Tolan

Ah, The Pain.. Tolan woke up still chained to the chair he has been chained to all week, but his back pain was the least of his problems.

Damn, That Combustion Man really earned his reputation. Tolan thought groaning, as the marks of Lee Chan's metal arm was still visible on various parts of his body, the pain was wild everywhere, But Tolan wasn't just a trained soldier of the prestigious group of fighters The Dai Li, he was their leader, so that gives him the title best of the best, and he had to hold on to it, he had to endure the pain and never give them the information they want, Not that he knew what they required in the first place.

That stupid rat-faced piece of scum Ding kept asking him of his uncle's plans to take over Ba Sing Se and betray the firelord, Tolan kept feigning ignorance but he was half-lying about his ignorance, it's true he knew his uncle is going to betray the firelord sooner or later, but he knew nothing of his plans, he doesn't even know if his uncle started making plans to take over Ba Sing Se in the first place, so he truly had nothing to say, but that only helped doubling the pain every day for the past week, and there are still more to come.

Oh, Man. I really need to get out of here. Tolan thought with his eyes closed, daydreaming of a nice meal in the best restaurant in Ba Sing Se, The thugs only fed him enough to keep him alive, but not enough to keep his growling stomach at ease, Tolan was facing all kinds of pain but he knew that there is a prize for endurance, so he endured and he kept on defending his uncle in front of Ozai's thugs,

I hope you are worthy of the sacrifice, Uncle. Tolan mused as he has no doubt his uncle loves him, but he was starting to doubt his love for his uncle.

It was the break of day, and the sun was rising so that only meant one thing.. the door to Tolan's chamber in the ship flung open and entered Ding and Combustion man, Tolan sighed grievously, And So it starts again.. Tolan thought before Ding came and took a seat in front of him looking at him with his beady eyes, his face who perfectly resembled a rat was looking as smug as ever.

"Looking good today, m'lord, i see the scars are growing on ya." Ding started tauntingly.

"My sincere thanks to your huge friend by your side for blessing my face with them." Tolan replied with a tired smile.

Ding snorted. "I can't believe that you're still resisting, i gotta say as much as it's fun torturing you but we're nearing Yu Dao and we still had nothing from you. trust me if you think we're bad, wait till you see Lord Shun's ways of torture, he absolutely feasts on it, we're spirit angels compared to him, so you better start talking now and spare yourself some hassle." Ding said, Tolan for a certainty doesn't know who Shun is, but if Ding and Combustion man undermine themselves compared to him, then he sure is a big deal.

"What do you want me to say, Ding ? I have nothing to provide you with, i told you i know nothing of my uncle's plans to take over Ba Sing Se, you think if i knew i would have kept this metal beast of yours tearing me apart for over a week ?" Tolan replied with a high-pitched tone.

"I know you are hiding the truth from me, and that disappoints me and my metal beast, disappointment isn't something to be trifled with, it hurts our feelings, M'Lord." Ding said with a mocking voice.

"I told you countless times i am telling the truth, you can get a truth seer and ask him yourself if i am telling the truth." Tolan said angrily.

"What's a truth seer ?" Ding asked, genuinely confused which amused Tolan and he almost laughed at the sight, but kept it to himself.

"Uhm.. it's an ancient art of the old earthbenders, they use their foot to feel the heartbeats of the accused and through it they have the ability to know whether or not the accused is lying." Tolan replied.

"Wow, a marvelous trait indeed, but i am afraid all earthbenders hate us." Ding said.

"Don't say that, Ding. I like ya." Tolan replied with a steady face.

Ding scowled, "You're trying to make fun of me, boy ?" behind him Combustion Man took a step towards Tolan.

i shouldn't have opened my mouth. Tolan thought, taking a note to cut off his tongue if he made it out alive.

"No, i wasn't, i was just stating a fact, i've been here for a week, of course you've grown on me, man." Tolan said with an apologizing tone, but Ding didn't buy it.

"You have a sharp tongue, boy, but i am sure you'll do okay without it.. Lee." Ding motioned to combustion man with his head, and the combustion man came forward.

"No, No.. you can't be serious, Ding i said i like ya, man, you can't be seriously thinking of chopping off my tongue." Tolan said in a rush, and Ding had a pensive look on his face.

