"Firelord Ozai, you and your forefathers have devastated the balance of this world, and now you shall pay the ultimate price!"

Avatar Aang was looming viciously over Firelord Ozai, his eyes and tattoos glowing as he was floating, the four elements surrounding him.

This is it. Everything that he's been working toward for the last nine months has come down to this very moment. Firelord Ozai, evil madman, the leader of the most devastating war the world has ever seen is encased in rock helplessly in front of him.

The enraged Avatar swung his arms and channeled a concentrated stream of water, earth, fire and air around himself, straight toward Ozai's heart.

No.

He can't do it. Aang won't deliver the final blow... He can't. This is not right. All life is sacred. That's what his mentor and father-figure told him. There was no way he was going to betray his masters teachings.

Ozai struggled within his bonds and snapped his eyes shut, as Aang wound up all four elements to pierce through his heart. He anticipated an agonizing end, with his entrails having been drilled through with the elements. Just as he was expecting the end, all he felt was a splash of water.

He looked up as the Avatar descended, coming out of the Avatar State and landing on the pillar. He undid his bonds with his back towards the Fire Lord.

"No... I'm not gonna end it like this." The airbender was ashamed of how close he came to taking the life of a human being as his once deadly strike hit Ozai as nothing more than a splash of water and pebbles.

There may not be any good inside the Firelord, but Aang couldn't bear the idea of this century-long war claiming another victim, certainly not by his own hand.

"Even with all the power in the world, you are still weak just the the rest of your kind" Ozai snarled.

Aang momentarily froze, anger welled up in his chest when he heard those words, gritting his teeth he turned around

"No, Firelord Ozai, they weren't weak." He pointed at the Firelord. "I let your people destroyed a whole nation. Innocent men, women, children. Defenseless, gentle, peaceful people, I was the only one that was weak"

The Firelord looked unphased and simply smirked at the Avatar

"Yes, you were weak and useless, a waste of space no less then the rest of the airbenders, it didn't take long for most people to forget the existense of your pitiful nation, and after another hundred year no one will remember you either."

Aang at this point was quivering with anger, he has never felt angrier. He thought about all the people that lived in the Southern air temple, his master Gyatso, the monks, his friends, All dead, because of monsters like this. His friends must've been so scared and confused when the attack happened, and how much more scared is the world now.

Eyes and tattoos flickering, not because he couldn't control his anger, but because he could sense his past lives all reaching out to take control, to finish the job. He could hear their voices as images of his deceased nation appeared in his head, images and sounds of men, women, children screaming and begging for help as the Fire Nation mercilessly slaughtered them and then the same of the other nations.

"HOW MANY MORE!?" He could hear all the past avatars shouting in his head "HOW MANY MORE MUST DIE? LET GO! GIVE IN! LET ONE OF US, ANYONE OF US DO IT!" They had told him before that it was his job, and his job alone, they just wanted him to man up and fulfill his duty to the world that he'd neglected for a century. but now it would seem as if he'd called their bluff, and they were afraid that he couldn't get the job done.

Ignoring their call and pushing the avatar state fully out of mind the light of it in his eyes and tattoos dimmed and faded "No" Aang said as he unclenched his fist "This isn't your job. I'll do it myself" he said as he moved his arms in circular motions instantly bending the air straight from Ozai's lungs and watched almost expressionless when the Firelord's eyes widened in fear, as he struggled to breathe.

The Firelord kept clawing at his throat in a feeble attempt to breathe and his eyes widened in horror, as the air forcibly started to retreat from his lungs.

Aang watched face blank, as Ozai's eyes slipped shut. The Firelord slowly stopped his violent struggling, and fell face first to the ground unmoving.

Aang blinked a few times before he stood up suddenly, The realization of what he had done hit him. I just killed him! He's dead!

But strangely it didn't feel the way he thought it would, he didn't feel pity, remorse, regret, sadness. He didn't even feel happy about taking the life of the evil that has massacred his people and sought to do the same to the entire world

Aang took two steps back from the unmoving body. Nothing. He felt Nothing...

The sky was darkening when an airship landed next to the pillar, since the lion turtle had touched him he could now sense energy and Aang could immediately sense who was on the ship so he didn't panic, he felt numb, and just stood up, and his friends stepped out of the ship, Suki and Toph were supporting Sokka, whose leg was wrapped up in bandages. They all had huge grins plastered on their faces, but as soon as Toph's feet made contact with the earth, her grin faded and she froze

Sokka however didn't notice and was excitedly hopping around on one foot

"You should have seen yourself" He was flailing his arms around "It was amazing-"

Aang didn't hear the rest of his words, his ears were ringing, his heartbeat pounded in his ears his body was numb but he still had strength to stand, to fight if necessary.

