Avatar: The Warrior's Rebirth Book 2-Inferno

Chapter 15: Strength of a Raging Fire

Fire. Air. Water. Earth. These are the four elements. For over ten thousand years, we have learned how to bend these four elements. And in every generation, there is always one who can master all four: the Avatar. In each generation, the Avatar has always been the one to bring balance to the world.

This is it, no turning back now. The fight has to be taken to the Fire Lord now, while opportunity is still in our hands. Too many people have arrived running the risk of making our mission successful. I won't let the sacrifices they're making to be in vain. And I know the others feel the same.

There's still many obstacles we'll have to overcome to reach the Fire Lord. Now that the New White Lotus has taken the fight to the Order of the Sun, the royal city is turning into a war zone. I trust they won't destroy the city while fighting the Order, but civilians will still be caught in the crossfire.

And of course, the Fire Lord has Delores to enforce their troops. Having fought her so many times, I know to expect the Order to be well organized. But we didn't come this far to quit now. This is the big reason why I sought Jago's help in the first place: to save my people from the Order once and for all. I can only hope I've taught him enough to get us through this.

***

It didn't take long for the large sky bison to land before them.

"All aboard," Katrinus told them.

Jago acted fast and used Earthbending to create a set of stairs for the others to climb onto Podo's back. Katrinus jumped to the front of the saddle and held the reigns, ready to take off when ready.

Jago was all set to jump on too. Even now, he could hear the sounds of people getting hurt and trying to take cover. It was overwhelming; how could he possibly turn his back on that?

"Jago, come on!" Akosha called.

"What's wrong?" asked Lee.

Jago turned around to face the others, deciding on the spot what he was going to do. "Guys, I can't go with you to the harbor."

"What, why not?" a chorus of voices asked.

Jago gestured to the battle further in the city. "I have to stay here."

"But we could use your help stopping those ships from fighting each other," Yuenna said earnestly. "What's suddenly brought this on?"

"Because he's still feeling responsible for what's happened here ten years ago," Liara guessed very perceptively. "The Fire Nation fell into the Order's hands after the raids happened."

"Jago," said Akosha, climbing down and putting one of his hands in both of hers. "You know none of that's your fault. There wasn't anything that could have changed what happened."

"Maybe not," said Jago, "but this is what I've got to do. I know it's what Master Mokota would do. Go and stand up for anyone who can't defend themselves. That always inspired me whenever I felt overwhelmed."

Akosha seemed to see how Jago felt set on his decision. Still, he could tell she didn't like the idea of him going alone. Indeed, when she replied next, her voice was imploring.

"Alright, I know that look on your face. I know I can't talk you out of this. But if you're going to do this, you shouldn't do this alone. Someone should go with you."

"That's where I come in."

Lee jumped down the steps Jago had made set himself between Jago and Akosha.