Chapter 15 – The Duels of Destiny
Zuko was on his hands & knees looking at Katara who was protecting him from Aang (who was still in the Avatar state) by standing between the two of them, with her water whip ready. The sphere of elements was swirling around him, and he had a furious face that Zuko thought Aang would never make (least of all towards Katara) and in a loud echoing voice Aang told her
"Katara, this has to be done!"
Katara not moving and staring angerly at him, similarly to the way she stared at Zuko after his betrayal in the Ba Sing Se catacombs. However, this time she had tears in her eyes.
"for what? To maintain the 'balance' between the four nations?"
Aang sounding shocked "isn't that what you wanted, a balanced peaceful world?"
Katara still maintain her position between Zuko and Aang
"a world where people must stay to their own nation, never coming together, never forming bonds or even families? All that to maintain 'peace' That is a world I can't live in anymore"
Aang being a little angery now
"how do we make peace then? With his defiance of the Harmony Restoration Movement, war will start"
Aang was just looked at her, he then tried to envelope her in earth but she dodged and covered him in Ice and water whipped him away and using her water whip she grabbed the barely conscious Zuko and took him tot the farm house to get him out of the rain and head some quick healing of his worst wounds, Zuko then had to ask her
"what are you doing, save your sel…"
but Katara quickly kissed him on the lips as she continued to heal him
"I told you already, I will not abandon those who need my help. And you need my help"
to say Zuko was touched by this was an under statement, but he had to ask
"doesn't Aang need your help too?"
Katara helped him to his feet and nodded
"he needs both of us to help him, I can't do this alone"
Zuko smiled with tears in his eyes, feeling his strength renewed he held her face and passionately kissed her, and she returned the kiss with as much passion, and they left the house for a better location to hide.
Aang found them running towards a cliff overlooking a river, Katara was holding Zuko right arm over her shoulder and he did his best to run with her, but Aang's air Scooter was much faster, and he cut in front of them. Katara let Zuko down so she could take her battle stance again.
Aang enveloped himself in his sphere of four elements and warned Katara
"if you continue to stand in my way to balance the world, I will have to act"
Katara just sighed
"you know where I stand Aang"
Aang then pulled Katara up to her waist underground using earth bending, he then made that spear thing of the four elements and was about launched it at Katara but then Zuko found some strength and quick stood in the way and did his explosion attack against Aang, and was barely able to block it but the explosion launched him into the river. after using his fire bending to free Katara of her earthy prison, Zuko and Katara looked and could see Aang being washed down stream towards a waterfall.
Without hesitation, Zuko picked up Katara and used his fire-bending to get to the bottom of the cliff and Katara used her Water-bending to fish Aang out of the water, she water bent any water in his lungs out and Zuko made a camp fire out of some wood near by. The two of them sat then is tattoos lit up, but he wasn't doing anything.
"Is he in the Spirit world?"
Katara asked, Zuko stroking his chin
"that is the only thing I can think of"
Katara then asked
"what should we do?"
Zuko only shrugged
"I don't know?"
then a strange voice came from the forest
"you should wait for him to wake up"
the two of them turned around and saw an old man with a long thick beard and bald head who was dressed similarly to an air nomad, the two of them didn't know what to think of this stranger so he introduced himself
"I am Guru Pathik, and it's a pleasure to meet you again Zuko"
it was night now, and Sokka was sitting on a small hill looking at the light from the torches and campfires of the two opposing armies, Suki sat next to him and could see he was deep in his thoughts.
"Do you have a battle plan?"
Sokka looked at her and nodded
"I actually have two, there is the normal battle plan but my first plan is to challenge the leader of the Earth kingdom army to a duel at the crack of dawn"
Suki looking a little scared told him
"you know he is a professional Earth-bender right?"
Sokka laughed in a anxious way
"yes, I know. but I hope to challenge him so that we can buy Katara more time to help Aang and Zuko, they are key to the peace. The Fire Nation won't interfere with a duel, they see it as dishonorable to do so and I sent an messenger to inform the general in charge of the Fire Army of my plan, I have the feeling he'll respect it"
Suki didn't like his plan, but it was the least bloody way to buy time and she asked him
"and if you lose?"
Sokka looked at her
"you will be appointed as supreme commander, I talked with the other Morishita and Yasuaki along with any other minor leaders about it and they agree. After you take command you need to unconditionally surrender to the Fire Nation Army…"
Suki was shocked but Sokka continued
"with their help, the people of the colonies won't be divided, families will still be together, and it is the more preferable option"
Suki huffed
"more like the lesser of two evils"
Sokka didn't argue and just nodded
"that is why I plan on fighting this duel as long as possible at least until Katara, Zuko and Aang come and…"
he just stopped and Suki could see him thinking deeply as he wasn't 100% sure of his plan. She kissed his cheek and hugged him, like it was going to be last time she would embrace him.