Suki narrowed her eyes and hesitantly stepped towards the unmoving Firelord on the ground

as Suki neared the body she said "So... did you.. you know..?"

She hesitated before finishing,

"Finish the job?"

Suddenly the ringing in his ears stopped, his heartbeat slowed and quieted to the point that even toph could barely even tell that he'd been standing there, He glanced at Toph, who was looking down with an unreadable expression on her face. she knew what'd he'd done.

Aang's exhaled slowly and attempted to catch his breath as Suki looked down at the unmoving body. They were all waiting for him to say something.

Aang looked to Ozai

"He's dead" he said without emotion in his voice or expression on his face

Sokka's eyes widened, he looked at Toph, she didn't look suprised, as if she already had known. Glancing at Suki he saw that she wore a similar expression of shock on her face.

Aang looked up to see Suki looking at him with concern, Sokka and Toph looked serious. Sokka put his hand on the airbenders shoulder.

"You feel okay buddy?"

I don't feel one way or another about it

"Yes. I'm fine" He said and looked away

They didn't look convinced, Sokka looked like he wanted to say something. Toph opened her mouth as if to speak, but suprisingly, held her tongue.

Before anyone could say anything Aang's right hand clenched and a rock tablet broke from the surface of the earth and Ozai went up with it as aang bends it towards the ship as he walked to it

"Do you think he'll be okay?" Suki asked worried

"I...don't know" was the only response Sokka could give, as they all somberly followed aang to the airship.

As the airship landed at the Fire Nation palace, a sense of unease lingered in the air. Katara and Zuko stood outside, their expressions a mix of relief and tension after defeating Azula. They watched as Aang and the others disembarked from the airship, but something seemed off about Aang.

It had been a few hours since the defeat of Azula. Katara and Zuko had been waiting this whole time but now that they'd arrived Aang's demeanor remained distant and detached. Katara approached him, her brow furrowed with concern. "Aang, what's wrong?" she asked, her voice soft.

Aang glanced at her briefly before turning away, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "Everything is fine" he replied, his tone flat and devoid of emotion.

Zuko stepped forward, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Aang, your fight, what happened?" he questioned, his voice firm.

Aang shrugged, a nonchalant gesture that belied the gravity of the situation. "I confronted Firelord Ozai," he admitted, his voice casual.

Katara gasped, her hand flying to her mouth in shock. "And what happened?" she asked, her eyes wide with concern.

Aang shrugged again, his expression unreadable. "It is finished, it always will be" he replied simply.

There was a moment of stunned silence as Katara and Zuko processed Aang's words. Toph broke the silence, her tone brimming with curiosity. "So, what did you do? I mean how did you...?"

Aang cut her off with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Does it matter?" he asked, his voice tinged with indifference. "What's done is done."

Katara's eyes filled with tears, her heart aching at Aang's apparent lack of remorse. "But Aang, taking someone's life... it's not something to be taken lightly," she insisted, her voice trembling with emotion.

Aang turned to her, his expression cold and detached. "Maybe it is maybe it isn't, as I recall this is what everyone wanted" he replied, his tone bordering on indifference. "And I did what needed to be done."

Zuko stepped forward, his gaze intense as he searched Aang's eyes for any sign of remorse. "Aang, we need to talk about this," he urged, his voice firm.

Aang shrugged off Zuko's concern, his expression remaining stoic. "There's nothing to talk about," he insisted, turning away from his friends. Walking away from them he talked "Zuko do something with your father's corpse before he starts stinking up the place" everyone was shocked at his words.

As he made his way into the palace the weight of Aang's decision hung heavy in the air. Despite the concern of his friends, Aang remained distant and detached, his mind seemingly elsewhere. The journey ahead would be fraught with challenges, but Aang was determined to face them alone. He didn't need his friends, he was the Avater, he needed no one.

As Aang entered the palace, his footsteps echoed in the grand halls, a stark contrast to the heavy silence that hung in the air. He felt a strange sense of detachment, as if he were moving through a dream rather than reality.

As he passed through the corridors, Aang's thoughts drifted back to his encounter with Firelord Ozai. He replayed the moment in his mind, the weight of his decision settling over him like a heavy cloak. But despite the gravity of the situation, Aang felt strangely numb, as if the events of the day were happening to someone else.

Reaching the throne room, Aang found himself alone, the grandeur of the space only serving to amplify his sense of isolation. He approached the throne, his gaze falling on the empty seat where Firelord Ozai had once ruled with an iron fist.

But now, there was only emptiness.

