This is the longest one yet, it's the defining chapter of This Story, so fasten your seat belts, bring your popcorn
This is going to be a long And Emotional Ride.
Zuko
The Fire Prince was standing in front of The Fire Nation gateway, waiting for someone dear to him, he hasn't seen him in a year, his uncle was standing beside him waiting for the same man, but with much, much dire anticipation, he hasn't been this anxious and fidgeting in a while, he wondered how much he changed it's been a year after all, a year can change a person, for worse or better, he kept hoping it was the latter, Zuko understood his uncle's concern completely, he had been facing similar problems himself, he kept wondering how he had changed,
but the question was short-lived, as he received the answer just moments after he asked it, there stands at the harbor gateway, a young man his brown hair styled in a perfect ponytail, he had golden eyes, the year hasn't changed him to anything but a very handsome warrior, This is how a Firelord should look like. Zuko found himself musing as he saw the man strolling towards him and his uncle.
"Hello, Father." His voice above a whisper, yet it still held a certain command of respect to it, Uncle Iroh couldn't hold it much longer, with tearful eyes he enveloped his son in a bone-crushing hug, and his son returning it just as soon as it came, they looked so at peace, that Zuko thought about sneaking away without making any noise just so he doesn't break this beautiful moment, finally after what seemed like hours but in fact just a minute, they broke their embrace and The Lieutenant turned his head and fixated his sight on Zuko.
"Hello, Cousin." Said Lieutenant Lu Ten, opening his arms for Zuko to embrace him as well, as soon as Lu Ten opened his arms, Zuko closed the gap immediately and enveloped his cousin in a much awaited embrace.
"Lu Ten, I missed you so much." Just as Zuko broke the hug, still holding Lu Ten at arms's length, he looked at him with teasing eyes and said.. "Or Should i say Lieutenant Lu Ten Now, you know formalities are in order." Zuko finished with a smirk making his cousin groan and roll his eyes.
"Please, Zuko, i've had enough formalities that'd last me a life-time in the navy just don't do it Please." Zuko snickered as they fully released their grips on each other and his cousin fixated his sight again on his father.
"Dad, Is something wrong ?" Lu Ten asked when he noticed his father's eyes were on him the whole time and his eyes still glassy with tears.
"No, Son, None at all, i just still can't believe you're back." Iroh said with a sob as a tear trickled down his cheek immediately wiping it away, Lu Ten put his hand on his father's shoulder and assured him that it's going to be alright, as he was planning to stay for a long while this time, they finally walked with Lu Ten back to the palace, guards surrounding them from the mob of people that wanted to see Lu Ten,
Zuko wanted them to go back to the palace immediately so they can deliver the good news to his mother and father, but Lu Ten insisted on taking a stroll through The Capital for a while, he missed being in The Capital, so Zuko and Iroh said why not and went with Lu Ten, as they walked through The Capital, thousands of people greeting them, mostly the greets are for the returning Lieutenant Lu Ten, he kept waving at the mob of people as he was walking through the capital, finally they stopped when someone called his name.
"My Lord Lu Ten, come have a taste of my tasty drink, Sire, Please, Sire, i have kids and i need the money." Zuko couldn't understand the connection between the two phrases but of course this peddler wanted to gain Lu Ten's sympathy, and indeed he gained so.
"Of Course, i'd like to taste it, What's it ?" Lu Ten asked a smile brightening his cheerful face.
"It's a special Tea of my making, Sire, you'll love it, i swear it, Here, have a taste." The Peddler offered Lu Ten the mug, Lu Ten looked back at his two companions.
"Wanna have a cup of tea ?" Lu Ten asked them.
"You know i don't drink any tea of anyone's making but mine." Iroh replied.
"And you know i don't drink any tea of anyone's making but Uncle's." Came Zuko's reply.
"Well, this man looks so desperate, you know i can't live with myself if i don't." Lu Ten said with a shrug, taking the mug from the man's hand and taking a sip, from the look on Lu Ten's face, the tea was awful, but he took two sips nonetheless, before his stomach screamed 'No More !', he handed the peddler his mug "Good Tea, here's your prize, Good Man." Lu Ten handed the man two gold pieces, the man looked at him with thankful eyes, he transformed them into words, Thanked Lu Ten and left.
"Well, that wasn't so bad." Lu Ten said his face turning green as they kept walking.
"Yeah, Sure.." Zuko said sarcastically.
"Actually, the tea was awful, but the man looked.." Lu Ten Coughed. "he looked nice so.." He coughed again, this time holding his throat. "so i had to reward him and.." Lu Ten gave a loud cough this time, he stood abruptly as he continued coughing.
"Something wrong, Lu Ten ?" Iroh asked as he, Zuko and the guards stopped as well to check on Lu Ten, but he just kept coughing, he looked at Iroh with frightened eyes while holding his throat and apparently choking, Zuko looked back at the place where the peddler was standing, And The Peddler was no where to be found, finally grasping the situation, he turned his head to his cousin.
"Lu Ten !" Zuko screamed and raced to his cousin's side, as Lu Ten took three steps away from them and landed on his stomach coughing and then puking, Iroh and Zuko landed on their knees beside him trying to roll him over, when they did, they saw a sight they really shouldn't have seen, Lu Ten's face turned completely green and he was still puking but instead of coming out on the ground, the puke came back to his mouth.
"My son, Please, Talk to me.." Iroh said in whispers, tears returning to his eyes as his son was choking in his arms.
"Someone Help Him ! Please !" Zuko screamed to the guards who some of them stood motionless staring at Lu Ten, and the rest trying to stop the marching mob from reaching Lu Ten, all the while Lu Ten was still choking and puking, Finally his body gave in to the pain, and he rested his shaking hands on the ground, his hands finally stopped shaking, but not because he was healed, it was because..
Lieutenant Lu Ten, Son Of Prince Iroh, Was No More.
Zuko screamed himself awake, his head spinning, whole body shaking and filled with sweat, tears glistening his eyes, What a terrible Nightmare, No, it wasn't a Nightmare, It Was a Memory..
One of the worst if not the worst situation he's ever been in, he saw his cousin die in his father's arms in the most ferocious and viloent death one could think of, he still remembers that day, it was 5 years ago, right before his mother disappeared and his father became Firelord, such a horrendous couple of months, his cousin dies, his uncle leaves the capital, his mother disappears, his grandfather dies and his father becomes the new Firelord.
Zuko stood up from the bed and realized the sun was rising, Finally the first day of the ceremonies is here, he felt a sudden feeling of excitement surge through his body, completely forgetting about the nightmare, he decided to go take a shower and finally prepare for the ceremonies.