"You know what, i didn't actually command him to do that, but that's a bright idea, Lee, his tongue." Ding replied and a thought at the back of Tolan's mind said it might actually be a good idea,

as once again his tongue put him in trouble, yet Tolan tried to resist yelling 'No!' and 'I would do anything!' but Combustion man never listened, he came near Tolan with his metal arm, and put it on his face, trying to open Tolan's mouth and pull his tongue out.

Suddenly, screams and yelps of pain were heard outside the room and yells for help boomed through the whole ship, Combustion Man let go of Tolan who breathed a sigh of relief and went with Ding to the opening of the door, all of a sudden, the door flung open and a rush of water came towards both men, the water froze with both of them inside the icicles, Tolan was still frozen to his place when he saw a young man of about his age or younger, with chiseled chest and muscles defining his features, and a northern water tribe sigil embroidered on his chest, he came in and saw Tolan chained to the chair.

"Who are you ?" The young man asked coming forward passing by the frozen thugs.

"My name is Tolan, i am an Earthbender and these people captured me, please, let me out." Tolan pleaded, leaving out the part that he is a Dai Li agent to enforce his chances of survival, the door flung open again and three girls with make-up came in, and behind them a tall man at his forties with a goatee and a southern watertribe sigil embroidered on his chest came in as well.

"What's happening, Petu ? Why have you lingered here ?" Asked the young woman in make-up which Tolan finally identified as Kyoshi island make-up, those girls are Kysohi warriors and the girl who talked is probably their leader.

"This guy right there says he is Earth Kingdom and Those thugs that i just froze captured him, Suki." The guy whose name turned out to be Petu replied.

"Wait a second, i know you.." The man behind the kyoshi warriors spoke, "You are Tolan, Long Feng's Nephew and the current leader of the Dai Li agents." The man finished.

As the man came into view, Tolan was absolutely shocked when he recognized him,

"Chief Hakoda ? You are still alive ?" Tolan asked the man, he still can't believe what he is seeing, maybe it's another daydream or this is just a ghost, it can't be.

"No longer a chief, Son, a Confidant of the firelord took my place just like your uncle, the firelord's other confidant, took the earth king's place." Chief Hakoda said, and Tolan's shock wore off as he realized he was in so much trouble.

"If it makes any difference, i told my uncle to his face that he is a traitor of the nation for doing so." Tolan said sadly while still chained, and a look of compassion passed through Hakoda's eyes but only for mere seconds.

"We'll see about that once we reach our camp, son. Suki, take your warriors and guide him to my ship. Petu, lift these thugs and throw them in the water, and order the men to take control of this ship and bring it with us." Chief Hakoda gave commands and soon after breaking his chains and providing him with fresh ones, Tolan found himself being driven by girls to the other ship that Chief Hakoda harbored beside Ding and Lee Chan's ship, Tolan found special amusement as he saw Petu lift the icicles containing Ding and Combustion man and throw it in the water, Ding floated but Combustion Man sank in the water due to his heavy armor and that was the last Tolan saw of them.

Maybe Chief Hakoda captured him, but at least there will be no more torture as he saw from those vile thugs, also he still has a lot to talk about with Chief Hakoda concerning his sudden resurrection.

Aang

Aang was sitting atop Appa's head, wondering how in the spirits' name has everything went on so fast.

Just the day before he was weeping all day in a secluded room for Master Iroh's death, Now, it's almost midday and he is atop his bison flying towards the earth kingdom, it's been a rough morning for Aang, but Aang wasn't a pessimistic guy, so he remembered that at least he didn't use drinking to ease his pain this time, even Aang himself was surprised that he endured the pain and never asked for any wine to ease his pain like he used to, that was something to be think brightly about, right ?

Aang looked back at the saddle of his bison, to find the kid fast asleep even though it was past midday but he was tired from a long night training, Aang smiled as he remembered this morning when this kid came to Aang and applied for a position that Aang saw very dangerous, the kid in the saddle was Senge, the twelve years old Airbending prodigy, and if it wasn't for Sokka, Aang wouldn't have accepted him coming with him to the earth kingdom.

"Master Aang, May i come in?" Aang heard someone say as he was sitting in his usual seat at the breakfast table beside Katara, who was having extra care over him at the moment, for obvious reasons, and Aang didn't seem to mind her attention.

