The Lost Waterbender (Avatar: The Last Airbender Fanfiction)

The Eclipse

Under Sokka's guidance, we had managed to capture the main battlement and now we were focusing on making our way up to the royal palace. Our tanks formed a semi-circle of ferocity from which our warriors fought back. I stood in the front battlement away from the fighting, as I was a bit preoccupied. Plus, right now only the earthbenders could really do anything.

I was also a bit preoccupied with family matters. (A year ago I would have never thought I would say that)

Katara was trying to heal my dad's wounds. She had the same talents Inya, the woman who freed me from Kachi's grasp, has possessed. Her delicate hands bended the water over the gash in his side as she pushed her healing power into it. I paced nervously, fearing the worst.

"Mara, stop pacing, you're making me nervous," Katara told me.

My father chuckled, but it turned into a cough. I sat down next to him and gripped his fingers. "It'll be okay," I told him.

He smiled. "I know. I found out today I had another great reason to take out the Fire Lord. I'm not going anywhere."

I ducked my head, smiling. Katara glanced up at me. "Mara, are you not wearing armor??"

I shrugged. "No one gave me any."

Something heavy landed right next to me. One of the Water Tribe warriors had tossed some armor at me.

"Might be a bit big, but it's better than no protection. "

I pulled the leather gloves onto my arms and flexed my uncovered fingers. The lack of them would keep my bending from being smothered. I strapped the leather gauntlets to my boots and pulled them tightly so they wouldn't fall off. Both of these items were inscribed with Water Tribe insignias, which made me smile. Maybe it was a small gesture, but it made feel like a part o my Tribe.

I returned to my father's side. The stress in Katara's face had lessened considerably, and I could see why. Thought the gash was still deep, her skill had healed it immensely. Within a few moments she took a step back.

"That's the best I can do for now," she said. "How are you feeling, Dad?"

He smiled. "Never better." With a loud groan, he pushed himself into a sitting position. Katara and I each grabbed an arm and pulled him to his feet. Although he was still leaning on us heavily, I was thrilled to see him on his feet.

"Take me outside," he ordered. "I need to speak with Sokka."

I hadn't seen how Sokka was handling his leadership role since he left on Appa. I could hear the war raging outside, though. From the sounds we seemed to be doing okay. We helped my father limp outside the tower.

Behind our wall of tanks, Sokka was attentively looking over a map. When we came out, he glanced up and smiled widely. "Dad!"

He stood up and ran over to us, stopping in front of us while Katara and I helped our dad sit down on a rock. "You're on your feet again."

"Thanks to your sisters," he said. I'm in no shape to fight, but maybe there's some way I can help."

Sokka knelt down so he was eye level. "Everything is going smoothly, and the eclipse hasn't even kicked in yet."

"Let's hope our luck holds out," my dad replied.

I noticed Katara looked a little troubled. "You okay?"

"Yeah.." she said. "Is that...is that Aang?!"

Sure enough, swooping through the sky was our bald-headed friend. He landed on the ground in front of us, and a sense of dread overcame me. This couldn't be good news.