Balance | Old Version

Chapter 80

Elua's POV.

We were now back at the palace, standing in front of The King as he seats on his throne.
"I want to thank you, young heroes, for opening my eyes. All this time, what I thought was a great metropolis, was merely a city of fools and that makes me: the king fool," The King says as he shakes his head. "We're at war, with the Fire Nation," He says as he puts his face in his hand.
"That's why we came to Ba Sing Se, Your Highness. Because we think you can help us end the war," Sokka tells him.
"We don't have much time. There's a comet coming this summer. Its energy will give the fire benders unbelievable strength. They'll be unstoppable," I tell him.

"But, there is hope. Before the comet comes, we have a window of opportunity. A solar eclipse is coming. The sun will be entirely blocked out by the moon, and the fire benders will be helpless," Sokka informs the King.
"What are you suggesting, Sokka?" The King asks.
"That's the day we need to invade the Fire Nation. The Day of Black Sun," Sokka tells him.
"I don't know. That would require moving troops out of Ba Sing Se. We'd be completely vulnerable," The King says, tapping his fingers on the throne he sits on.
"You're already vulnerable. The Fire Nation won't stop until Ba Sing Se falls," I tell him.
"You can either sit back and wait for that to happen, or take the offensive, and give yourself a fighting chance," Aang says.

"Very well. You have my support," The King says with a nod.
"Woo! Alright! Good work team!" We all shout as we hug each other in happiness.
"Your Majesty," We hear someone say behind us. "I apologize for the interruption," A general says as he enters the room and bows to The King.
"This is General How, he's the leader of The Council of Five. My highest- ranking generals," The King tells us.
"We searched Long Feng's office," General How tells him. "I think we found something that will interest everybody," General How says.

We are all led into Long Feng's office and a guard walks in carrying a small box and sets it in front of the King.
"There are secret files on everyone in Ba Sing Se. Including you kids," How tells us as the King opens the box.
"Secret files?" Aang asks in confusion.
"Toph Bei Fong," The King says handing a scroll to Toph, I take it from her and read it for her.
"It's a letter from your mom. She's here in the city, and she wants to see you," I tell her with a smile.
"Long Feng intercepted our letters from home? That's just sad," Toph says shaking her head.
"Aang," The King says handing a scroll to Aang.

"This scroll was attached to the horn of your bison when the Dai Li captured it," General How tells him.
"It's from the Eastern Air Temple," Aang says as he looks at it with wide eyes.
"Is there a letter for me and Sokka by any chance?" Katara asks with a small smile.
"I'm afraid not," The King tells her, giving her a sad smile.
"Oh," They both say sadly.
"But, there is an intelligence report that might interest you," General How says as he hands Katara a scroll.
"A small fleet of water tribe ships..." Katara says reading the note.
"What? That could be Dad," Sokka says hopefully.

"Protecting the mouth of Chameleon Bay, led by Hakoda. It is Dad!"

Later.

We were all sitting in a circle in Long Feng's office, we had to figure out what we were going to do now that everyone had somewhere they needed to be.
"I can't believe it. There's a man living at the Eastern Air Temple. He says he's a Guru," Aang says smiling.
"What's a Guru? Some kind of poisonous blowfish?" Sokka asks us, making me laugh.
"No, a spiritual expert," I inform him.
"He wants to help me take the next step in the Avatar journey. He says he can teach me to control the Avatar State," Aang tells us in excitement.
"And I can't believe we know where our Dad is now," Katara says happily.

"I know what you mean. My Mom's in the city, and from her letter, it sounds like she finally understands me," Toph says with a small smile.
"This is all such big news. Where do we even start?" Sokka asks everyone.
"I hate to say it, but...we have to split up," I tell them, they all frown at that idea.
"Split up? We just found Appa and got the family back together," Aang states. "Now you want us to separate?" He asks me sadly.
"You have to meet this Guru, Aang. If we're gonna invade the Fire Nation, you need to be ready," I tell him, he sighs.

"Well, if I'm going to the Eastern Air Temple. Appa and I can drop Katara and Sokka at Chameleon Bay to see their Dad," Aang tells the siblings.
"Someone has to stay here with the Earth King and help him plan for the invasion," Sokka says. "I guess that's me?" He asks sadly.
"No Sokka, I know how badly you want to help Dad. You go to Chameleon Bay, I'll stay here with the King," Katara tells him, but I can see the sadness in her eyes.
"You are...the nicest...sister...ever," Sokka basically squeals as he hugs Katara.
"Easy there, big brother. Though you're right, I am," Katara says smiling.
"Katara, no. I'll stay here, I have no reason to go anywhere," I tell her.

"No it's alright," She says giving me a reassuring smile.
"No, really. I'll stay, Katara," I tell her seriously.
"Hey, she already volunteered. Plus, I want you to meet my dad," Sokka tells me smiling, my eyes go wide and I look at him shocked.
"W-what?" I stutter.
"I want you to meet my dad," He repeats.
"...Right," I say nervously.
"I mean, only if you want too," Sokka says quickly, making sure I'm okay with it.

"I do, you just surprised me," I tell him with a small smile.
"Okay, Good," Sokka says smiling at me.
"Well, we should get some rest," Katara states. "Come on Elua, Toph," She says as she takes my hand and we walk to our room that we would be staying in for the night.
"So..." Katara says as we enter the room and close the door behind us.
"So?" I ask, confused as to what she's getting at.
"When did it happen?" Katara asks with a smirk.
"When did what happen?" I question her.

"She's talking about you and Sokka," Toph says smirking as she sits down on one of the beds.
"Oh, um, a few weeks ago," I say as my face flushes a light pink.
"We're like sisters now!" Katara sequels, making cringe.
"Not exactly, but okay," I say nervously as she hugs me.
"How did it happen?" Katara asks excitedly.
"It just kinda...happened?" I more so ask then say.
"How did I not notice?" She asks herself as I lay down on one of the beds.
"Because we weren't gonna tell you guys yet," I say tiredly.

"What? Why? Have you guys kissed yet? Do you love him? Are you guys engaged?" She asks question after question after question.
"Because we decided not too, yes, yes and of course not, we just started dating," I answer the last question in a 'duh' tone.
"You get engaged you better tell me, if he's mean to you tell me, and-" Katara starts to say.
"Katara, Go. To. Sleep," I mumble sleepily as I close my eyes.
"Okay, but-" She tries to say again.
"Katara! Go to sleep!" Toph shouts. Katara sighs, but she stops talking and after a few minutes, I fall asleep and finally get some well-needed rest.