"Of course you may come in, Senge." Aang said to the kid doing his best to smile for the sake of the kid, he entered the room with a smile gracing his lips, Aang couldn't help but think this kid reminded him so much of his younger self, he even looks like him.

"I just want to ask you something, and i hope you say yes, Please.." Senge pleaded and Aang tilted his head.

"Of course, Senge.. what's on your mind ?" Aang asked, as all people in the room were driving their focus towards Senge.

"I want to go to the earth kingdom with you." Senge said, and the room fell silent, Aang kept staring agape at the little guy.

"You are being serious, aren't you?" Aang asked confusedly and the boy nodded confidently, Aang narrowed his eyes at him, "Senge, you can't be really thinking that, do you know how dangerous this is?" Aang asked.

"I know how dangerous this is for you, that's why i am asking you to let me come with you, i want to help you win this war." Senge boosted and Aang couldn't help but admire the little kid's courage, but he knew the hard way that courage isn't even a merit in the war against Ozai.

"I won't allow it, Senge. my decision is final, now go back and resume your training." Aang said as he brushed off the kid and returned to his meal.

Senge's eyes narrowed and he started shouting, "You think i am weak?! I am twelve years old, you got out of the temple and started fighting at the same age, tell me what makes me any different?!" Senge asked angrily, and Aang flinched at the boy's tone but not visibly.

"Uhm.. let me think for a second, Oh, i remember, Maybe The fact that i am the avatar and i had to?" Aang asked sarcastically.

"That's beside the point, you weren't even a fully realized avatar back then, you were just an airbender, and you learned the other elements along the way, i am the same as you were at that age, let me come with you, please" Senge pleaded one more time and Aang could only look at the boy with surprise,

how could he stay this persistent about the thing? i don't remember myself being this excited about going to war. Aang thought with astonishment.
"You think war is a game? you could get yourself killed, and if you die..." Aang sighed, "Listen, Senge, my conscious can't endure more burdens, ok? it's already hard enough on me, so please, stop these childish acts and go back to training." Aang said and motioned to the outside.

"It doesn't matter, why do you and your friends get to sacrifice yourself for the world and i get to sit here and wait for the results? I am a fighter, Avatar Aang, and if i die, then i will be more than pleased to die a fighter." Senge said, looking more mature than his actual age, Aang truly couldn't respond to the boy's assessment, he never thought someone would render him speechless other than Katara, much less a boy of twelve.

"I can vouch for the kid, Aang." Aang turned his head sharply towards the familiar voice of his friend Sokka.

"You can't be seriously agreeing with this, can you?" Aang asked Sokka angrily.

Sokka took a sip at his tea and reasoned with Aang, "I've been training this kid for more than three months, Aang, he's got it, he is the bravest, smartest and most skilled kid i've ever seen, and he can hold his own during a fight, trust me, i know a fighter when i see one." Sokka said, Aang was still unconvinced and look at Katara for confirmation, Katara only shrugged agreeing with Sokka that the kid should come, Aang got the message and finally agreed..

"Alright, Senge.." A look of excitement passed on the boy's face but he contained it seconds later, Aang smiled and continued, "You are coming with me to meet with Jet, while Katara and Master Tenzin will go on his bison to King Bumi, and Sokka will go to Chameleon Bay to look for his father's soldiers, prepare yourself, we'll start the journey before midday." Aang decided and Senge finally had a full smile on, and everyone went the way they were supposed to.

And ever since then he's been flying towards the countryside outside Yu Dao at the same location Jet provided him, he still felt pain for Master Iroh, for Zuko and Toph who might still be in prison, and he knew he will miss Katara and Sokka in the coming days, but everything is for a purpose and they needed to achieve that purpose if they are going to meet again, and Aang decided to work his best so they could meet again as soon as possible.

So he kept flying towards his destination, it's going to be a long flight to the countryside of Yu Dao and they will make some stops along the way, He only hoped for it to be worthy of the struggle.

Zuko

Sitting alone in the dimness of a prison cell for only one day could change the mind of one completely, but even though he has been at the same position for almost three months why has he been thinking the same thought every day ?

I am going to kill my father. That was the thought that haunted Zuko whether awake or asleep, that was his most ambition in life, that was his life's dream, he didn't care if that dream will bring him satisfaction or will be enough to heal his wounds, but he just wanted to do it, so badly that he can give up anything and everything to do it.

