63I have grown tired of seeing the same stories, with different settings. So this is my personal, twisted, and dark take on this Fandom. I hope this adds a little bit of spice to some of your plates, and hopefully starts a new trend of a Dark and Sinister Avatar
I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender
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Prologue Introduction
"Look at what has become of you. You, a guardian representing the ideals of peace and justice, now rendered to nothing but and old and deceitful memory. It's a shame truly, how the mere mention of your name will fade through one's mind like a passing thought."
"You are wrong. The time I have spent in both the living and spirit realms has brought more clarity to I than you could possibly comprehend. I may be but a spiritual manifestation of who I was, but even I have achieved a power that would take others thousands of years to fulfill."
A malicious, yet amused chuckle escaped his lips. The exhilarating sensation of prey fighting back had always brought a ecstatic chill down his spine. He loved it. More importantly, he loved breaking it.
"Oh, how wonderful this has truly become. After years of continuous evasion, you finally chose to confront me. Our long awaited battle has finally arrived. Your death would only secure a revolutionary growth for generations to come..."
In the midst of the two, a fire pit had been burning dimly giving them a soft and gentle glow within this voided night. Both Avatars, Predecessor and Successor, paced themselves around the fire place in an alerted manner.
"...but, perhaps leaving you here, alive - defeated nonetheless, would cause you to suffer and drown in an endless pit of your own squalor. Yes, such an outcome would be a much more suitable demise for a foolish old man."
"You define yourself by your power, influence, and possessions followed by the ability to conquer! You are mistaken if you think I will perish by your hands, for it is you have truly lost your place in this realm."
The man, he did not like that. Being belittled by his own Predecessor in hopes of potentially sparking a mental instability was demeaning in its own nature. This propaganda contained its own intoxications. This manipulative ideal of the Avatar, viewed as a Saint in the eyes of the people and an everlasting beacon of hope. Ha, he's had enough. With venom seaping from his lips, his words carried a poisonous aroma.
"Oh? Then tell me, what do YOU have! You are mistaken my old friend, you are nothing. Nothing but a rat in this desert you have created."
Regaining his composure the two Avatars continued circling each other cautiously.
"Tell me Roku, why have you come to a place like this? There must be a reason, and it can't be simply to hide. No, you have some sort of purpose here, don't you? Perhaps you are... protecting something?"
And then he felt it, an energy source that felt vaguely familiar to his own, yet the basic philosophy of his legacy made this seem highly unlikely.
"No, protecting... someone."
Releasing a sigh, Roku got into a fighting stance. His eyes manifested into a bright glow signifying a connection into the Avatar State. The opponent could only grin in response to Roku's display in hostility.
"Hit a nerve, did I?"
Just then, his eyes too shifted into that of a glow. Though unlike Roku, his seemed more... corrupted.
To think that even in death, Roku would once again be fighting not only to preserve his very spiritual essence, but to protect the only living being that would actually stand a chance against the man who was once chosen to bring balance to this world; against Avatar Aang.
Chapter 1: The Beginnings of and End
(Takes place in the Fire Nation instead of Ba Sing Se)
A Young and Joyous Avatar stood silently, staring in a fascinated manner into the night sky. His pupils remained glued to the countless of stars floating above. His thoughts venturing through encounters and hardships that he'd struggled to endure up to this point. A literal lifetime had passed. A lifetime of pain, suffering, and humility.
Realizing this fact days after he had been released from his Iced Shell, it was still something he struggled to accept. The entirety of the time he had been given to rekindle his thoughts in hopes of pushing pass the life he once had - hadn't quite worked out as he hoped. The void in his heart that had once been filled was much too broad to ignore. It still felt raw - even now. To cope with this pain, he began distracting himself by focusing on restoring balance and order into the world that had fallen into chaos. This idea - This goal, that kept him occupied was none other than the downfall of a tyrannical Nation bent on dominating all other civilizations. After finding himself doing just that, the numbed memories of his past had began to slowly make its way back to the forethought of the Avatars mind.
If it weren't for the sudden intervention of a certain Water Bender, his conscience would likely be swimming in the sea of a haunted past. His ears perked at the tapping of footsteps that grew ever nearer. Simultaneously, his chest had begun to beat faster at every step. The gentle rhythm in her approach, the soft breath escaping her lips, the captivating aroma of her delicate perfume - faint, yet pungent all the same. He knew who it was, and it excited him.
