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Eman5805
Soulful Brother
Gender: Male
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana |
Avatar fic: The Next Legend
Disclaimer: I haven't read anyone else's fanfic about what happens before or Avatar the events of the show. Any coincidences such as character names, history, or abilities; city or place names; or really anything having to do with this fanfiction, is just that, coincidence. However, this fanfic will occasionally have some parody elements in it, so not everything will be completely made up. It's all for entertainment anyway.
Criticism, hints, accolades, or whatever are welcome. Enjoy! (I hope.)
If there's some way to indent paragraphs here, I'd love to know.
Earth. Fire. Air. Water. For 100 years the Fire Nation waged a war that threatened to destroy world. They nearly succeeded, until the Avatar returned from a century’s absence and defeated the Fire Lord, ending the war and restoring balance to the world. At least for a time. The war was over, but the struggle to maintain that balance is a constant one. To prevent another 100 year catastrophe, Avatar Aang hopes to create an alliance between the nations, which shall cause change on level never seen before. However, such change is not welcomed by all, and the few years since the war, may not have been enough time for the world to recover…
Book 1: Earth
Chapter 1: The World Reborn
Ba Sing Se’s Grand Palace Hall, on the 7th anniversary of the ending of the 100 year war…
The anticipation was palpable, and the crowd grew restless by the minute. Avatar Aang paced nervously, wringing his hands. Momo following behind his moments on the ground. Behind the closed doors to the hall with him was Toph, Katara, and Sokka.
“Aang, you can settle down. He’ll be here,” Katara consoled, as she held the newest addition to the group in her arms.
“I know, I know. It’s not Zuko showing up I’m worried about.“ Aang said still worried.
Sokka, leaning on a pillar, shrugged. “Then let’s give the speech without him. Zuko’s known for a month when this event would be.” Sokka reached and took out a custom pocket watch, the newest model made specially by Teo and his father. “We’ve waited an hour and 12 minutes already. Fire Lord or not, the world shouldn’t stop just because he can’t get here on time. I say we go in now, not unless we want him to-”
Toph’s head jerked up. “Not going to be necessary, guys.” She turned as did everyone else in time to see Fire Lord Zuko saunter up, with his wife Mai in two.
Sokka swung his arms out from his sides. “Geez, what took you?”
Zuko, in full Fire Lord garb, said, “Believe it or not, traffic.”
Katara scoffed. “What? Since when do dragons have to worry about traffic?”
Zuko shrugged. “Since the Earth King’s palace become a no fly zone.”
“Are we going inside or are we going to stand out here and talk?” Mai said with a yawn.
Aang nodded. “She’s right. Let’s go.”
Nobility from every nation was gathered in the Grand Hall. It was the official announcement everyone was talking about. What Avatar Aang originally hoped would be a simple announcement at the palace turned into a function. Everyone inside was well dressed in their most expensive clothing, and someone decided to cater the event. Two long tables piled high with food sat on opposite ends of the large room, Sokka especially loved the sight of that. Everyone turned and parted when the doors opened.
Aang and his friends made their way to the stage. Giving polite nods and waves as the crowd gave their respect.
Sokka, surveying the crowd, leaned close to Aang’s ear and whispered “No sign of you-know-who.”
“Let’s hope it stays that way,” Aang whispered back. “If he shows up, things will get ugly.”
“He won’t be here. He doesn’t even know about this,” Katara, again trying to comfort Aang.
Zuko was frowning. “I wouldn’t be sure. There’s too many people here. Someone got the word out. I’ve got a bad feeling that he found out.”
“Why are you all so worried about one guy? Who is he anyway?” Mai asked.
“Yeah, and how come I don’t know who this guy is?” Toph wondered.
Aang was the first to step onto the stage. “Let’s hope either of you don’t have to find out,” he said.
Zuko took his place next to the Earth King, and Water Chief. Each chair affixed with a flag bearing the symbol of each nation. Aang took deep breathe. Katara touched his shoulder. “It’ll be fine. Just say what you have to say.”
