but it is beautifully made…" Katara reasons as she picked the outfit up and held it to Aang's chest.
The Airbender rolled his eyes. "It's not like this makes me a target or anything."
"You have arrows all over your body, I think you're already a target hun." Katara smirked before stepping away.
Aang reluctantly put the garment on before heading out with Katara to meet up with Sokka and Suki. As they approached, he grinned widely at the sight of his old earthbendering teacher.
"Toph!" Aang held out his arms but was met with the blind earthbenders outstretched palm. "It hasn't been that long twinkle-toes."
Aang gently pushed her arm down and frowned. "We haven't seen you since our wedding."
"That was like six months ago! I've been busy." She shrugged. Aang rolled his eyes before looking to Sokka who began laughing hysterically.
"Please tell me you aren't going out in that." Sokka teased as he pointed at the Airbender's attire. "I think it's wonderful. I love all of the green." Suki smiled.
"Courtesy of the Earth Kingdom." Aang grumbled before walking to their carriage. They traveled to a block of the city wear a large parade and majority of the performances would be held. A private booth was given to the gang as well as the King to oversee the event.
Toph and Sokka had already begun drinking before the sun had even set. Aang remained alert and aware, concerned for another surprise appearance. Katara noticed her husbands tense form and gently messaged the back of his neck soothingly. "Aang, we are in one of the safest places in the world to be right now. Relax…"
Aang gave a deep exhale through his nose and sat back with a nod. "You're right…everything will be fine." He gave a nervous smile. Katara wasn't convinced that he would relax but smiled nonetheless.
When the sun set, the festivities began. The parade kicked off with a procession of floats representing different nations, each adorned with flags, symbols, and cultural motifs. Performers in traditional attire dance and showcased their talents, while musicians played traditional instruments, creating a symphony of diverse sounds. Spectators lined the streets, waving flags and cheering as the parade passed by. The air was filled with excitement and unity as people from all nations came together to celebrate diversity and harmony. It was a beautiful showcase of unity and tolerance, but it only made Aang's heart sink a little deeper at the lack of air nation representation.
A large flame erupted in the corner of Aang's vision causing him to tense and jump, ready to defend. "Aang!" Katara's eyes widened as she stared at the flames engulfing the airbenders clenched fist. Sokka, Suki, and Toph looked taken aback at their friends reaction to the fiery dessert being brought to their table.
Aang unclenched his inflamed fist and staggered back before sitting back in his seat. Katara grasped Aang's arm, "don't you dare tell me you're okay. Let's go back to the palace." The waterbender urged with a concerned voice.
"No…I'm not going anywhere." Aang's voice was stern and demanding. Katara called it his "Avatar voice" and knew that when he used it there was no arguing.
The celebration continued without another disturbance, to Aang's relief. The gang and the King made their way back to the palace, taking a guarded alternative road back, to avoid the crowds.
"So are we just going to pretend nothing happened?" Katara frowned as she sat across from Aang in the carriage.
His jaw flexed and she knew immediately the question upset him. "You only use fire bending when you're angry or absolutely have to." The water bender reasoned.
"I don't want to talk about it. Nothing happened so we can move on." He crossed his arms and leaned his head back to rest.
Before Katara could respond, the carriage came to a sudden holt, lurching Katara and Aang forward. "What's going on?" Katara watched as Aang quickly jumped out the carriage and followed suit.
Their eyes widened at the sight of molten lava etching its way quickly down the town they were passing through. "Where the hell did this come from?!" Sokka exclaimed as he ran toward Aang and his sister.
Aang's eyes immediately searched the rooftops. "Aang, you and the earth benders need to stop this. There's no water around for me to put out the fires." Katara quickly explained.
He nodded and ran toward the crawling lava with Toph. The blind bender stomped her foot bringing a large wall of earth up as a barrier for the lava. The earth kings soldiers followed suit. "That's not going to work very long." Aang informed his former master. Memories of the volcanic eruption he had no only stopped in his past life but also a few years ago entered his mind.
The Avatar jumped onto the wall they had formed and watched the molted rock rise and begin breaking it. He didn't have much time.
His eyes and tattoos glowed for a moment before fading. He took a deep inhale before thrusting his hands forward from his mouth toward the lava, cooling a significant amount. But it still persisted. His legs bent and hands formed in an airbending technique that summoned a significant gust of wind to blow again. The gust was so great it took shingles off of roof tops and dowsed the flames that had threatened them.
Aang closed his eyes and slowly brought his pressed hands down as he exhaled. He could hear villages cheer with his family but ignored them. His focus was on where the lava had come from.
He jumped down from the wall and searched for his family through the large crowds that had formed. The kings guards were all but useless as they focused on the kings retreat. As his eyes searched, they landed on a man in a hood wearing the same familiar lotus medallion.