Oh, Uncle.. I need you.. Zuko thought grievously as he slumped back against the wall of the prison cell, when he received the news of his uncle's execution he has stayed motionless for almost three days, refusing to eat and scarcely sleep, he just wanted nothing to die, it was pure sadness at its worst, but soon that sadness turned to anger, hatred and a need for vengeance, the thought of killing his father occurred to Zuko when he killed Aang and disfigured him, the thought got stronger when he learned that his father killed his mother, but now.. now it's not just a thought, it's a need, it's a need to live on, and he won't stop until he does it.

Zuko sat in the corner of the cell slumping against the wall, his head throbbing with a headache that he's been having ever since he learned the news of his uncle, his face has grown used to being pale, his body scarcely has any weight left to it, his eyes tired of scarce sleeping, and his stomach growling for food, he kept pondering the thought of just ending it all, ending all the pain with a single firebending slice, just a deep cut to a fatal point of his body and it'll all be over, he wondered what kept him going, there was nothing left, he doesn't believe in anything anymore, he's been more of a cynic than he ever imagined himself to be, maybe his life before the cursed ceremonies was a living hell, but now it's nothing, a living hell is something, but nothing is just nothing.

All of a sudden he heard some movement outside his chamber, the movement interested him but he did little to move as he was still slumping against the wall, moments later the metal door to his chamber just got off its hinges and flew to the other side of the room, that got Zuko to move off his place, how could someone make a metal door fly that fast ? Zuko turned his gaze to the opening of the door to find none other than his female friend standing at the opening.

"Zuko, i can see you, why the hell is your floor made of earth and mine made of metal?" Toph made her way to Zuko's cell and he finally broke his gaze as he was still shocked at how she got here.

"Toph? How the hell did you get here?" Zuko asked more shocked than confused.

"Long story short.." Toph started as she cracked her knuckles, wiggled her fingers a bit and put them on the metal bars of Zuko's cell, "Your sister came to me the other night, telling me that she has an escape plan for us and she's going to rescue all of us, me, you and Luna, i told her i've been waiting for someone to enforce my escape plan for a long time, she asked and what plan is that, i told her that now i can do this.."

Toph simply moved her hands apart, and the metal bars of the cell went on with it, Zuko was more than astonished to see Toph metalbending the bars aside, making a way for Zuko to escape, he set his mouth agape and kept gazing at the sight, Toph noticed and continued,

"Look, i know how amazing that is, but we really need to move now, Azula is outside making a path for us with Luna on her side, she says there is a ship waiting for us at the bay leaving for the earth kingdom." Toph finished, as she grabbed Zuko and went out of the cell feeling with her feet to see if there are any soldiers nearby, when she realized there is none, she kept on going with Zuko in toe.

"But wait, who's helping you and Azula?" Zuko asked as he hurried behind Toph out of the prison.

"Mai and Ty Lee, Mai is at the docks waiting for us with the ship, and Ty Lee is at the door making sure no soldiers are coming by and to take us to the ship because Azula will stay here." Toph said, and Zuko got confused.

"What? Why would Azula stay here?" Zuko asked bewildered by the thought.

"She said she has to stay here to cover for us until we're gone, it's a long way to the docks and longer out of the firenation, you know." Toph said as they finally made their way outside of the prison, Zuko let the thought of Azula's safety sink in for now, until he found Azula with Ty Lee and Luna waiting outside the prison at a secluded area, Azula noticed them first..

"Good, you are here, now you need to hurry or else the guards will wake up and make a scene of it." Azula said hurriedly motioning for Ty Lee to take them and go, but Zuko stopped and stepped closer towards Azula.

"Azula, why are you doing this? you are sacrificing your position, is it really worth-" before Zuko got to finish his phrase, he was interrupted with a fierce hug from Azula, knocking all the sense out fo Zuko, but soon he regained control over his senses and hugged her back just as fiercely, she let go of him and held him at arms' length.

