The Lost Waterbender (Avatar: The Last Airbender Fanfiction)

The Day of Black Sun

I stood up with Raiko and we began to make my way back to the others. Even with my lack of sleep, I felt wide awake. I ate some food even though my stomach was churning. Today was one of the biggest days of my life, for more reason than one.

Sokka was sitting in the grass overlooking several maps of the Fire Nation. He was concentrating so hard he didn't notice when Katara attempted to give him some water until she gently moved his hand to hold the cup. He looked at her gratefully and she gave him a smile of reassurance.

Aang suddenly jumped up from where he was sleeping. "Top of the morning, Momo!"

"Sounds like you slept well," Katara said.

"Like a baby moose lion," Aang grinned. "I'm ready to face the Fire Lord."

"So what's your strategy?" Toph grinned. "Gonna get your glow on and hit him with a little Avatar State action?" She punched the air as though the Fire Lord was standing right in front of her. Aang's smile suddenly faded.

"I can't. When Azula shot me with lightning, my seventh chakra was locked, cutting off my connection to all the cosmic energy in the world."

I frowned. "What?" Katara waved me off.

"It's a long story." She suddenly stood up and looked over the ocean. "Oh-no. Sokka, do you think the fog will delay the invasion?"

Sokka moved next to her and the grinned. "No, that is the invasion!"

The fog suddenly cleared and from it emerged several boats. The four of them ran down to the beach to meet them. Aang and Toph created rows of rocks for them to dock at.

Instead of rushing to the beach, I turned the opposite way and climbed up a jutting cliff that overlooked where the boats were docked. Katara and Sokka were talking to a tall man, and my heart raced as I realized who he probably was. I knelt down on the smooth stones and watched. My heart felt as though it would beat right out of my chest. Several people emerged from the boats, including many Water Tribe soldiers---my nation,--- a group of people who wore nothing but armor made of tree bark and loincloths, and even several soldiers of the Earth Kingdom. Between Aang, the City of Outcasts, and the mingled people below, every nation was being represented in this invasion.

I clenched my fists as I watched Katara and Sokka. They were looking around, and I knew I was what they were searching for. But I couldn't do it. I couldn't go down there and met my father. I was absolutely terrified. I thought after last night I would be confident enough, but I was frozen to where I was sitting.

I heard footsteps approaching and turned around to see Raiko. He smiled gently as he sat next to me. "I'm having a sense of déjà vu."

I didn't return his smile. "I can't do this Raiko."

He laughed. "I not see what you're so scared about. After all, he's family."

I shook my head. "Blood isn't everything."

"Katara and Sokka clearly love you. What makes him any different?"

I shook my head. How was I supposed to explain to Raiko I felt I was just a bad reminder for him? I didn't want to bring up terrible memories, and be there to constantly remind him of his murdered wife, my mother, and how he wasn't able to save her. It seemed dumb, but at the same time I knew there was truth to it and the thought of how my father would react scared me.

Raiko pursed his lips. "Badger, before I came to the hideout, I lost my father. In the blink of an eye, he was gone. There one minute, and then gone the next. He disappeared from my life forever. I'll never seen him again."