Aang pushed past the villagers as they cried and grasped his tunic in praise. Something he grew tired of quickly as the Avatar. The hooded man was swallowed within the crowds so Aang focused on his heart beat just as Toph had taught him.
The cloaked man quickly stepped into an alleyway convinced he had lost the Avatar. As he turned from the crowds back to the alley he was face to face with the Airbender.
"Are you with Szeto?" Aang asked with a scowl.
He peeled back his dark green cloak. From what Aang could see, the man was strong and had faint burns wrapping around parts of his arms. His hair was buzzed and much like his arms, a large burn occupied the side of his head. "My name is Tyro." He stepped forward slowly causing Aang to raise his arms in defense. "Szeto and I belong to a faction of like-minded individuals who believe your time is up Avatar. You failed us and you're weak. It is time for a new avatar to be raised up for all of our benefit." He spoke with an animosity that sounded personal. But Aang had never met him before in his life.
"Well, you're not gonna be able to run like you planned to." Aang raised his hands in defense and prepared to stop the lavabender.
Tyro, a master of earthbending, Aang concluded since seeing his display of lava bending. Aang knew Tyro would exude strength and ferocity in his movements. Aang on the other hand, practiced the graceful and precise airbending technique, embodying elegance and agility. Something Tyro couldn't have learned.
The two squared off within the alleyway. The loud city crowds added a sense of unease to the fight for Aang since he would be concerned for their safety.
Tyro initiated the fight with a powerful strike thrusting a wall of earth forward, aiming to overwhelm Aang with his brute force. Aang responded with quick and fluid movements, gracefully evading Tyro's attack and countering with precise strikes of air to his vulnerable points.
The dance of combat unfolded with a mesmerizing display of contrasting styles. Tyro's aggressive and powerful strikes clashed with Aang's evasive and strategic maneuvers. Each movement was calculated and deliberate, showcasing the beauty and complexity of their bending.
The town echoed with the sounds of their movements – the sharp strikes, the swift kicks, and the rhythmic footwork. The intensity of the battle was palpable as Tyro and Aang pushed themselves to their limits, each determined to gain the upper hand.
As the fight reached its climax, Tyro and Aang exchanged a series of rapid strikes and blocks, their movements a blur of motion. In a final, breathtaking moment, Aang landed a decisive blow of fire from a kick sending Tyro the ground. Aang stood over him, sweat gleaming on his brow and his chest heaving for air. His fist was raised engulfed in a flame, ready to strike.
"I wouldn't do that Avatar. Remember the last time you airbenders got too close to fire." He grinned devilishly.
"Aang!" Katara shouted as her, Sokka, and Toph ran into the alley. Aang turned back around and his eyes widened when he saw that Tyro was no longer there. A deep hole of earth taking the place where he had been cowering.
Aang yelled angrily as he brought the fist of flames forward into the hole. Katara ran to him and grasped his shoulder. "Aang stop!" Her worried voice echoed.
He stopped and stumbled back into Katara's arms. His knees buckled and she guided him to the ground. His eyes were wide and frantic as he gasped for air. "I can't breathe, I can't breathe." He panicked between breaths.
"Relax, Aang. Everything okay, we're okay…" Katara's voice cracked with emotion seeing him in the state he was in. Never had she seen him breathless as an airbender. "He did something to me." He rasped as his eyes pleaded for help.
"Sokka help!" Katara yelled as Sokka immediately ran forward. They were worried about the crowds seeing their Avatar in his fragile state but that was washed away with relief as Suki rode forward with the carriage.
They hustled inside and made their way quickly to the palace.
Within the city, Tyro entered a supporters home to join the other Red Lotus members. "I hear your mission was a success brother Tyro." The man in the mask spoke as he stepped forward.
"I barely escaped with my life. I don't understand why we don't just kill him." Tyro scowled.
"So long as the Avatar State is a factor, we would never best him. We have to eliminate that chance." Szeto argued defensively.
"If we wanted to we could have just used a different poison to kill him." The masked man stated. Everyone looked at him with confusion.
"So why didn't we?" Szeto furrowed his brows, confused.
"You both only see the surface of what we can do." He placed a hand on both of their shoulders. "We can eliminate not only this Avatar but the future ones as well." He revealed.
Their eyes widened. "Eliminate the Avatar cycle?" Tyro questioned with disbelief.
"I took up some research on the Avatar. The Avatar Cycle can be ended if he is killed in the Avatar State. Our plan and the poison will still work the same. When the time comes he will be weak and we will kill the Avatar for good." Although his face was concealed, Tyro and Szeto knew he was grinning.
"So he will be weak enough by time he arrives at the Northern Water Tribe Peace Celebration?" Szeto questioned.
"No, I will not be there. Someone else will be there waiting for him." the masked man revealed.