Toph
"This isn't about me, Dad, This is about the family !"
"I'm sorry, isn't everything about you, Big Sister ?"
"Shut It, Luna !"
"Toph, you're being irrational, Why'd we refuse The Firelord's offer ?" asked her Father, his patience wearing thin.
"Ok, how about Luna reads the message one more time so that my idea can get to your Thick Skulls !"
"Toph !" Scolded her mother as she saw the angry expression on their father's face.
"Just Read It, Luna !" Her sister unfolded the paper and read it aloud one more time.
"Greetings, Lord Beifong, i'm sorry i couldn't come to welcome you personally to The Capital, But i'm sure you understand how a Firelord's job can be, Nonetheless, I welcome you to The Capital and i hope you enjoy your stay here, also, i'd be honored if you decided to come by The Royal Palace by night fall,
to discuss some matters that might be in your interest.
Sincerely Firelord Ozai." Luna folded the message as soon as she finished reading, just as she did so, Toph continued her rant.
"Doesn't that trigger any of your senses at all ?" Toph asked in an aggressive tone.
"Toph, first of all, i'd like you to change your tone to a softer one while talking to me.." Toph rolled her "rather useless" eyes as her father said so, but he kept on nonetheless. "And secondly, What screams 'Conspiracy' about this message ? The Firelord wants us to come by for Tea, Big deal ?" he asked impatiently.
"Dad, The Whole letter screams Conspiracy, Think about it, Why'd The Firelord want to invite the richest man in the world for Tea at Nightfall, During the time of the ceremony, He wants to discuss something with you that everyone else mustn't know, Even i can see that and i am Fucking Blind !" Toph yelled,
everyone in the room gasped and put their hand on their mouth as Toph said the curse word, Which led Toph to say "I'm sorry, but you're driving me insane !"
"Toph, to finish this petty conversation, I'm Going to the Firelord's Palace this Nightfall, and nothing you might do or say could change my mind." Her father said inevitably, making sure to silence his eldest daughter, not to mention that he failed terribly at doing so.
"Well, you can go fall into his trap, I'm not going." Toph said folding her arms and taking a few steps towards the door.
"Toph, Wait !" She heard her mother yell as she walked out and slammed the door behind her, walking away from the house.
This is the worst family ever. She thought as she stomped her way to no where in particular, just roaming the streets of The Capital, trying to find something that'd clear her mind from all the bad thoughts, How can someone cope with such family ? More importantly how could someone like my father make this much money ? he doesn't have a slight piece of intelligence in his brain, and My Sister and My Mother are just followers, they follow everything he does and says.
Ugh, My Brain is going to explode ! she massaged her temples trying to get the bad thoughts outta her head, when she heard a familiar voice.
"Toph, What're you doing here ?" she turned her head towards the voice.
"Zuko, is that you ?" She asked incredulously, she had greeted The Prince the day prior at The Harbor of course, but she hadn't been in touch for a long time, and she hadn't spent enough time with him for her to remember his footsteps again.
"Yeah, it's me, What're you doing in The Market ?" Came the confused voice of The Prince.
I'm in the market ? asked Toph inwardly, she had been lost in thought for a long time, that she didn't realize she arrived at the market.
"Oh, you know, i like to come here more often, clears my head." Toph said dismissively, she tried to hide her embarrassment way too hard, but she failed miserably and Zuko must've seen the faint blush on her cheeks.
"Wait, are you lost ?" Zuko said, Toph could feel the smirk on his face as he said so.
"No, Of course Not.. Why'd you say that, Sparky ?" Toph said bashfully, She heared Zuko laughing and her face turned to one of anger, so did her voice as she said.. "Fine ! I'm lost, i must've dozed off a bit as i was walking, Big deal ? Everybody Does It, Hot-Head !" she heard Zuko still laughing..
"Oh, Man ! this is one of those situations you wish would happen everyday." Zuko said wiping a tear from his eye, Toph came dangerously close to him, pointed a finger at him and said.
"Another word, and you won't wish for the situation that follows to happen everyday." She threatened punching Zuko's arm for good measure, she had a smirk of her own as she heard the prince ache in pain and rub his sore arm.
"Jeez, Why so grumpy today ?" Zuko asked still rubbing his arm from Toph's Tough punch, Toph focused her sightless eyes on the ground as she said.
"Nothing, it's alright, Zuko." Toph informed hesitantly, You could spot the lie a mile away.
"it's not alright if you call me by my real name, Toph.." he looked at her expecting her to laugh, but she still had a dark scowl on her face, so he continued.. "you know we're friends, you can tell me anything." But before Toph could respond, he gave another proposition..
"Look, there's an inn nearby, how about we have a drink while telling me everything, I'm sure Mai wouldn't mind me being late for an hour or two, That or i'd go to the ceremony with a body full of knives, but i'm sure it'll be worth it." Zuko said casually, making Toph burst out laughing, he did make her feel better even if it was for a brief moment and that's why she accepted his offer..
"Alright, Spraky, Your treat." She said motioning him to go towards the inn so she could follow him.
"Oh Agni, i really shouldn't have proposed that." Zuko said with a deadpan expression, as they made their way to the inn.
Sokka
"When you attempt to punch someone, you have to set the other arm on defense mode, to shield your face from the following blow, you can't just fight with both arms." Suki scolded as Sokka failed to block Suki's punch for what seemed like the 100th time.
"I'm sorry, attacking comes so easily to me, but defending just doesn't come as easily." Replied Sokka, trying to hide that he was so distracted today so that Suki doesn't ask him what's wrong, but nonetheless the question came.
"Sokka, this is the first time since we started training that you fail at lesson, what's wrong with you today ?" Suki asked impatiently, Sokka had to admire her smartness, even though no one else would've blown his cover, Suki did it with ease, he fought the urge to tell her the truth, but he failed once again at keeping something from her.
"Listen, Suki, today is the day of the ceremony and you know, every year there's a ball hosted by The Firelord himself.." Sokka hesitated while Suki was still looking incredulously at him waiting for him to finish, so Sokka continued..
"Well, i was thinking, maybe we can go there together, as a.. a Date." finally Sokka finished his words, and now he was awaiting her response which was harder than he thought it'd be, he looked at Suki and saw the look of surprise on her face, he didn't expect this, they had been very good to each other for the past couple of days, why'd she refuse him now ?
To Sokka's ignorance of romantic matters, he didn't know Suki was thinking the same thing, she liked him and she wanted him to ask her for the dance, but hoping for something is one thing, seeing it actually happen is another entirely, but Sokka took the silence as refusing, he tried to mask the hurt expression on his face as Suki took a long time to respond, so he decided to speak..