"Of course it's worth it, consider it a repayment for helping me see the right path.." Azula looked at Zuko with watery eyes and Zuko's eyes were reflecting them, "Farewell, big brother." Azula said as she let go of him and walked back to the prison,

as she took two steps away though Zuko stopped her, "Azula.." Zuko called and Azula looked back, "Thank you.. for saving me." Zuko said with a sad smile, and Azula returned it faintly, but motioned with her hands for him to go and ran back to the prison, Zuko looked back at his friends and together they made their ways to the docks, before they made it there though, Zuko glimpsed the firenation royal palace, looking calm and still, it's time for doing the inevitable.

he stopped and halted the group with him, "Zuko, what are you doing?" Ty Lee called back as Zuko stopped and fixated his sight on the palace.

"There's something i left in the palace, and i need to get it back, Toph, i need you with me, Ty Lee, take Luna and go to the docks, wait for us but if you sensed any danger close, don't hesitate to leave without us." Zuko said to Ty Lee, and it was Toph's turn to interfere.

"What? Why shouldn't i go with them?" Toph said confusedly.

"Toph, i need you, and you need to come with me to the palace too, remember, your parents are still there.." Zuko told her, Toph reconsidered for a second, but Zuko cut her train of thought, "Toph, i have no time for this, whether you come with me or i go there alone, it's your choice." Zuko said finally.

Toph groaned and looked at her sister, "Go with Ty Lee, I need to go with Zuko, and i promise i'll come back with mom and dad." Toph told her, then Luna gave her a hug and Toph reciprocated.

"Remember, you promised to come back." Luna said before she hesitantly ran with Ty Lee towards the docks.

"Alright, Spraky, which way should we go?" Toph asked.

"we can't go anyway without being seen, so we have to take it underground, I want you to make a hole in the ground and feel your way to the palace, once we get there i'll tell you which way to go to reach our destination." Zuko said, and Toph did as asked, they both jumped in the hole and Toph shut the hole again but not without leaving an opener to remember this at the way back and to provide them with some air, Zuko made a flame with his hand and Toph led the way to the palace, it was a rather short path with Toph earthbending the whole way and they finally reached the palace gardens, "Do you feel any guards nearby?" Zuko asked.

"Nope, all clear." Toph replied, and she made another hole in the ground and launched both her and Zuko up to the gardens, they made their way to the inside of the palace, they saw two guards sleeping on guard duty and Zuko noticed that the hallway to his father's chambers was empty, that could only mean one thing, his father is doing something important and he doesn't want any guards near him at the moment.

"Alright, Toph, you head that way to the firelord's office, there you will find your parents and then take them and go the hole you made in the gardens and wait for me there, okay?" Zuko said, and Toph nodded and went to the way of the office feeling the earth the whole way there.

Alright, Firelord Ozai, your time has come. Zuko said as he made his way to his father's office lightly, making sure to not make any noise, he slowly turned the knob of his father's door, he peeked with his eyes inside the chamber and his father was no where to be found, Where did he go? Zuko asked internally.

He remembered the room doesn't just contain a bedroom, it has a bathroom as well, Zuko made his way to the bathroom checking every corner of the room on his way to make sure his father wasn't hiding something here or there, and Zuko looked at his father's desk, he found something strangely familiar..

My two-handed sword? What's it doing here? Zuko asked internally as to why his father kept his sword in his chambers? But then he took the sword, he fastened it on his back, it felt great to feel the sword on his back one more time, but he kept going making his way to the bathroom, and there he turned the knob of the door and opened it, to find the most disgusting sight he's ever seen.

His father in the bath tub, cuddling with a whore.

This is the important stuff that you send the guards away for? Is there anything not disgusting about you? Zuko thought inwardly as his father hasn't noticed him yet, his father finally took notice of his presence, he gasped and almost made it to his feet but remembered that he was naked in the bath tub, so he sat down again, startling the whore with him and she screamed when she saw the prince, Zuko pointed the sword towards her face and motioned for her to shut her mouth, and she immediately did so, maybe she was afraid of the scar on my eyes. Zuko mused bitterly.

"I'm sorry, am i interrupting something, Firelord?" Zuko asked sarcastically with a smile on his face.

"Prince Zuko?! What are you doing here? who let you out of prison?!" Ozai asked trying to cover himself with his hands, and the whore beside him doing the same.

"Who let me out of prison? that's Azula, as for what i am doing here, it's something i told you i will do almost a month ago, remember?" Zuko asked with the same smile gracing his lips.

"You are going to kill your own father? your own firelord?" Ozai said with a high voice, and Zuko knew it was to get the attention of the guards.

