Aguya struggled to escape the pitch-black abyss. After countless tumbles, she finally reached the top and was horrified. The heavens above were as red as blood, intense blazes charred everything in sight, and the air was filled with deathly wails—some even sounded like children! Desperate to flee, Aguya bit back a scream. Unexpectedly, a captivating phoenix materialized, letting her climb on. It soared away from the hellish nightmare, ascending into a sliver of radiant golden light.
Gradually, Aguya opened her eyes and attempted to sit up, but firm hands gently pushed her back. "Aguya, stay still. Healing burns is delicate work," Avatar Roku instructed, his hands glistening with waterbending healing.
"How did you learn healing?" she croaked, her voice raspy from disuse.
"As the Avatar, I need to master all forms of bending, including healing," he replied with a light chuckle, focusing on her wounds.
To her left, someone snored loudly. She turned her head and was floored to see Sozin drooling in a chair beside her bed. "How long has he been here?" she whispered frightfully.
Roku smiled. "You've been in a coma for eleven days. He hasn't left your side once. We had to force him to eat," the handsome Avatar explained to his patient.
Aguya was overwhelmed by the storm of emotions swirling around inside her. "Wow."
Roku continued, "Sumiko is dead. Your family and friends have been visiting, hoping you'd wake up. Everyone will be thrilled to hear you're awake."
Less than an hour later, Aguya was surrounded by her loved ones, all mindful not to overwhelm her. Sozin, in front of everyone, swore to protect her from harm. After a proper meal, Aguya asked about what had ensued while she was in a coma. They took turns explaining: uncovering Sumiko's past crimes, her alcohol use disorder, and the nation's gratitude for Aguya saving the Fire Lord. They were also restoring the throne room and gardens.
Suzuki then divulged Aguya's noble heritage, explaining how the abuse she'd suffered since childhood had made her forget her true lineage. A journal found in Sumiko's quarters confirmed this. Sozin then proposed, citing that her courageous acts and aristocratic blood made her a worthy partner in the eyes of their nation. Aguya gladly accepted.
Two months later, on the Summer Solstice, the wedding took place. Lian and Ta Min, as maid of honor and bridesmaid, helped Aguya prepare. She wore a brilliant red and gold iro-uchikake with a flower-style Kanzashi, and her hair was traditional nihongami.
Aguya took a deep breath and walked down the aisle under a golden phoenix archway as fire lily petals slowly descended from above. She held a phoenix candle and reached Sozin, who had a dragon candle. They lit each other's candles with their firebending, exchanged vows, and displayed their firebending prowess.
The celebration included a feast and many gifts. After speeches and revelry, it was time for the couple's first dance. As soft music played, the servants sang "Eternal Flames," a song written for the occasion.
"In the heart of the fire, where our spirits align,
Two souls united, like stars that brightly shine.
Through the trials and the storm, we found our way,
Hand in hand, we'll face the dawning day.
Eternal flames, burning bright,
Guiding us through the darkest night.
With your love, I feel alive,
Together, we'll soar; forever, we'll thrive.
In your eyes, I see the future, a promise true,
Every heartbeat whispers, "I belong to you."
From the embers of the past, we've risen high,
In your arms, I've found my sky.
Eternal flames, burning bright,
Guiding us through the darkest night.
With your love, I feel alive,
Together, we'll soar; forever, we'll thrive.
Through the storms and the fire,
Our love will be our heart's desire.
With every breath, with every beat,
Our souls entwine, and our hearts complete.
Eternal flames, burning bright,
Guiding us through the darkest night.
With your love, I feel alive,
Together, we'll soar; forever, we'll thrive.
In this moment, here with you,
Our love is a fire eternal, shining true.
As we vow forevermore,
Together, we'll conquer; together, we'll soar."
As the newlyweds danced, Ta Min noticed Roku's peculiar expression. "Roku, what's wrong? Aren't you happy for your best friend?" his wife asked confused.
Roku replied softly, "I can't shake the feeling that Aguya is the only one who can keep Sozin from his dark ambitions." His eyes were still on the happy couple dancing to the captivating melody.
"What are you saying?" Ta Min looked perplexed. She still didn't know the full scope of what Sozin had told her husband during their wedding, only that her husband disapproved of his friend's words.
"As long as Aguya's love is strong, Sozin won't give in to dangerous temptations. However, if something happens to her, it could spell disaster for all of us," Roku replied in a grave tone.
"I believe you're being paranoid, my love. True love changes people, and Sozin won't give in to dishonorable ambitions, not after finding and marrying the love of his life."
"I hope you're right, Ta Min. We can only hope you're right," the Avatar replied as he watched his best friend waltz with the love of his life.