"I'm sorry, that was unworthy, i shouldn't have asked you to.." but before he could finish, Suki's eyes widened and she interrupted before he could do or say anything stupid..
"What ?! No, of course I accept, Sokka, i was just surprised that you actually said it." Suki said, a smile playing on her lips and her eyes still as wide, Sokka practically jumped from his position as Suki said so, for a moment he thought this was the moment he'd no longer believe in Love.
"Wait, you accept ? and what do you mean 'you were surprised i actually said it', were you expecting this ?" Sokka asked, his face still shocked.
"Well, i had hoped for it, and i really wanted you to ask me to the dance, i just wasn't sure you'd actually do it." Suki informed, her cheeks reddened from what she just said, Sokka's heart was practically dancing right now, he didn't know Suki liked him this much, and he was determined on making this worth it, he was determined on not disappointing Suki, and be the man she thinks he is.
"Well, it was hard to be honest, mostly because i never thought you'd actually accept, i wasn't sure you liked me the way i like you." it was now Sokka's cheeks's turn to redden at what he just said, he looked at the ground not once looking at Suki after he said so.
"Yeah, i do like you too, Sokka." Sokka raised his head abruptly and focused his sight on Suki, he saw nothing but pure emotion and honesty in her words, Maybe he finally found the girl of his dreams, he found the girl that'd be his for the rest of his life, they kept staring into each other's eyes for a while, before the moment was broken by none other, than Sokka's own Sister who was standing at the door..
"Awww, you look so cute together." she said, making the couple jump and focus their sights on the person at the door, both their cheeks reddened again, and Suki started whistling and staring at everything but Katara, while Sokka was filled with pure anger for breaking this beautiful moment with Suki.
"What do you want, Katara ?" he said with a high pitched tone, making Katara laugh in the process.
"Hey, take it easy, i didn't mean to barge in on what ever you were gonna do Next, Big Brother." She said still laughing a bit, Now it was Suki's turn to be alerted and shocked at Katara's words.
"We weren't doing anything, i swear !" Suki said, her cheeks now look like a tomato.
"Katara, if there's anything you came here to say, just say it." Sokka said his patience wearing thin.
"Alright, Big Bro, let's leave the teasing to another time, Mom and Dad want to see you, something about the ceremony today." Katara informed.
Sokka nodded "Ok, i'll be right behind you." while Katara was still sniggering.
"Alright, just don't do anything awkward, Big Brother, you can't do that on first dates." Katara joked as she turned on her heels and walked away toward their house.
"I'm sorry.. My sister is just.. you know." Sokka tried to apologize to Suki for his sister's behavior.
"It's alright, i envy you actually, i wish i had siblings growing up." Suki said sadly.
"Oh Trust Me, it's not that great, having a sibling like Katara would make you hate your life and pretty much everything else." Sokka tried to make her feel better by joking, and he succeeded at doing so, as Suki giggled.
"Alright, better follow her before she thinks we're doing anything 'Awkward'." Suki said motioning with her hands, Sokka chuckled at her antics, he said goodbye to her and turned on his heels as well towards his home.
Sokka arrived home to find his mother and father sitting at a table with some kind of a letter in his father's hand, He greeted his parents as soon as he entered the house, they greeted him back, and Sokka tried to get to business as soon as possible, he was still irritated they broke his moment with Suki.
"The Firelord invited us and the rest of the world leaders to a private meeting after the ball, i think The Avatar's invited as well, the meeting will be in The War Room of The Palace." His father informed him, Sokka had a skeptical look on his face, but he was just so irritated to voice his opinion of the matter at the moment.
"And does that have anything to do with me ?" Sokka asked his voice soft, but his words betray his facade of calmness, he saw a confused look pass on his father's face, he looked at his mother who sent him a disapproving look, so he decided to prettify his words a bit.. "I meant, you're the one who's invited, so is there anything i can do ?"
"Of course, son, you're to become The New Chief after me, doesn't that mean that you have to learn the rules of leadership ? this meeting is a perfect opportunity for you to learn." Replied Chief Hakoda, motioning to the letter in hand to refer to as "The Meeting".
"Besides, you should be there for your father, Son, your sister and I can't go, you're the only Family member who can be in your father's back." His mother chimed in, making another question pop in Sokka's mind.
"Where's Katara by the way ? i haven't seen her ever since i came here." Sokka asked clearly asking by the only member of their family who he hasn't seen ever since she broke his beautiful moment with Suki.
"She's preparing for the ceremony tonight, she went out with that Airbender friend of hers to help her shop in The Capital, it's a very big place for a young woman to roam alone, you know." His mother laughed, but that wasn't the case for Sokka as he focused on the "Airbender friend" part more than he should have.
"Airbender friend ?" Sokka asked clearly confused and irritated at the same time.
"Yeah, Katara said his name's Aang, he looked like a fine Young man, and he's so handsome as well, Katara must think she's so lucky." His mother had a smile on her face as she said so, totally ignoring Sokka's fuming face with every word she said.
"Please, Mom, Just stop, i don't want you to put disgusting images about my sister in my head.." Sokka said trying to calm himself and clear his head from the images, but something came to his mind, and he voiced his thoughts out loud, "Wait, Airbender ? Aang ? as in 'Avatar Aang' ?" Sokka asked totally shocked and incredulous.
"No, Son, i asked Katara myself, she said she didn't know that The Avatar's name is Aang, but if he were he'd told her, must be a common name in air nomad culture." Kya replied, as she had the same doubts herself, Hakoda decided to change the subject all of a sudden, clearly unamused by the conversation at all.
"So, Sokka, Have you decided yet ? about going to The Firelord's meeting with us ?" The Chief asked his son with hopeful eyes, Sokka dare not refuse a request from his Father, he just loves too much to refuse.
"Fine, Dad, I dare not refuse an offer from The Chief of my tribe." Sokka said with a smile on his face, "I'll see you after the ball." he finished, his father thanked him and he stood up to prepare for The Ceremony himself.
Zuko
"Alright, Toph, i'll see you at The Ball and after, we'll go with our plans, Ok?" Zuko asked as he was a few meters away from Toph going to the other side towards his palace, while Toph was going the other way towards her home to prepare for The Ceremony.
"Okay, Sparky, i hope it doesn't turn out as bad as the other ones, Bye."
"Bye." as Zuko almost reached The Palace door though, he saw a figure sitting on a bench in The Palace Gardens, he came closer to it to see who it is, only to find it's his Sister, The Chief Of Police, Azula, sitting alone in The Gardens obviously in thought.