Sokka looked at her and could see she was quietly crying, she wasn't sobbing (she is a Kioshi warrior after all), so he just stroked her hair, he then then ripped a piece of cloth from his tunic and grabbed a small smooth stone and tied a string around it and tied it to the cloth.
Suki looking at this and Sokka held it in front of her, and she recognized it as a water tribe Betrothal necklace.
"I Suki, I know this is rushed but, I don't want to die alone… you don't have to, I just…"
Suki put her fingers up to his mouth, she then took the makeshift betrothal necklace and tied it around her neck (it was a little big).
"yes, Sokka…oh isn't it I do? Oh Sorry"
Sokka then quickly stood up and picked her up and kissed her and she stunned at first then she hugged him, and they look at each other in the eyes, not uttering a word just staring at each other as if to say, 'about time… even if it a little too early'.
Aang was on a makeshift bed made from Zuko's cape, and Katara's cloak. He wasn't waking up despite having no more physical wounds to speak of, but he was healthy at least and breathing.
Katara was looking at Aang with concern as she placed a hand on his shoulder, she then looked at Pathik, Zuko gave him a cup of tea then Katara one as well, he then placed a cup near Aang and sat down beside her and started to drink. Katara then decided to speak with him
"you met Zuko before?"
Pathik sipped the tea, and smiled
"indeed I have, I say it was about 1,457 sunsets ago. I have to say this meeting is a lot more friendly than our last"
Katara looked at Zuko who had a look that was clearly feeling guilt, as if being reminded of something he did that he now regrets but Pathik continued to speak
"yes, it seems last time we had a situation of mistaken Identity"
Zuko just rubbed the back of his head
"yea… I thought he was the Avatar, and I chased him attempting to capture him, uncle had to stop me from hurting him"
Zuko then did an apologetic bow
"I am deeply Sorry for my action against you"
Guru Pathik then took a sip of the tea
"No apology is necessary, I told you and your uncle this already"
he takes a sip of the tea
"though if you must apologize, this tea is plenty enough"
Katara then looked at Zuko with a stern look
"you honestly thought this man was the Avatar?"
Zuko a little stunned, justified
"look I was just banished, I still had bandages over my face. I judged him to be the avatar because he was an elderly man and in the Air Temple. I only realized later that despite his age, he was too young to be the Avatar"
Guru then launched which caught the attention of both Katara and Zuko, and he explained
"I'm sorry Zuko, but your assumption of me being too young is incorrect, infract I am the opposite problem am too old"
Katara looking puzzled asked
"how old are you?"
Pathik finished his tea
"I have live though 49,902 sun sets or 137 years old, yes I was alive when your great Grandfather Roku was still alive, I even met him once but that story for another time"
he got up and sat next to Aang's head and placed a hand on his forehead
"my dear Avatar, the past weeks has brought many afflictions to your spirit, many of them self afflicted"
Katara then asked him
"why wont he wake up?"
Guru Pathik placed both hands on Aang's head
"his spirit is in conflict with it self"
Zuko sitting next to Katara
"out of balance?"
Pathik shook his head
"no, no his seventh Chakra is still closed or more like it closed again"
Katara then asked
"but he has been going into the Avatar state a lot, Zuko fought him in the Avatar state, even Tylee talked about him going into the avatar state after…"
Guru had a serious look on his face
"yes, he has been using the avatar state, but it not by will but by attachment"
Zuko raised his only eye brow
"attachment… oh that whole letting go of worldly attachment's thing he told me about"
Pathik nodded
"yes, this proved to be problematic when I taught him the first time, he ran off after I told him to let go of worldly attachments one of them was a girl he desired"
Katara blushed a little and held her arm, Zuko then thought for a second
"wait, that includes personal relationship like with people and even…"
Pathik nodded
"yes, and no. he left before I can talk to him about it"
Zuko feeling a little frustrated was calmed by Katara and she asked Pathik
"what can we do to help?"
Pathik then prepared to meditate
"what do you think Fire Lord Zuko"
Zuko stood up, he looked to Katara who was waiting for him to answer
"Katara and I will head back to the meeting field, the battle wont start until dawn so if we head back now, we should rive before it starts"
Katara got up and the two of them left. Pathik started to meditate while he waited.