He raised his hands and put out the fire that surrounded the throne just as he'd put out Ozai's flame

Aang sighed heavily, the weight of his actions pressing down on him like a lead weight. He had always believed in the sanctity of life, but in that moment, he had made a choice that went against everything he stood for.

But why did it feel so... insignificant?

Shaking his head, Aang pushed aside his doubts and uncertainties. There were more pressing matters at hand, and he couldn't afford to dwell on the past.

As he turned to leave the throne room, Aang's thoughts turned to the future. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he would face them head-on, alone. He was the Avatar, after all. And as long as he remained true to himself, he knew he would find a way to navigate the darkness and emerge into the light once more.

As dusk settled over the Fire Nation palace, the grand dining hall buzzed with activity as servants bustled about, preparing for the evening meal. All preparation's were being made so that Zuko would ascend the throne the following day but for now they would eat. The long, ornate table was set with an array of sumptuous dishes, and the air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of roasted meats and savory sauces and spices, the spoils of the Fire nations success in the other nations.

Katara, Zuko, Sokka, Toph, and Suki gathered around the table, their conversation filled with banter and some light laughter. They had won, they had actually did it, the fire nation was defeated and now here they sat at the former fire lord's dinner table. But Aang's place remained empty, his absence casting a shadow over the festivities.

Just as the group began to wonder where Aang was, the doors to the dining hall swung open, and Aang entered, no longer wearing his old monk robes but now wearing black clothes reminiscent of what he wore when they were hiding in the fire nation except now it seemed more military, almost something that a soldier would wear.

Aang's expression was unreadable as he took his seat at the table, his movements stiff and unwasted. "Hey Aang, you made it!" Sokka exclaimed, a grin spreading across his face. "We were starting to wonder if you were going to join us."

Aang nodded absently, his attention fixed on the array of dishes before him. He reached for a plate, loading it with food in a mechanical manner.

As the others watched in confusion, as Aang's plate contained no vegetables, but rather every kind of meat that was offered on the table, Aang lifted a forkful of roasted meat to his mouth and took a slow bite. For a moment, he seemed lost in thought, his expression distant.

Then, without a moment wasted, he continued eating, his movements methodical and detached. The others exchanged puzzled glances, their smiles fading as they watched Aang consume his meal with an unsettling lack of emotion about what he was eating.

Katara reached out to him, her voice tinged with concern. "Aang, are you alright?" she asked softly.

Aang looked up, his eyes vacant. "I'm fine," he replied flatly, his tone devoid of its usual warmth.

Sokka frowned, his brow furrowing with concern. "But... you're eating meat. Now I'm not complaining I've been trying to get you to eat the food of the gods since I met you, but you've never even been tempted with it's sweet aroma" he pointed out, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Aang shrugged nonchalantly, as if the act of consuming meat were of little consequence. "So what?" he muttered, his voice indifferent.

The others stared at him in shock, their mouths hanging open in disbelief. "But Aang, you're a vegetarian," Katara protested, her voice tinged with confusion.

Aang shrugged again, his expression blank. "If I don't eat it will it come back to life" he replied dismissively, his tone final.

As the group fell silent, a sense of unease settled over the table. Aang's behavior had changed in ways they couldn't comprehend, leaving them feeling unsettled and uncertain about what the future held.

And as they ate their meal in awkward silence, each of them couldn't shake the feeling that their friend, the Avatar, was slipping further and further away from them, lost in a darkness they couldn't reach.

Finally, Aang finally broke the tension that hung over the table. he began tentatively, "zuko what's... uh, what's become of Azula?"

Zuko paused mid-bite, his gaze flickering with a hint of something unreadable. "Azula?" he repeated, as if the name were foreign to him.

The others exchanged puzzled looks, surprised by Aang's question. "Did you defeat her?" Aang asked

Zuko shook his head slowly, his expression distant. "No, I mean... she was defeated" he replied, his voice trailing off. "But..." Zuko cleared his throat "Katara and I defeated her," he explained, his voice steady. "She's in prison beneath the palace now."

Aang's eyes widened in surprise, a flicker of recognition crossing his features. "Prison..." he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

The others exchanged uneasy glances, sensing that Aang's interest in Azula's fate was more than just curiosity. There was something in his demeanor that hinted at a deeper interest in the fallen princess, something they couldn't quite grasp..

As the uncomfortable silence lingered in the air, Aang's gaze remained fixed on Zuko, his curiosity about Azula evident in his eyes. Sensing the weight of the moment, Zuko took a deep breath before continuing to recount the events that led to Azula's imprisonment.

Once Zuko finished speaking Aang rose from his seat the others watched in silence as he walked away from the table, leaving them with unanswered questions lingering in the air.