"Something on your mind, Dear Sister ?" Zuko asked breaking her line of thought as she looked up abruptly to see whose voice just called, Zuko saw Azula's face turn into its usual frown as soon as she recognized him.
"Nothing, I'm alright, Dear Brother." she brushed him off trying to get back to her moment of peace, but Zuko pressed on by sitting beside her on the bench, regardless of what his father told him the day prior, he was sure Azula had nothing to do with it, and he shouldn't blame her at all for his father's decisions.
"Listen, Azula, i wanted to talk to you." Zuko tried to begin a conversation to get closer to his sister, he always hoped they'd get along as real siblings, only for his attempts to become failures courtesy of none other than his sister.
"I don't want to talk to you right now, i already have a lot on my mind as it is." Azula said impatiently trying to send Zuko away, but Zuko didn't even try to give up this time.
"Come On, Azula, just hear me out, we're siblings, Family, i'm your only brother, don't you have a second for your only brother ?" Zuko asked softly, making Azula lose her train of thought immediately and shoot him a shocked and confused look, Zuko understood it completely, since when was he this nice to her ? that must be the question going on her mind.
"Hello, Zuko in there ? Just come out Zuko this new host of your body is making me uncomfortable." Azula said casually knocking on Zuko's head to emphasize that she's still shocked and bewildered of this 'new' Zuko, nonetheless, Zuko laughed at her antics, making Azula even more bewildered.
"No, it's really me, and i want to have a brother-sister conversation with you, for once in our life let us accept each other as siblings, Azula, i've always been hopeful that one day we might have this chance together." Zuko said with a smile plastered on his face, even though Azula was obviously still in shock, she finally nodded allowing her brother to speak, Zuko gave a sigh of relief and finally started to talk..
"I just wanted to talk to you about something Father just told me yesterday, something that made me realize that no matter how many times we've been in each other's throats, and how many times we came this close to killing each other.." Azula gave a small smile as Zuko said that part, Zuko couldn't help but return it as he was still talking, "Our Father told me, that i'm no longer the heir to The Firenation throne, You Are."
Zuko finished that part only to see the look of shock and bewilderment intensify on Azula's face, her jaw reached her collarbone, and her eyebrows almost reached the tip of her head, Zuko knew immediately that she had no idea what he was talking about.
"What ?" Azula asked her confusion as visible as daylight.
"Yeah, i had the same reaction when Father told me this, i suppose he hasn't told you yet, huh?" Azula was still too stunned to speak, so Zuko decided to continue..
"Well, he did name you his heir, and i just wanted to say, no matter what happens, you're still my sister, and i'll support your claim to the throne, i just hope you make as good of a ruler as you are as Chief." Zuko finished, he nodded his head to her, stood up from the bench and left a speechless Azula on the bench to her thoughts.
As soon as Zuko reached his room, he saw his uncle waiting outside his door with apparently a costume in his hands, his uncle was wearing typical Firenation general costume with his hair arranged as a topknot, he was obviously waiting for Zuko to arrive to go the ceremony together.
"Hello, Uncle, What's that ?" Zuko motioned to the clothes on his uncle's hands.
"Hello, Zuko, This's The Costume Lu Ten used to wear during The Peace Ceremonies, i hope you're fit enough now to wear it." Uncle Iroh informed, looking Zuko in the eye with a smile on his face, as soon as Zuko grasped what his uncle was asking of him, he couldn't control his emotions and his eyes glistened with unshed tears.
"Are you sure ?" Zuko asked hesitantly, as he wanted to wear the costume so bad, but in the meantime, he didn't want his uncle to feel Lu Ten's presence again and desperate for the rest of the ceremony.
"Yes, I'm sure, no one is more fit than you to wear it, because you're my son." Zuko shed a tear at his uncle's words, and hugged him, thanking him for being a great mentor and father for him, he then took the costume from his uncle and went inside his room to try, when he came out, he saw that it was his uncle's turn to shed a tear.
"You look just like him." Iroh told him wiping a tear from his eye, Zuko had a smile on his face, as Iroh continued.. "Well, he was more handsome of course, but you still look just like him." Zuko laughed at his uncle's teasing remark and hugged him once again, as they broke the hug, they looked at the window and realized it was finally time for The Ceremony to start.
Zuko and Iroh headed outside to enjoy the atmosphere and the annual gathering of the four nations.
Katara
"Alright, We're here." Announced Katara as they arrived at the ball, of course Sokka wasn't in their company as he was waiting for Suki to arrive, but the rest of her family were there, but that wasn't on Katara's mind right now, she had a feeling she'd see Aang here, even though he never actually asked her to be his date, but she had a feeling she'd find him here, they arrived at the table reserved to them by The Firelord himself in The Gardens,
which had new decorations, Katara had to admire The Firenation people's sense of elegance here, they put decorations of all Four Nations, and the best part is, they fit together flawlessly, making Katara question if The Four Nations were that different after all, she was lost in thought that she didn't hear her mother calling her name at first..
"... might ask you to dance." She snapped her attention towards her mother, clearly confused about the bits and pieces she just heard.
"What ?" Katara asked for her mother to repeat what she just said.
"I said that boy has been eyeing you ever since we arrived, do you think he might ask you to dance ?" Her mother had a teasing smirk on her face as she pointed at the young man sitting at the corner of the Northern Water Tribe guests, Katara turned her attention to him, only to have an irritated look take over her face, she turned her attention towards her mother visibly irritated now.
"No, he's not going to ask me to dance, his name is Petu, he must've come in the company of Chief Arnook.." Katara had a bashful look on her face, as she continued.. "He was the only one that beat me in a straight fight when i was learning Waterbending in the North Pole."
"Aw, Sweetie, don't be so upset about it, him beating you doesn't make you any less of a strong Waterbender, you're still the best i've ever seen, you might not be the best in combat, but you have other abilities that makes you the great Waterbender you are." Kya tried to soothe Katara's anger but all in vain, as Katara was still visibly angry.
"I don't want these abilities, Mom, i want to be able to defend myself when the time comes, If i can't beat Petu, then maybe i'm not that good of a bender after all." Katara said while keeping her gaze on the floor.
"If you're not that good of a bender, Master Pakku wouldn't have given you that." Her mother said pointing at the amulet around her neck, Katara looked at her mom, then at the amulet, but her mom continued nonetheless.. "Out of all the female benders that participated you were the one he accepted, and not just because he had an old story with Gran Gran, he accepted you because he saw something in you, everyone did, Petu is just another boy Waterbending prodigy, but a girl Waterbending prodigy, now that's something you rarely see, and no matter if Petu beat you or not, you're still the one that made a whole tribe proud of you." Finally Kya earned a smile from Katara's mouth, she hugged her mother, who happily reciprocated.