Aang smiled, looking at his newborn daughter. “Thank you, Katara.” He walked up to the podium. “And I would like to thank you all for coming. I know it may have been inconvenient to hold off on your plans to make the long journey to Ba Sing Se. But, again, thank you for your time.” Aang paused. Took another deep breathe and continued. “During the war, a wise man once told me, that the greatest illusion is the illusion of separation. All things that we consider separate are really the same. I knew that this was referring to the four nations. For generation after generation, we’ve all lived in our own separate parts of the world. Sadly, after the loss of the Air Nomads, I know understand that a war between nations was inevitable.
“Fire Lord Sozin believed that the Fire Nation was the superior nation; that fire was the superior element. That ignorant ideal became the reason he used the comet to strike down the Air Nomads and begin a terrible war. If the four nations had been more united, Sozin wouldn’t have believed his nation superior. If the four nations lived as true equals, keeping in constant contact, sharing with one another, living as the one race of people we all truly are, the war would’ve been stopped long before it ever began. To prevent another catastrophe like the war from ever occurring, something must change. Something must be done to unite the remaining nations, to ensure that future generations, will have a peaceful world to be born into. A new world” Aang looked over his shoulder to Katara, who was nodding her approval as the baby girl slept in her arms. Some people in the crowd applauded their agreement, which spread, then quieted.
When the clapping stopped, Aang continued. “And is why, I am happy to announce the-”
The sound of stone shattering, followed by an earsplitting sound came from outside the hall door that made everyone jump and cover their ears. A harsh screeching sound that only came from metal and stone scrapping together. The sound of something heavy being drug across the ground.
Aang’s heart dropped and in an almost whisper. “Oh no.”
The sound was getting closer, and louder. The noise made the baby stir, so Katara tried to cover the baby’s ears. The crowd started murmuring. “What’s going on out there?” Katara asked.
“I’ll find out,” Toph said then jumped down to the stone floor and felt the ground. “It’s some guy. And he’s carrying a…what is that? Some big chunk of metal?”
Sokka shook his head. “This is all your fault, you know that,” he ahead said to Zuko, still in his chair.
Zuko turned. “What? Don’t blame-”
The doors burst open.
The Earth Kingdom general always makes a strong first and second impression. It’s not usually a good one, but it is definitely a lasting one. The first anyone remembers about is his the hammer. More specifically it’s a zhan chui, a war hammer, and an over exaggerated one. It’s impossible to not connect him with his hammer, not because it seemed too large to be useful as a weapon, but because the hammer went everywhere he went. During the war, the saying about a bull-spider in a glassware shop was changed. Soldiers would joke the at least bull-spiders left the glassware shop standing when it left. That hammer cause didn’t damage whether the general wanted it to or not, it caused damage because he didn‘t care if it did or not. Not to be overstated, the hammer itself only the first impression.
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Jul 31st, 2008 06:45 PM |
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Eman5805
Soulful Brother
Gender: Male
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana |
(continued)
“WHY AREN’T I SURPRISED?” His voice was the second. “You decide to make your little announcement, and lo and behold, who is left off the guest list?” He swung the hammer off the ground and onto his shoulder, causing people nearby to jump back out of the way or risk being bludgeoned.
Toph, back on stage, was covering her ears. “Yikes. You’re right. I do wish I hadn’t met him.”
“I’d rather be blind right now, to tell the truth.” Mai said with a grimace, partially looking away as the general made his way down to the stage.
“Well, Avatar Aang?” The word “avatar” was said like it left a bad taste in his mouth.
The Earth King stood out of his seat, furious. “I’ve always had great respect for you, but you go too far. Barging into my palace hall some like rampant animal, is one thing, but insulting the Avatar is quite another! Guards!”
Reluctantly, Aang held up a hand. “No need for that, he can stay. I know everyone doesn’t agree with what we all have planned. A voice of argument is welcome-”
The general broke out into a boisterous laugh. The kind of laugh that comes from deep inside your stomach. It was loud enough to scare the baby fully awake, who started crying. Katara quickly started to shush her. “HA! ‘A voice of argument is welcome’? Funny to hear that coming from you, after all that posturing you did to make sure I wouldn’t show up. How Airbender of you; retreating to save some face.”
