Silence | Zuko

.29 The Siege of the North

————

Without the moon everyone fell to their knees, accepting defeat as all hope fizzled out their tired bodies. Iroh reached into the pond, picking up the dead fish and revealing their worst fear. They failed.

"There's no hope now, it's over," Yue cried.

"No," Aangs voice echoed as his tattoos and eyes glowed. "It's not over."

He stepped into the pond, allowing the water to swallow him and enhance his form. The once dull water surrounding them electrified with pure blue. Waves wrapped past them, rising into a great beast; stories high with Aang in the centre. The water stormed through the tribe, destroying every sign of fire nation with no mercy.

Waterbenders bowed to the creature, showing nothing but respect to their spirit savour and the avatar.

In attempt to fight back the fire nation ships launched fireballs, missing occasionally and hitting the mountains that surrounded them, causing them to crumble.

Iskra's eyes widened, her hands launching up as she stopped the heavy rumble from falling onto them. But the fireballs kept coming.

"You have been touched by the moon spirit, some of its life is in you," Iroh realised when he saw Yue bright blue eyes.

"Yes your right, it gave me life," She said, standing up. "Maybe I can give it back."

The weight of the mountains fought against Iskra's shoulders, weighing her down but she stood tall. The rocks where yet to reach human height; hovering above them with Iskra's help.

Yue placed her hands on the moon spirit, watching as it began to glow brightly. A gasp left her lips and she collapsed into Sokkas arms.

"She's gone," He said with horror, clinging to her tightly. "She's gone."

Just when all hope seemed lost and they were about to leave; Yue disappeared and the moon spirit glowed. Iroh placed it back into the pond and the moon rose again. Everyone cheered, still teary eyed from Yues death but glad to know it wasn't in vain.

"Guys we- you have to go!" Iskra screamed, dropping to her knees under the weight.

Sokka wiped away his tears at Yues death, climbing to his feet with Iroh and Katara. He turned to Iskra.

"Alright come on," He reached out a hand for her.

She looked up, tears evident in her eyes that she had to squeeze back or they'd fall. "I can't move."

"Yes you can," His voice strained. "Come on Iskra."

Words couldn't escape her dry mouth, it was too occupied trying to provide oxygen to her light head.

"Iskra just drop the rocks," Katara pleaded.

Iroh could see the strain in her body, he'd seen her like that before. There was no possible way she could get out of this situation without causing harm to someone else, to the entire water tribe.

"You need to go," Iskra whispered. "You need to go."

"We're not leaving without you!" Sokka screamed, running towards her but Iroh stopped him.