"Thank you, Mom, you always make me feel better." She sighed happily in her mother's embrace.
"Should i feel jealous or something ?" Hakoda asked making a hurt face at both of them, that made both of them laugh while breaking apart.
"Well, you should be, because you know i'll always be her number one, Chief." Kya teased her husband, making Katara and Hakoda laugh even harder, but the laughing died down as a guard announced the arrival of The Firelord.
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF ALL NATIONS, HIS MAJESTY, FIRELORD OZAI !" The Guard announced and the people of all nations clapped, some of them genuinely clapping and the rest is just clapping for public notice, and that was the case for Katara's family, she sighed at her Family's antics, before The Firelord positioned himself at the platform.
"Greeting, Brothers and Sisters of all Four Nations, I'm happy that you're all here for this annual ceremony, Celebrating the end of a war that would've destroyed and made the world a miserable and depressing place, Thank the spirits for Avatar Roku's interference, and later on Avatar Aang's stand against the blossoming of a new war, he made peace between The Four Nations without a single drop of blood, and Now our current prosperity and evolution are all thanks to him."
All the people of the four nations were now clapping genuinely at The Firelord's words, Avatar Aang was a well known man, and no matter the rumors about his personal life, he still bravely saved the world, The Firelord continued his speech.. "And Now, The Savior of the world is here, Ladies And Gentlemen, AVATAR AANG !" The Firelord called happily while clapping for The Avatar who was currently ascending the stairs to the platform.
All The people in the room roared, clapped and whistled at The Avatar's arrival, while a particular female waterbender was in shock and stunned to the core.
'I've been hanging around with The Avatar ?' Was all that came to Katara's mind as she saw Aang ascend the stairs to the platform, when he arrived Katara saw him smile his goofy smile while waving at the people, but she could've sworn when his eyes laid on her he shot her an apologizing look, but as soon as it happened Aang returned his attention to the people, but enough for Katara to catch it, she heard faint words coming from his mouth looks like he was delivering a speech to the people,
but Katara was in so much shock that she couldn't hear any of it, as soon as Aang finished his speech though and the people roared, clapped and whistled in delight and joy again, Katara was snapped out of her daze.
"Excuse me, i don't feel well, i'm going outside for some air." She'd already stood up when she said this to her parents, who turned their attention from The Avatar to her.
"Are you Alright, Sweetie ?" Asked a concerned Kya.
"Nothing, Mom, i just want to get some air." Before any of her parents could respond, Katara was already at the opening, making her way to the other side of the gardens towards The Turtle duck pond, thank the spirits it wasn't occupied this time, she sat down looking at the pond with wide eyes, still in disbelief of what she just saw, Why'd Aang lie to her about something like that ? Even if she had any doubts he made sure to shut them down, I should've been more clever, I should've found it odd that an Airbender was in The North Pole, Stupid Katara !
She kept scolding her self mentally, and lost in thought before a certain Airbender saw her walking away from the party and followed her to the pond, he snapped her out of her daze.
"Everything Alright, Princess ?" Katara turned her head up abruptly from her position on a bench near the pond, only for her face to be visibly consumed by anger and hurt when she laid eyes on a certain smiling Avatar, whose smile turned into a frown when he saw the look on her face.
"Please, Aang, just Go Away." Katara said in a calm voice, trying to contain her anger.
"Just let me Explain, Ok ?"
"Explain What !" Now she was yelling in anger and frustration.. "That you lied to me ?! That you kept the truth from me ? You know what the worst part is ? That i can't find a reason for what you did other than your distrust in me !" Katara couldn't contain her anger any longer as she lashed out at Aang.
"Of Course i trust you, Katara, do you think i'd have let you ride Appa if otherwise ?" Aang tried to soothe her anger in a calm voice.
"Then Why'd you keep the truth from me ?" she asked her tone still as high-pitched.
"Because i don't like to use my title to know people, i wanted you in particular to know me and befriend me for who i am not for what i am." Aang said taking a place beside her on the bench, making Katara scoot away, she knew he had a hurt expression on his face after the gesture but she couldn't care less as she was even more hurt at the moment.
"Doesn't that equal what i just said ?"
"No, it doesn't, Katara, that doesn't mean i distrust you, it means that i value your friendship, Friendships that are built on titles don't last long, i mean.. you kept the truth from me at first that you're a water tribe Princess, why did you do that ?" Aang asked having a feeling that Katara had the same standards, which of course she did, and that's why her face softened a bit but not enough for it to be Soft, as she was still a bit angry.
"Well, i did tell you literally a couple of hours later on Appa, remember ?"
"Yeah, but you meant to keep it from me at first, maybe it was just my undeniable charm that made you say it." Aang said with a smirk trying to lighten up the mood, Katara almost smiled at his remark but she decided against it.
"Ha Ha, Very Funny, maybe you're right, but i'm still angry at you."
"Yeah, I am right, My Charm is undeniable." This time Katara couldn't hold her smile, she turned her head towards him to see the smirk still plastered on his face, she punched his arm aggressively making him yell in pain.
"Not What I meant !" She said in an angry tone but couldn't wipe the smirk off her face, while watching him rub his sore arm.
"Ow ! And i thought Toph was bad enough, Oh My Poor Arm.." Aang whined comically making Katara almost giggle at his antics.
She sighed dramatically, "Ah, that made me feel better, Alright, I forgive you, Avatar, you're good at convincing people, you know, should i be scared ?" Katara asked looking at him sideways with a teasing smile, Aang was still rubbing his arm at the moment.
"Oh, No, you don't have to fear from me, I'm The Avatar, remember ? I'm the savior of the world." Aang said raising his head proudly, making Katara teasingly grunt in disgust.
"Ugh, if this is the savior of our world, then we're really doomed." Although she meant it in a teasing way, she saw an odd expression pass on Aang's face, he looked really flustered by her words, she thought it was her fault.
"What ? you're getting upset by some words now ? didn't take you for that kind of guy." Katara tried to lighten the mood, and of course she did, but she had a feeling Aang was hiding something.
"No, it's not your words that upset me, i just remembered something.." Katara thought Aang was about to talk, but he looks like he decided against it, as he cut her off by saying.. "Nevermind, it's nothing important, Anyway, i came here for another purpose entirely." Katara contained her hurt over the feeling that Aang was once again keeping things from her, and decided to listen to him.
"What's it ?" Aang looked perplexed and bemused at first, but then he took a deep breath, and decided to tell Katara what he came here to say.
