This chapter, I thought I was done and then I realized I wasn't. I wrote and wrote and rewrote and wow, okay...what I'm trying to say is: I hope you all enjoy this one because much like the others...I don't know what to say. Also, thank you so much for the lovely reviews! You guys have no idea how happy they made me.

Chapter 3: Fine

The sky is darkening when an airship lands near us. If it comes down to it, I'll probably fight, but I hope it's friends. My bruised body resents being forced to stand. It takes more mental energy to keep focus than it takes physical strength to move. To my delight, it's Suki and Toph that step out from the ship as they support Sokka. His leg is wrapped up in bandages but he's alive and enthusiastic as he describes my battle with Ozai. I smile.

"You should have seen yourself...!" His arms flap around excitedly and I worry he may fall, but on one foot he hops around happily so I pay it no mind.

My heartbeat gradually quickens as I struggle to stay in the moment, to share his joy, their joy. Suki smiles brightly and even Toph doesn't hide her happiness. In the darkening sky, they shine brightly and though I'm glad they're okay, there is a growing unease that pokes at my stomach. Suki's eyes narrow and she hesitantly steps toward Ozai's body that has fallen over. I hold my breath for what I know is coming and as my heart rate hits the roof, Toph's eyes widen. It's suffocating. Breathe. Breathe. I said breathe! Breathe you fool!

She leans down to peer at his face now covered by his hair. I don't attempt to smile anymore when she ask, "So...did you...you know...?"

She hesitates before finishing,"...finish the job?"

I desperately want Ozai to raise his head and tell her he's alive. I desperately want him to breath. I want his heart to beat. He was evil and maybe the world will be better off without him, but am better than he is? I glance at Toph whose eyebrows knit together as if confused. Finally, her eyes widen. I exhale slowly and quietly attempt to catch my breath. My chest is breaking open in the silence as Suki peers at the body. I know Toph knows. I know Sokka is waiting for me to say something. Evenly, more than I thought I could muster, I meet her gaze and confirm, "I killed him. He's dead."

Her eyes widen, but she doesn't look away. For a moment, it's sweet relief to be able to see emotion in another's eyes. To see surprise by my heinous act is a bittersweet comfort. It's hard to hear, hard to believe, because I'm not a monster. I wouldn't do something like this. But you did. I did. I could have chosen another way, but I didn't. I move my focus to Ozai because my head can't handle thinking. I frown, "I closed the wound he was bleeding from, so it would stop, but he's dead. I think we need to take him back to the Fire Nation."

I cross my arms as I listen to their silence. As my heart calms, I look up to see Suki looking at me with concern. Sokka and Toph are serious. I furrow my eyebrows as Sokka rests a hand on my good shoulder, "You okay?"

A pang of bitterness runs through me. I shrug his hand off with a curt reply, "I'm fine."

I want to hit myself for being like that, but I let it go because I don't know why I'm like this and I don't really want to think about it. Sokka doesn't seem to pay much mind, rather seems like he wants to say more. Toph opens her mouth as if to speak, but oddly enough, holds her tongue.

"Where's Zuko and Katara?"

Suki and Sokka exchange a glance. Toph blows at her bangs, "She and Zuko left for the Fire Nation to take care of Azula."

I nod and then it hits me, "They what?! Alone?! By themselves?!"

"Well, they took Appa," Sokka adds.

My head nearly explodes, but I guess I know where Appa is now. Ever so calmly, Suki explains, "We figured Ozai would need all the help he could get here, but that he'd need someone still in the mainland. I'm sure they're fine."

I nod, but if we don't leave soon to the Fire Nation. I might lose my mind. I start to speak and immediately reach for my head as the world sways uncontrollably around me.

Oof, I meant to post another chapter yesterday, but my plans went into the trash so here I am. Thank you for reading! Thank you for reviewing and for following and favoriting. I'm so overwhelmed by all the positive feed back! Thank you and feel free to leave a review for this chapter if you feel like it!