Sokka stepped forward. “You see, everyone? That’s the kind of bigotry, Aang was talking about!”
Aang reached up and placed his hand on Sokka’s shoulder, he was still taller than Aang after all this time. “It’s alright, Sokka. I’ll handle this.”
“You’re damn right!” The general turned to the crowd. “If believing the Earth Kingdom is the greatest nation on the planet makes me a bigot, then I guess I am a bigot. Not a single one of you worth the colors you’re wearing would say any different about your nation. Am I right?”
Some in the crowd nodded in agreement, others were staring at the hammer laying on his shoulder, wondering when he’ll slam it to the ground. They all knew who he was, and there is no “if” about it.
“So, for all I care you can to back to the poles and suck on ice cubes in your igloos, you peasant! The Earth Kingdom was meant to be lived in by Earth Kingdom citizens!”
Before Sokka or Katara could say anything, Aang cut int, “And Earth Kingdom citizens will continue to live in the Earth Kingdom. How can the other nations properly trade and work together from our own separate parts of the world?” Aang said down to the general, trying to stay calm, knowing full well the situation was a blasting jelly keg, and this general was the fuse.
“The same way we all have for thousands of years, that’s how!”
“The same way eventually wound up with the Air Nomad’s destruction. I’m all that’s left now. If another crisis event like the war occurs, who is to say what will happen. We need to act now, while the world is finishing rebuilding. By shaping our own fates, we can prevent future wars and create a better world. What I’m talking about is improving all the nations.”
The general turned and jabbed a finger at Aang. “What you’re talking about is the destruction of the Earth Kingdom! You’ve already made the Earth King your lapdog. Maybe he will, but I won’t stand by while Firebenders are living next door! Living next to my family! What’s stopping them from another war?”
Zuko stood up. “I am.”
The general laughed again. “Oh yes, the great Fire Lord Zuko. So great, he’s still fighting the pocket rebellions of Ozai loyalists seven years after Ozai’s reign ended. You could sooner stop another war than stop your gloomy wife from getting her monthlies! Oh wait, I‘m sorry, she doesn’t get them at all! How many kids she given you yet? Don't worry, though, hang tough, maybe next time will be the charm! HAHA!”
No one expected that kind of comment, not from him. Not from anyone. The crowd's reaction was a mixed one. Some appeard to know, others didn't.
It was thought to be a secret that Fire Lady Mai was having trouble bearing any children, at least a secret to all but those closest to the Fire Lord. Somehow word got out, and it spread far enough into the Earth Kingdom that the general even knew. Mai jerked as if she was just stabbed in the heart, then she clutched her lower abdomen. Though in truth, she was.
Zuko flew at the general, flame literally shooting from his mouth! “How dare you!!!”
A gust of wind from Aang cancelled out the flames, as Sokka grabbed Zuko’s arms. “Stop it, Zuko!” Aang pleaded. Zuko struggled, but then relented. The baby was beyond agitated crying, now she was pouring tears. Katara rushed off stage, hoping to sooth it outside. Looking back at the general with absolute disgust.
“YES! Now you know how it feels when your pride is insulted! The thought of something you cherish being taken down to a lesser level! Being tainted by things out of your control! That helpless feeling, that makes you want to lash out! LIKE THIS!” The general whirled around, away from the stage, to the crowd. The hammer was a blur! The impact shook the entire ball room.
Many people speculated on if the general was an Earthbender. But he claimed the hammer was entirely made of metal and only Toph could bend it. Yet, those same people insisted there must be a chunk of rock inside, because at the size of that hammer, no regular person could swing it, at least not in any useful way in battle. Because no one ever held the hammer but him, all they had was the generals word that every time he swung that hammer, it was pure brute muscle that enabled him to do it. The general's word held sway with many, but this was something only a few believed was true.
“That’s enough! Guards, take him away!” The Earth King shouted. Aang didn’t object this time. Before the general could pick up his hammer, it was pulled underground, just enough to where he couldn’t pull it out.
“Don’t bother. I can take my self away,” he said to the guards.
“We have orders from-” one guard started.
“You have some nerve, Cho Li. I saved your father’s life.”