"Well, as you can see, This is a ball, and the people inside are dancing, and as you can also see i don't have a date tonight..." Now, it was Katara's turn to look perplexed and bemused, does he mean what i think he means ? she asked herself inwardly before Aang continued.. "Will you be my date tonight ?" he finished with a smile.
Katara was speechless for a while until Aang was now visibly confused, before he had a chance to address the situation, she rushed to give him an answer.
"Yes, Of Course, Aang !" The Happiness in her voice was unparalleled, making Aang grin widely, while Katara was blushing madly.
"Alright then, Shall we go inside now, My Lady ?" Aang stood up, extending a hand to her while consuming a Lord's voice and a gentlemanly look on his face, Katara giggled at the sight.
"Why, Of Course, My Good Sir." She went on with the act, and she took his hand, and together they strolled inside to dance, Aang might've kept the truth from her, he might even be still keeping some things from her, But One Thing she knew for sure.
Tonight, she's making a valuable Friend, and maybe More..
Zuko
After the ball was over, it was time for the people of The Four Nations to gather for a feast and a celebration, at which they drink and get wasted till the morning, and people were doing just so, except for Aang, The Firelord and the rest of the world leaders who were having a closed meeting inside the war room at the moment.
Zuko wasn't invited of course, nor was his uncle, so they decided to spend some time with Toph, who was sitting with them at a table, he wished Mai could stay for a little while longer, but she had to leave with Ty Lee to do something for Azula, as for Toph's date Haru, he had to leave with his father as well, he told Toph that him and his dad don't drink and they are early sleepers so they had to leave the party early before they might doze off on one of the tables.
"You know, I just realized that us Three are the perfect examples that The idea of a father in the family isn't that good." Toph joked as she took a sip from her drink, Iroh and Zuko laughed at her joke.
"Hey, it's not like your father's a monster who's threatening World Safety.." Zuko started, "Maybe his father was like that.." Motioning at his uncle, and then he motioned at himself. "And my father is like that, but your father just cares for you too much, it's not that big of a problem." Zuko finished and took a sip from his own drink, he looked around him and found Azula standing at the gateway of the palace, giving orders to her comrades, protecting the place, he smiled a bit.
before Toph could respond though, Iroh ,being the only one of them who's drinking Tea, decided to be the wise voice of the conversation, As Always.
"Our Fathers just had difficulties with their lives, i mean, maybe your grandfather was too easy on your father, Toph, and that made him spoiled when he was young, that's why he's treating you that way.." Toph looked somewhat convinced by Iroh's words, as she heard the same words from her mom a while ago, Then the wise former general continued.. "And my father was raised by Firelord Sozin, Nothing else to be said." Iroh finished, making Zuko confused.
"Wait, What about my father ?" Zuko asked, Iroh hesitated for a bit before Toph responded for him.
"I think he doesn't want to break his morals and say that your father's just pure evil and a douchebag." Zuko and Iroh laughed harder at this one, totally agreeing with Toph.
All of a sudden they heard a Loud Bang inside the palace, Zuko, Iroh and Toph reflexively ducked behind the table and shielded their faces.
"What The Hell Was That ?!" Yelled Zuko, Toph tapped her foot on the ground to get a better look.
"This Is Not Good, Not Good At All." Toph responded, with a horrified face, Zuko looked at the palace gate, only to find out that Azula disappeared.
"Oh, No.." Zuko said and before they knew it another Loud Bang happened in the gardens, and a large group of Warriors and some of the palace guards, were attacking all the guests, Killing every single one in their path.
Inside The war room moments ago
Aang looked around to find all the world leaders and their families inside the war room, He looked around to find Chief Arnook and Yue, whom he greeted earlier, also he saw Chief Hakoda, he kept his wife and daughter outside to enjoy the ceremony, but by his side at the moment sat his son, Sokka, who kept eyeing Aang for the entire ordeal, he wasn't sure why, or was he ?
anyways, he also he saw Earth King Kuei, and his weird pet bear Bosco, which The Earth King takes with him everywhere, Aang loved Animals, but that Animal just looked so weird, Anyways.. he was also sitting beside the monks that raised him, who he never appreciated that much, Monk Passang and sister Yeshin, whom he had an encounter with earlier before his speech..
"Welcome, Avatar Aang." He could sense the mocking in the elder monk's voice, Aang decided to give a response of his own.
"Oh, Now i'm Avatar Aang ? I thought It was 'The Drunken Lush Unfit to be Avatar' Aang." Aang replied to the approaching monk.
"You'll never stop being a despicable human being, won't you ?"
"Always your student, My dear Teacher." Aang replied bowing to him in a mocking way, making the elder monk frown in irritation.
"Come Now, Aang, at least greet us properly for once in your life." Said Sister Yeshin, whose words looked genuine at least.
"I'd have tried had Monk Grumpy Over here been nicer to me." Before the monk could voice his disapproval the sister spoke once again.
"We're not going to remain in this world for a long time, Aang, all we're looking for from you is some appreciation, that's all, Have a good day, My Dear." She finished, and she strolled back to the party taking the elder monk with her, leaving a confused Aang to his thoughts.
Now, All the world leaders and their advisors were sitting in front of the Firelord, but their advisors couldn't make it, because they were keeping things in order in their respective countries until the rulers return, For Earth King Kuei in The Earth Kingdom it was Long Feng, For Chief Hakoda in the south it was councilman Voccak, For Chief Arnook in the north it was his nephew Hahn.
The World leaders were discussing matters of Mutual Trading between the Firenation and the other three nations, The Firenation still had some difficulties dealing with the rest of the world and It was The Firelord and The Avatar's duties to deal with such problems, they needed a solution fast, or else The Firenation might face certain supplies problems in the near futures.
As The Northern Chief almost finished his entry in the matter though, something happened that concluded the meeting, and the rest of the ceremony, A Loud Bang consumed the hall, followed by smoke that blinded the sitting leaders.
"What the hell ?!" One Of the people present yelled, Aang was trying to get a better look at what was happening, he was trying to reach anyone in the hall, but unfortunately he couldn't reach anyone, unlike the rest of the leaders who were all settled in a corner screaming for the other leaders and the avatar to follow their voice, before they could finish though..
The Sound of slaughter were heard, Aang had a panicked look on his face, and yelled for the other leader..
"Hey ! My Lords ! Yue ! What's happening ?!" Finally after regaining control of his senses, with one motion of his hands, Aang cleared the smoke with Airbending, Only to wish he hadn't..