Aang was wandering in the Spirit realm, and he seemed to be unable to return to the mortal world, he finally found that floating building, the 'Room of Reflecting'. How he dreaded that room, but he also knew that he was going to have to confront what was in there and he looked around to find a way up there, it was nowhere near any tree, cliff, or anything he could jump from to grab the vines that dangled below it.
Aang didn't know how to get up there, he didn't want to go there but he knew he had to but he was incapable of getting there.
After what felt like an hour, he heard an older man speaking
"do that all you want, you're not getting any closer"
Aang looked and saw it was Roku and he frowned
"you want me to still be decisive by keeping my promise to Zuko"
Roku just sat on a near by rock
"no, I am not, I'm just curious on why you are so reluctant to keep your promise, especially after your inability to take my Great Grandson's Fire bending and no the teachings of Air nomad's on the sacredness of all life is not a good answer"
Aang huffed in frustration but then calmed down
"he is my friend, and even if he wasn't I fear I would be doing more harm than good by killing him… but also the girl I love… loves him, she is even willing to fight me to save him."
Roku looking at Aang who was looking down like a defeated soldier
"are you jealous of Zuko?"
Aang didn't answer immediately but could only nod
"yes, I am"
Roku then smiled
"you have great will power Aang"
Aang looked up at him but Roku kept speaking
"despite being jealous of my great Grandson, you are sticking to your principles and your concerns are more for the condition of the world than your own welfare"
Aang felt a little better then Roku then put his hand up to his mouth and whistled and Fang came and landed next to them and Roku motion Aang to climb on
"go and do what needs to be done, and remember to be decisive… even if you prove me wrong"
Aang smiled and nodded
"I… thank you Roku"
and Fang flew up to the floating Island with Aang
It was the crack of dawn; the sky was turning pinkish orange, but the sun has yet to come out. General Fong (Long Fang) was looking at a group coming from the Republic camp. the group had a Kioshi warrior, a 7ft tall muscle-bound bald man that was dressed as an air nomad, and a soldier carrying a white flag on a poll.
"do they intend to surrender?"
a soldier asked, and Fong Fang shook his head
"No, they have far too much to lose"
The Air Acolyte, and soldier holding the flag stood behind, Suki as she read a proclamation to the current head earth kingdom general (Long Fang).
I Sokka AKA the Blue Spirit, supreme commander of the colonial militias of Yu Dau, Makapu, Seedy pier, Senlin, Natsuo, and the north colonial villages. To avoid the further shedding of blood, I challenge the Head General Fong to single combat on the field of battle, the fight will be to the death, the reward shall be total surrender.
Long Fang thought on this, and smiled
"tell me Suki, why would you have risk so much when our armies will rout you and your militia by night fall?"
Suki then retorted
"have you already underestimated our numbers. Just a week ago, the colonies had no army"
Long Fang Smiled maliciously
"and that is the way it will stay"
Suki the smiled
"well then you have very little to fear"
Long Fang laughed
"this isn't a question about bravery little girl"
Suki the smiled in the way that she learnt from Toph
"and you are bravely refusing to fight a warrior less than half your age"
Long Fang then got a noticeable frown
"I didn't say no"
the other generals then spoke up some saying that he has every right to refuse, others said he should to display his courage as their new leader and future Earth King. Seeing that he was trapped in the political squabble he turned to Suki and noticed her necklace and quickly put it together and picked up a rock
"you… you best pray that your Fiancée's swordsmanship is sharper than his calligraphy"
and he crushed the rock into sand.
Suki and her escorts made it back to the camp and she went to Sokka's tent, she found him preparing for the battle like sharpening his weapons. He noticed Suki just standing there quietly.
"General Fong has accepted your challenge"
She said with a sob, and she started to tear up. Sokka got up and approached her and she hugged him, crying into his shoulder.
"I Don't want to be a widow before I even become a wife"
Sokka lifted her chin to look her in the eyes and she could see he was tearing up as well
"I don't want to die before becoming a husband, or father"
he took a deep breath and caressed her face
"I have to make amends for my part in starting this, or I will never be in peace"
Suki caressed his face and smiled, she was amazed that this man that only a year and a half ago was just a skinny, sexist, boy who was playing warrior to this confidant, compassionate, and responsible leader who was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for the welfare of others. She then started to kiss him passionately, and he retuned with an equally passionate Kiss.
Aang walked into the now foggy building looking around, he passed those statues of his attachments, desires, and other subconscious vices and virtues. Then he heard the mimic of his own voice talking to him in a boastful sense.
"welcome back Avatar"
Aang look at where the voice came from could see Aung sitting on top of a statue of Zuko and Katara kissing inside a carriage (like in that news paper) legs dangling over the edge and with a devilish smile.