“That was 15 years ago, sir.”
The general spat. “14 years, 3 months, and 23 days ago, son. Regardless of when, thanks to me, you can still go home and see your dad today.”
The guard Cho Li, looked away, then clinched his first in front of him. The hammer lifted back out of the ground. The general lifted it back up to his shoulder. And walked to the door.
Katara returned, holding the still whimpering baby, but not crying out anymore. “Monster.” She said loud enough for the words to carry and be heard by the exiting general.
Just as the doors were being closed on him, the general looked back in and said, “Avatar, you think I’m the only person against this World Reborn Act? You’re wrong. I may be the only person in this room against it like I am, but there‘s many more people out there.” He turned sideways and looked out at even more massive city of Ba Sing Se. “There’s people with my view the world over. From every nation. People meaner than me, because they aren‘t in the army or wear fancy clothes. People who will express their disapproval more than me, because they stand to lose much more than I do if your little plan fails. Being the ‘People’s Avatar’ won’t spare you their backlash. I’ll be seeing you again, Avatar. Count on it.”
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Jul 31st, 2008 06:46 PM |
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Eman5805
Soulful Brother
Gender: Male
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana |
(continued)
Later that evening…
“I hope I’m doing the right thing, Katara,” Aang said, his head in his hands, sitting on stage, staring at the large dent in the floor. Everyone had left. The general’s arrival ended the whole get together mode, and the general already made the announcement. Everyone agreed it was best to just call it a night. The catered food was never touched. Except by Sokka and Momo. Zuko left with Mai, both of whom were very silent for the rest of the night. Toph had gone home too.
“You are, Aang. It’s a wonderful idea you, Sokka, and Zuko came up with. It really will make the world a better place. I know it.” The baby was sleeping again.
“But, what if he’s right?”
“Who? That loudmouth, thug?”
“Yeah, I mean. Everyone who was here may have their doubts, but they’ll go along with it. But, everyone else…we don’t know yet. Maybe we should postpone the act.”
“Aang, listen to me. That man is just a war veteran who misses being in the spotlight and swinging that hammer around. All his knows is conflict and fighting. And taking the glory from being who he is. Someone like that doesn’t understand the change you’re going to cause. And what he doesn‘t understand, he fights it. The common people aren’t like that. They may object at first, but they‘ll see the change as a good thing in the long run.” She leaned over and the kissed. Aang looked down at the baby, and smiled again.
Sokka, sitting down next to them chomping on a leg of pig-chicken, said “Not to mention you wouldn’t want to hold another announcement to say you’re not going through with the act, would you? Imagine how what he’d show up and do then? Probably knock the walls down in a fit of joy.”
They all laughed. “You’re right,” Aang said, returning to his cheerful smiley self. “I mean, if that’s the kind of person who’s against the plan, I must not be all that bad.”
“That’s the spirit, Aang!” Sokka said with a fist pump.
Katara yawned. “It’s getting late. Let’s head home. Tomorrow we have to start getting candidates for the ambassadors.” They started for the doors.
Aang asked. “Got anyone in mind for the Water Tribe Ambassador yet, Sokka?”
He shrugged. “No, but hopefully someone will qualify.”
Sixteen years later…
The massive monumental statue to Avatar Aang was nearly complete and right on schedule. The Avatar was going to be there for the grand opening. It was big news for one of the newest cities in the Earth Kingdom. The grand opening was supposed to be the crowning achievement for the city and bring excitement and life to the new city, but the murders were the bigger news. Each month they grew more frequent. There wouldn’t have been such cause for alarm if the killings didn’t happen all over the Earth Kingdom, and all seemingly by the same person or persons using the same grisly methods.
But, it was all the leaders of the nation’s hope that the revealing of the new Avatar’s identity would put the people’s minds at ease, even if only somewhat. Then perhaps they could start to move one and forget the events 16 years ago. The terrible events that shook the world, especially the Earth Kingdom, to it‘s foundation. The events that took the life of Avatar Aang, and left the world, again, without an Avatar long before it expected to…
The next chapter...
Chapter 2: The Man Called Ezeru
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Jul 31st, 2008 06:46 PM |
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