ANYTHING BUT; avatar the last airbender

chapter 4

[act two; chapter four     -     the day of black sun]

    There were many complex manners in which bending existed. Lian had, overtime, mastered some of them herself—lava, seismic, and more. She knew of the ability to bend lightning among fire benders. But blood bending? That was something that struck her with both curiosity and fear.

    She could not quite describe the bodily feeling in which being blood bended caused. To feel everything, yet have no control at all. It felt as though her whole body was on fire, as if she were a ghost in her living body. It had been, single handedly, the most terrifying moment in her life. It had haunted her dreams for many days, even as the anxiety of war plagued Aang.

    For days, he walked this world half asleep, his worries eating him alive from the inside out. They had all done the best they could to calm him, to make him see reason and truly rest. After much time, however, they had convinced him.

    Lian and Sokka were sitting before the map laid out before them, scanning it, the boy quietly walking her through his plan, only receiving quiet murmurs in response.

    Suddenly, Aang came bounding toward them, appearing to have much more energy than he had in days.

    Katara, standing up from her brother's side, said, "Sounds like you slept well."

    "Like a baby moose lion," he responded with a smile. "I'm ready to face the Fire Lord."

    Lian wanted to agree. She wanted to jump at the chance and tell him that he would be able to handle it. But, out of everyone there, she knew him. She knew Ozai and she knew Aang. They were, in very few words, opposites. While Aang would do whatever he could to avoid a violent confrontation, she knew Ozai would seek such things. He would insight violence and would meet it head on.

    She had seen his violence. She had seen how it could tear people apart, starting with their minds. He was a smart man; he knew how to break through barriers and find what was vulnerable. She had watched him do it to his own son; she had watched Zuko crumble and break under his fathers hand and hateful words. She wouldn't wish it on anyone, least of all Zuko. And she certainly did not wish it upon Aang, especially given the fact that he would, without doubt, enter a fight with the hopes of peace.

    His peace would be met with destructive violence, and, truthfully, Lian doubted his ability to remain standing when the moment came. She did not doubt his ability to fight back, to use his power. But she feared for him. She was more afraid than she wished to admit.

    Toph's voice cut through her thoughts. "So what's your strategy for taking him down? Going to get your glow on and hit him with a little Avatar State action?"