All the world leaders were slaughtered and their bodies laying on the floor, he'd have noticed that Chief Hakoda and his son Sokka weren't in the room had he not been too stunned at the moment to even speak, Earth King Kuei and his pet bear, Monk Passing and sister Yeshin, Firelord Ozai was pinned to the floor by a dozen firebenders, but that wasn't the worst part, he saw it from the corner of his eye, then he turned to see it completely..
Chief Arnook, and his best friend, practically his sister, Yue laying on the floor with opened throats, blood staining every inch of the floor.
Before Aang could scream or do anything, he was shot full of arrows, he looked around as he was being shot to find archers on the pillars of the hall with face paint, shooting him with four arrows dropping him on the floor next to the victims, Aang was now was fighting to remain conscious.
Outside The Palace
Hakoda and Sokka made their way outside the palace, only to find an identical scene to the one they just left inside, People were being slaughtered everywhere, as soon as they made their way to the entrance of the palace, they found three people trying to make their entrance in.
"General Iroh." Called Hakoda as he saw all three of them rushing to their side.
"Hakoda, What's happening ? What happened inside ?"
"I don't know, General, some people attacked inside, everyone inside's down, Where're my wife and daughter ?!" Hakoda asked in panic.
"What about Aang and My Father, are they alright ?!" Zuko asked him, while they kept arguing Sokka had had enough and tried to leave them and go search for his sister and mother himself, only to be caught by his father.
"Wait, Son, You can't go there alone, i'm going with you." Hakoda called.
"Then Let's Go, Dad !" Sokka called, and together he and his father left a horrified trio behind.
"Zuko, Aang and my family are still inside, Let's Go !" said a horrified Toph, and together they made their way to the inside.
The Firelord's office
"What's happening outside ?! Toph's out there right ?!" Said a frightened Lao Beifong from his position inside The Firelord's office, beside him his wife and daughter who were as frightened as he were, he was originally here to make a deal with The Firelord, only to find out later that It wasn't the deal at all.
"Don't worry, My Lord, everything's under control." Said a voice from behind a pillar.
"Who're you ?!" Said Luna taking an earthbending stance.
"My Name's Zhao, former Navy commander and current leader of the Firenation Rebel movement.." announced the former commander, "and you're here for safe keeping, i'd advice against what you're about to do little girl, because if you look around you, you'd find that you're clearly outnumbered, Think of your family." finished Zhao.
Luna looked around and found that Zhao was absolutely right, other than The Firebenders following Zhao to the scene, there were several archers positioned in various places around the office, Luna had no choice but lay down her arms and surrender.
"Smart Choice, Little Girl." said Zhao with a menacing smirk.
Outside The War room
"Alright, Zuko, this is it, i can feel them all inside the hall right now, and..." Toph stopped for a second before her face got consumed by a horrified look once again.. "Oh, Spirits, Aang is badly hurt."
Zuko almost rushed inside, before Iroh held him down. "No, wait until the perfect moment, Wait." Zuko hesitated but eventually settled down with a broken look on his face, he wanted to just rush inside the hall, save his best friend's life no matter the cost, but his uncle was right as usual, he had to wait for the perfect moment, so he just banged the back of his head to the wall, and waited beside his uncle and Toph outside the war room.
Inside The War Room
despite being badly Injured, Aang was crawling on his stomach with his hands, not to attack the rebels who were at the moment threatening Firelord Ozai's life, No, he was crawling to the side of his Friend, The Girl who was more than a sister to him, she laid motionless on the ground, Aang held her head in his hands with a crushed and broken soul, reflecting in his tearful eyes and the crushed and broken look on his face, not because his body was shot full of arrows, but because of the sight that was in front of him, the carnage that just happened, and it was all his fault.
He laid Yue's head gently back on the floor and felt rage building up inside him, Anger consumed Aang, and before he knew it, his teary eyes and tattoos glowed with white fury, sending a gust of wind making everyone in the room fly in opposite sides, and despite his injuries, he ascended to the air making everyone in the room believe they were definitely facing their Doom.
And of course, They were..
Outside The Palace
Sokka and Hakoda were battling their way in the middle of all the carnage that was happening to the Guests, all the other three nations guests were being slaughtered, and they were fighting their way through all that to reach Kya and Katara.
as they were making their way through the rubble, A frightened Katara was sitting beside an injured Kya in a corner of the garden.
"Katara, Please Leave me and go, they'll kill you." Kya said calmly, trying not to yell, for her injured shoulder and so they don't be heard.
"Don't even Think about it, Mom, i'm finding a way out of this.. Please, Sokka and Dad, Be Alright, Please.." Katara said hopefully, while trying to find an opening to take her mom and get her out of here, as she was looking suddenly two men made their way towards them after killing another rebel in their way, they arrived at the scene.
"Kya, Katara !" Hakoda yelled, and he immediately rushed to Kya's side, and Sokka held a visibly broken Katara close to him.
"Katara, Have you seen Suki ?!" Sokka asked worried, after he made sure his sister is ok, and his mother is somewhat ok.
"No, never saw her since the ball, What's happening, Dad? Who're these people ?!" Katara said in a frustrated hushed tone.
"They're rebels, Katara, they attacked the inside of the palace as well, All the people inside are down." Hakoda's voice broke as he finished his sentence while holding Kya close to him, Katara's eyes widened and she was filled with more frustration.
"Aang was in there." She said completely broken now, but suddenly she had a determined look on her face. "I have to go help !" She made her way outside their hideout, only to be held by Sokka.
"Where do you think you're going ? You're not going out there !" Sokka said determinately.
"Aang is The Avatar, Sokka. if anyone can save us from all this, it's him. I have to Help Him !" Katara yelled.
"No, you won't.." Before Sokka could finish, he was interrupted by his mother.
"Go with her, Sokka, Protect her." The siblings turned their attention towards their mother.
"What ? What about you ?" Sokka responded obviously in shock of what his mother just said.
"We'll be fine, don't forget that i taught you everything you know, Boy, i can defend us just fine." Hakoda said trying to lighten the situatio a bit, but unfortunately it was un-lightenable, Sokka didn't even crack a smile, so Hakoda pressed on.. "Please, Son, Katara's right, Aang's the only one who can save us from all this, Save him for the world and for us." Sokka was now more confused than ever, but eventually he had to agree with his father, maybe he'll have a chance to search for Suki in the meantime.
"Alright, Dad, Be Safe." Sokka hugged his dad tightly, then turned to his mom and hugged her too. "You too, Mom." Katara did the same to her parents with a tearful goodbye between her and her mom.
"I'll be fine, Mom, but if you leave me, i won't be, so please, Take Care of yourself." Katara said with tearful eyes, and Kya nodded.
