Avatar: Lingering Tensions

Chapter 20: Ozai's Challenge Part 1

Zuko stands in front of a crowd of citizens in the battle worn city Texeria. Several children cry and older adults look at each other in near despair. Zuko is bruised and his nose is still red from his fight with his father. Zuko: "People of Texeria, I appreciate and adore all of you. When I first arrived, I was amazed by the heart and spirit all of you had. The battle was bittersweet, we defeated our opponents, but an old enemy revealed his reemergence. This is an enemy that threats everything we have worked so hard to establish."

Zuko continues, "My father, Ozai looks to test the character of our nation. Yet still I stand against him, as some of you have been forced to stand against your own relatives for the good of this nation. One of my advisors suggested I cancel this follow up speech, to avoid showing my bruises. But I said, 'No let them see the scars. Like when they first saw my scar which came from that same man, my wounds show my humanity and show the fight that I am committed to.'"

The crowd claps. Zuko: "Nothing comes easy in life. I'm used to being knocked down, but I'm just as used to getting back up. And by rising again, we can knock down the people that floored us. Sometimes the difference between winning and losing is commitment. But our enemies seem equally committed as us, so if we want to win, we have to fight just as hard as them. Which means we must give them everything we have and if we do that, the light will shine over the darkness as it always has."

The crowd cheers. Zuko: "So get out there! Let's rebuild this town piece by piece and be ready to defend it if needed. Today we fought off those who occupy the town, tomorrow we defeat those that threat this country and our way of life."

Appa rides furiously over the damaged city. Aang rides with a serious face as he looks down at the damaged city. Smoke flows from buildings into the sky. Several Fire Nation Army troopers patrol the town as they proactively rebuild. Multiple citizens take part in the reconstruction.

Aang lands and notices Iroh a few feet away from him. Aang's other smaller white and grey pet Momo sits on his back. Aang: "Iroh, where is HE?!"

Iroh: "Aang, you must control yourself. Do not allow my brother to get into your head. These are his tactics, and he fuels off of your rage."

Aang: "Can you please answer my question?"

Iroh: "I don't know for sure, but I know where he wants you to be. He has challenged you to meet him in the Earth Kingdom territory Yenchi, which is located facing the ocean that leads to the Fire Nation. But you know this is a trap."

Aang: "I know, but Sokka advised me to let the light guide me. There I will find my answers. This isn't the kind of mission you plan for conventionally, but it is one where the mind matters. For me to be right and prepared; I must be of a sound and clear mind. Which I will assure you, I am."

Iroh: "Are you sure about that Aang? I sense tension in you."

Aang: "There is, but I'm doing my best to control it. She's the love of my life, but you must let me try."

Iroh: "Aang, if you linger in your motives or use of dark and light Ozai will overtake you. And he will kill you. You must be set and grounded on how you will fight him. The only way to balance Ozai's immense darkness is to fight him with overwhelming light."

Aang: "But there is another option. If my rage overtakes me, I might overwhelm him with my own darkness."

Iroh gasps, "That is true. But if you do, it will overtake you. The darkness within Ozai that is powered by revenge will then transfer to you if you kill him in bloodlust or revenge. Then you will become the plight that you wish to destroy if that darkness overtakes you. Ozai has channeled powerful dark powers to assist him. This will be a true fight between the Kingdoms of Darkness and Light if you wish to prevail, you must know your side. But know the cost of the alternative."