He jumped down to Aang's level and walked towards him and asked him
"now have you fixed up that little Harmony conflict? Or how about Katara"
Aung asked in a lustful tone that made Aang cringe
"did you win her heart yet?"
Aang just frowned, feeling truly angry
"why are you asking questions you already know the answer to"
Aung the waved his arm around removing some of the fog revealing more statues and leaning against one of Katara in a skimpy air-nomad outfit.
"so you come have to dispose of me"
Aang picks up a bow staff
"I can't fulfill my duties as the Avatar as long as I allow you to continue to do this with my mind and spirit…"
Aang said and pointing to the problematic statues. Aung then picked up his own bow staff and looked at Aang with an angery look
"so you will attend to the Needs of the worlds, over obtaining your wants. That doesn't sound fair for you"
Aang then took an aggressive stance with the bow staff
"no, I'm just going to find new wants, by expelling my vices that you call wants"
Aung's eyes started to glow reddish white and took the same battle position as Aang
"you'll find that expelling me won't come easy, Avatar Aang"
Aang's eyes started to glow blueish-white.
"nothing in life is"
As Guru Pathik was meditating , he noticed Aang's tattoos started to glow blueish white then reddish white then blueish white again, this kept going sometimes it was on one color or the other for 10 seconds or it flashed constantly (like a strobe light).
Pathik placed his hands on his head and prayed for him.
"I pray for you Aang, not to bring balance to the world, but for you to bring balance in yourself…"
he placed a small wooden bowl with the purest water in it, two lit incense sticks, a stone with many different metals and crystals in it, and a small wind mill. He placed them around Aang in their appropriate locations and then prayed for him to find Balance in himself and the world.
Sokka was standing in was looking out the tent door, the sun was up now, and everyone was getting ready for the duel (and potential war), he was just in his garments when Suki took his hand and took him to the center of his tent where his armor was waiting on a table.
She placed the under armor of both heavy cloth, a then mail tightening it appropriately, then placing and fastening each of the different pieces of plate armor, shin guards, arm guards, loin guards. as she was placing the breast plate and tightened it, she looked up to Sokka who was looking at her with a worried smile. She then grabbed the shoulder plates and placed them, fastened them, and stood back to assesses her work.
She then took his weapons, securing the boomerang sheath to the spot that Soka was most comfortable with, then placed his water tribe club on its ring, then she took two small rectangular sheaths and place them on under each of his shoulder pads.
Sokka then pulled the weapon out of one of those sheaths and found it was a Kioshi warrior's battle-fan, he looked at Suki and he could see that they were missing, now he knew that these sheaths and battle-fans were hers and he could not help but smile.
once Suki saw that it was done, she then took the cape and Sokka noticed a symbol on it that was not there before.
"what is on the cape, that symbol"
Suki then showed him the cape and it had a circle that was divided into four even sections, each section has the symbol of each element.
"I modified your cape, this symbol is not to represent the Avatar, or the white lotus. It is the symbol of the new republic, and it is to show that you are fighting for all peoples, not just the fire nation or the Earth Kingdom or the colonials"
She walked behind him and placed the cape and secured it to the shoulder plates, tugged on it to se it was secure. She then went to the table and picked up a second cloth and fastened it to a banner pole, revealing that it was a banner wit the same symbol, and she grabbed his sword (still in its sheath) she smiled though Sokka could see she was holding back her tears, and Sokka then picked up his helmet said lets go.
Sokka was walking through the camp and all the soldiers were cheering making a path that led to the battlefield for the duel, he could see everyone that become a part of this form Kori, the swamp water benders, ext. The field that still had the burned remains of the meeting tent was now surrounded by the three armies who were cheering their duelist.
Sokka was walking to the edge of the field where a small resting area was set up for him, Toph was there with his Blue Spirit mask. Toph then walked up to him as he put on and secured his helmet, he could see a scared look on her face, but she didn't say anything just gave him the mask.
He took it with his left hand then placed his right hand just to reassure her, he then got up drew the sword and looked to the other side of the field where Long Fang (still disguised as General Fong) was now wearing armor that should be worn by the Earth King but he had gauntlets mad of crystals from the catacombs and his shoulder plates that looked like the heads of badger-moles devouring dragons, the two of them approached to the center of the field until they were about 15ft away from each other Long Fang than Asked ash he made a sword out of the crystals, he then in a angery tone asked"
"tell me boy, how many more men must die for before restoring Harmony?"
Sokka then placed the blue Spirit mask on
"only one"
and their blades clashed.