Katara exchanged a worried glance with Zuko, her concern evident in her eyes. "Should we... follow him?" she asked quietly.

Zuko shook his head slowly, his gaze fixed on the empty seat where Aang had been sitting moments before. "No," he replied, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "Let him go. He needs some time alone."

As Aang made his way through the labyrinthine corridors of the palace, his thoughts were consumed by Azula. There was something about her that gnawed at him, something he couldn't shake.

Finally, he reached the lower levels of the palace, where the prison cells were located. Without hesitation, he approached Azula's cell, the heavy iron door looming before him like a barrier between worlds.

As he peered through the bars, Aang found himself face to face with Azula, her eyes cold and calculating even in the dim light of the cell. There was no trace of the once fearsome princess that had haunted his nightmares for so long, only a hollow shell of a woman.

"Avatar" Azula greeted him, her voice devoid of emotion.

Aang hesitated, unsure of what to say. "Azula" he replied finally, his voice barely above a whisper.

For a moment, they simply stared at each other in silence, the weight of their shared history hanging heavy in the air. And as Aang turned to leave, he couldn't shake the feeling that their encounter was just the beginning of something far more ominous.

He had just wanted to see her, to know that the fight was done and no one was going to try and continue it. Azula's piercing gaze followed Aang as he turned to leave, her expression unreadable. But before he could take another step, her voice cut through the silence like a blade.

"Aang," she called out, her tone colder than ice.

Aang hesitated, his hand hovering over the door handle. Slowly, he turned back to face her "Yes, Azula?" he replied

"What has become of my father?" she asked, her voice betraying a hint of curiosity.

Aang's mind raced as he searched for the right words. He knew that telling Azula the truth about Ozai's fate could have dire consequences, but he also couldn't bring himself to lie to her.

"He... he is no longer a threat," Aang answered carefully, choosing his words with precision.

Azula's eyes narrowed, her gaze sharpening with suspicion. "And what does that mean, exactly?" she pressed, her voice dripping with disdain.

Aang hesitated, unsure of how much he should reveal. "The Fire Lords flame is... gone out" he replied his voice devoid of emotion.

Azula's lips curled into a humorless smile. "I see" she said and even as her lips were smiling Azula's eyes widened in surprise, a flicker of something resembling shock crossing her features. "You did it? You actually killed him?" she repeated, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Aang nodded, his gaze fixed on the ground. "I did"

There was a moment of stunned silence as Azula processed his words, her expression unreadable. Then, to Aang's surprise, an even bigger smile crept onto her lips.

"Well, well, well, Avatar Aang," she said, her voice dripping with amusement. "It seems you're not as soft-hearted as everyone thinks"

Aang's brow furrowed in confusion, unsure of how to respond to Azula's unexpected reaction. "I did what I had to do" he replied simply, his voice tinged with resignation.

Azula's smile widened, her eyes glittering with a newfound respect. "Indeed you did," she murmured, her tone almost laced with admiration.

As the gravity of their conversation settled over them, Aang couldn't shake the feeling that something of a bond had formed between them since they had first met and she was hunting him down, however tenuous it may be. And as he turned to leave the prison cell again this time he stopped himself. Even with the war now in it's closing stage, even with peace now on the horizon, he knew exactly what he had to do, it was finally time to break the chains that had him bound since the his days at the air temple all those years ago when in reality to him it had only been months, and he knew exactly where to start "Azula" he said in a low voice

"Yes Avatar" she replied

He knew what he had to do

"Azula there's something I need you to do for me"

"A favor from the princess in chains? And why would I do anything for you?" She asked smiling sinisterly

"Because if you help me, the next time you see me, I'll break your chains" he told her

A flicker of surprise crossed Azula's face, her eyes narrowing as she regarded Aang with newfound interest. "You would... free me?" she asked, her voice tinged with skepticism.

Aang nodded, his expression resolute. "Yes, If you help me" he replied firmly.

Azula studied him for a long moment, weighing his words carefully. Then, to Aang's surprise, she nodded, a calculating gleam in her eyes. "Very well, Avatar," she said, her voice dripping with intrigue. "You have a deal."

As they spoke late into the night, Aang couldn't shake the feeling that he was treading dangerous ground, forging an alliance with a woman whose motives remained shrouded in mystery, but to her his motives were even more mysterious. But he also knew that if there was any hope for lasting peace in the world, he would need all the help he could get, and he would need someone like her.

And as he left the prison cell, he couldn't help but feel a sense of cautious optimism stirring within him. For the first time in a long while, he felt as though he were finally about to take control of his own destiny, breaking free from the chains of his past and stepping boldly into the future that lay ahead however uncertain it may be he knew what he needed to do. He needed to leave.