"Maybe the whore made your mind a little dizzy, i get it she's incredibly beautiful.." Zuko said as he took notice of her, and the whore looked at him uneasily, "But don't let that distract you from the fact that you sent away the guards, Firelord Ozai." Zuko said.

Ozai's eyes narrowed and he brought his fingertips behind him, Finally.. he's pissed. Zuko thought, "I don't need guards to kill the likes of you." Ozai said, and with a grunt he moved his arms together in motion, creating lightening and he rushed towards Zuko.

How could his father make such mistake? Maybe because he doesn't know of the ability Uncle taught me, not that i am surprised, he knows little to nothing about me.. Zuko thought as he remembered his uncle's teachings as the lightening bolt made its way towards him..

A waterbender lets their defense become their offense, turning their opponents' energy against them. I learned a way to do this with lightning. His uncle once said while teaching him his self-made technique, Zuko moved his hands up and he met the lightening bolt with his finger tips,

If you let the energy in your own body flow, the lightning will follow it. Zuko let the energy in his body flow, he made a pathway from his fingertips, up his arm to his shoulder then down into his stomach,

The stomach is the source of energy in your body. It is called the sea of chi. Zuko remembered as he let the energy linger in the stomach while the lightening drove him back a little bit, with the whole room turning blue from the ordeal..

From the stomach, you direct it up again, and out the other arm. And he did as his uncle taught him, he let the energy flow out the other arm and the lightening followed it, he directed his fingertips towards his now frightened and shocked father, but then he thought of a better solution, instead of directing it towards his father, he directed the lightening to the water in the bath tub which his father was standing on, the lightening crashed through the water with a splash, his father and his whore feeling the effects.

The girl screamed and Zuko felt slightly bad for her, but the sight of his father screaming as well satisfied him to no end that he kept letting out all the lightening on the water, his father fell to the water as his body couldn't take this much energy but Zuko never stopped and the lightening continued to get out of his fingertips to the water, finally the lightening stopped and Zuko took a glimpse at the whore, she was already dead as she was deep in the water with her whole body, while his father who was standing but fell down afterwards was still breathing, even though the exchange took its toll on an already tired Zuko, but he found the energy to still walk to his father and stand beside him, his father looked up at him but couldn't speak and couldn't move, Zuko found it ironic to be the one in a position of power, and his father under his mercy.

"Also, you words hold another mistake to them, Firelord.. you are not my father, You are my father's murderer." Zuko said thinking of Iroh as he unsheathed his two handed sword and drove it in Ozai's neck, moving the sword to the side to cut the throat of the firelord completely, and his father fell silent with blood pouring out of his neck reddening the water he was bathing in, Zuko also found it ironic that Firelord Ozai died in a bath tub filled with water, the one nation he hated the most.

Zuko then felt empty inside as he took one last look at his father and his whore's dead bodies on each side of the bath tub, then he took his leave and went outside and made his way to the hole where he found Toph and her parents, he still felt nothing at the sight.

"You are back, I found my parents.." Toph said as she saw Zuko coming back with his head to the ground, not even nodding in her direction he went straight to the hole and then Toph and her parents followed suit.

they made it to the docks and they found Mai, Ty Lee and Luna waiting for them, Luna rushed to hug her family welcoming them back, but Ty Lee and Mai's gazes lingered on Zuko, he felt their gazes on him but did nothing to reciprocate, he didn't even hug Mai who was waiting for him and helped him, he just made his way to the ship, he went to an empty chamber and he just layed on the bed, feeling nothing at all..

Maybe before i felt the need to kill my father, that was a need, now i need nothing, i feel nothing. I killed my father.. Zuko realized as his eyes closed and he went to sleep.


WOW, What a rollercoaster chapter right ? Thanks for everyone who is still going through this journey with me, but i am going to take a break for a month or two after this chapter, When i get back, we'll go through an entirely new path of the story as what happened at the end changed the entire dynamic of the story and we need to find new threats and discover different aspects to the story, I hope you enjoyed it..

Of Course this story was inspired by a lot of other stories like A Song Of Ice And Fire by George RR Martin, you should read it..

And other stories as well, I hope you enjoyed taking these stories and merging them with the world of Avatar.

Until we meet again, Folks. Farewell.