"I'll be, My Girl, Be safe for me, and whatever happens don't come back." Kya responded, and Katara hesitated but after seeing the look on her mom's face she nodded, and both her and Sokka strolled out of the scene.
Outside the war room
Zuko, Iroh were watching it while Toph was feeling it, The Full rage of The Avatar being brought out in full force, for Zuko and Toph that wasn't a new thing, but for Iroh he was seeing it for the first time, and it was incredible.
As Aang was ascending the air with full force of The Avatar State, his eyes and tattoos glowing shiny white, his face enraged and twisted, his posture as strong as ever, Aang almost reached the roof to gather all four elements around him and begin showing his real rage to the present people.
Only for Toph, Zuko and Iroh 'and for Sokka and Katara from behind them' to watch a scene they'll never forget that brought tears to all their eyes.
Avatar Aang being electrocuted in mid-air, he was shot with lightening in the back from an unknown source, but Zuko knew that the source didn't belong to the rebels as he knew who's the person other than his uncle and Azula that could produce this much lightening, His Father.
Zuko and the rest looked in shock as Firelord Ozai stood from his position behind Aang and shot him with lightening, the scene was cruel to say the least, it was monstrous, Iroh, Zuko and Toph heard scream from behind them as they were still stunned to the core.
"Nooooo !" Katara rushed to the room, Sokka following closely, as Aang dropped on the hall floor, they saw Katara bringing out her pouch, and Sokka with his boomerang and club and charging towards the rebels as Aang's body made contact with a thud to the floor.
Zuko, Toph and Iroh followed behind them after they came out of their shock, all five of them surrounding Aang's body, and attacking the rebels, suddenly all stopped attacking and lined and from behind them came Firelord Ozai and a young man who looked in his mid-twenties.
"I've always known you're a traitor, Brother, but turning my son into a traitor ? Now, that's immoral." Ozai taunted with a smirk on his face, while The Avatar's friends were still angry.
"You're The Traitor, Ozai, and You'll Pay For This !" Iroh gave a loud battle cry and charged at the forces while The Firelord and Shun stood behind their forces once again, Zuko yelled at the water tribe sibling and Toph.
"Toph, take Aang and get out of here, we'll hold them off !"
"I won't leave you here, Zuko, we're in this together !" Toph looked at the water tribe siblings, the girl was holding Aang's head in her hands and she appeared to be crying, Toph continued.. "there's no time ! Listen to me, you two, i can feel a secret passage this way, take Aang and go this way, get him out of here !" Sokka was about to protest as to why a blind girl would give him orders, but Toph beat him to it, "There's no Time, Water Chunk ! Help your sister get him out of here !" Toph yelled and with a battle cry she joined the fray with Iroh and Zuko.
Katara and Sokka took Aang and ran to the passage Toph pointed to, they found there was a secret door indeed and they ran outside, when they arrived at the other side of the door, they were in the back of the palace.
"Sokka, What about Mom and Dad ?" Katara asked.
"I don't know, maybe we should get back." Sokka replied, Suddenly they heard a loud growl come from the sky, they thought it was a threat and reflexively tried to protect themselves.
"Wait, it's Appa !" Yelled Katara, but she returned to her concerned posture, as she thought about who was riding Appa.
"Don't worry, i'm not here to hurt you." Came a female voice from atop of Appa with Firenation clothes, Sokka and Katara took their stances again still not trusting her, The princess landed on the ground from atop of Appa, with a flying Lemur who came to Aang's side with a concerned and horrified look.
"As soon as i heard the bang i knew what my father was up to, so i went on searching for Appa and i thought i'd find you here, jump on Appa and take him somewhere safe.." She looked meaningfully at Katara. "Please, Save Him." Azula said with a calm face, making sure her emotions don't betray her at the sight of a motionless Aang.
Katara nodded and they helped Aang up on the saddle, Sokka positioned himself on the bison's head, while Katara was trying to find a way to heal a dying Aang on the saddle.
"Fly !" he yelled but Appa didn't seem to have heard him, and he was in so much pain for his companion and friend.
"You should say Yip Yip." Azula called from underneath.
"Right, Thanks, Yip Yip !" Appa ascended to the air, with a sad growl, Sokka looked around and saw the carnage that just happened in the capital, people were being slaughtered everywhere, he almost thought about returning to his parents and search for Suki, but he thought against it, for his sister and the avatar, and together the siblings and The Avatar left The Firenation palace, leaving Azula behind to break her facade as a tear trickled down her cheek.
Inside The War Room
Zuko, Iroh and Toph were still fighting the rebels and their leader, Shun, now joined the fray as the rebels together weren't able to stop them, the fighting was still on and their focus was on the firelord from behind his forces "Give it up, Iroh, The Avatar's dead, the world leaders are dead, the whole world will soon be mine, give it up and i guarantee you safety." The Firelord offered, only for Iroh's nostrils to flare and his eyes to narrow.
"Guarantee our safety ? Like you guaranteed my son's safety to the spirit world ? You've already killed one son of mine, i won't let you kill the other, You monster." At his uncle's words, Zuko felt himself almost choking from the shock he just had.
My Father Killed Lu Ten ? He asked inwardly, he turned his attention completely to his uncle, losing focus completely, he wasn't prepared for the coming shot, as Shun shot him with a Fire stream, that Zuko's shock disallowed him from blocking.
it hit its mark on his left eye, Zuko released a scream of pain and fell on the floor.
Iroh and Toph watched the scene before them, and as The Prince fell the fighting stopped and both of them rushed to his side concerned, Firelord Ozai came to the front with a smirk.
"You Fool, you could've saved him, Now, all of you're under arrest.." He turned his attention from Iroh and Zuko to Toph, "don't try to do anything rash, little girl, your family are in our custody." Toph had a panicked look on her face, but then she surrendered.
So did Iroh.
"Smart Choice, Big Brother." Ozai said with a smirk, "Shun, take them away."
"Where should i take them, Sire ?" Shun asked with a smirk on his face.
"The Firenation Capital Prison, Until i find a way to deal with them, keep them in prison." Ozai replied, looking at Zuko's burned face, he almost felt sympathetic for him, but Sympathy is what almost cost Zuko his life, he won't make the same mistake, he turned and went outside.
"Sire, What about the bodies all around the palace and the capital." Asked Shun before The Firelord made his way to the door, Ozai shot him a serious look.
"Pile them up and burn them, then throw their ashes in the sea." The Maniac Firelord then left the room to check on the Beifong family, leaving Shun and his men to carry out his orders.
As he was walking away, he had a proud smile on his face, his face finally found Happiness, he finally succeeded in his goals for a better future to The Firenation.
The Avatar Is Dead.