She slowly made her approach - Choosing to stop just inches beside while leaning upon the rails that kept them from falling down a tremendous height. No words were said. None was needed too. Other than the whistling of a cold and blissful wind, the night had remained silent and subtle. She stood next to him - he next to her, just as it was meant to be. Unknowingly, the two had found themselves facing one another. Their eyes soft, and their hearts heavy. A delicate glow of the blue moon bounced off their skin giving them a gentle appearance. Their eye's entwined, and behind them, an endless amount of affection radiated from their pupils. Their bodies closed into one another, initially settling into a loving hug out of pure instinct. It was a sudden misstep from their bottled up affection, yet it did not stop them from enjoying the warmth of their body pressing tightly together.
Through that embrace, Katara had recalled her time in this short but meaningful journey. A journey sought to bring an end to the pain and suffering they were all born into. A world that had forced them to grow and mature faster than what they ever wished for. Here they stand, still children - yet, simultaneously fully grown adults, they could only revel in the mutual experience that brought them ever closer. They pulled away, now staring into each others eyes a second time. The love seeping through them was fragrant, and as the world became slower and slower around them, so had the closure of their faces until they reached a gentle but passion filled kiss.
"This was it." Aang could only think.
Everything he had fought for. All the pain, all the sorrow, all the sleepless nights he had been forced to endure. All of it lead to this moment. Nothing could make him feel any happier than he currently was. Everything was just, perfect - exactly as it was meant to be. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he brought her closer to his body. Their kiss slowly becoming more heated by the second. Finally pulling away after what felt like hours, a gentle pant escaped both of their lips signifying the lack of air they weren't able to inhale. All of this pent up affection release in one sudden kiss had drained them, but it still wasn't enough. His hands slid from her upper back until it rested upon her rear. Katara tensed, yet giggled on his forward and adult-like curiosity. Despite finding humor in this, she encouraged the act. For she too had been overwhelmed by so much affection that caused her to become lusty. Without another moments waste, she allowed Aang to lead her into an isolated room - secluded from all others where they would be able to explore a new side of this pent frustration that caused them to react this way.
The suns morning glow rose brightly over the Fire Nation. The world around them had once more been blessed with its warmth. In a particular room, the rising sun had settled onto the face of a young Avatar - annoyingly waking him from his slumber. The young man sat up from his bed in a tired-like manner. Instantly, he felt something was off. Like something was missing... empty even. As if a light flickered on, so too had his thoughts. Katara wasn't here.
"Hm, that's strange?" He thought.
Getting out of bed, he dressed himself in the traditional robes the Air Nomads clothed themselves in, all while searching for the woman he's grown to love. Stepping out of his chambers, the Avatar was immediately greeted by Appa. His flying companion and friend for all of eternity. Appa let out a low growl and licked his face as a sign of greetings.
"Hehe, good morning to you too Appa."
Patting the head of his beloved Sky Bison, it didn't take long until Momo made himself known by it peaking its head over Appa's large skull.
"You too Momo." He added. "Have either of you seen Katara by any chance? She wasn't with me last night after we... well I think you can guess what happened." Letting out a sheepish smile, Aang rubbed the back of his head a little embarrassed.
The Sky Bison and Spider Monkey made disapproving sounds causing Aang to sigh.
"No idea too huh? Well that's okay, I'm sure she'll turn up." He scratched Momo's ear after the animal had settled onto his shoulder.
An abrupt yawn caused the Avater to shift his gaze at the source. Approaching in a tired manner, Aang softly smiled at the person before him. Toph Beifong, a blind but powerful Earth Bender who became a fearsome opponent encounter. Her name had grown big throughout the War, making its way across all remaining Civilizations as the greatest Earth Bender to ever roam. Her reputation among many had granted her a significant amount of respect that many dared not to challenge. So imagine how humorous and unlikely it was to see the Great Toph Beifong waking up like an everyday average joe.
"Morning already?" She rubbed her tired eyes.
Already making herself known, Toph couldn't give a rats ass about her appearance - especially to those she considered friends. Her hair was a total mess, almost as if she had escaped a hurricane. Her morning attire consisted of an extremely loose T-Shirt that covered everything down to her knees. In her opinion it was comfortable to sleep in, and twice more convenient than Pajamas. Still, she looked like a total slob, yet the way she displayed herself pulled off a more adorable appearance.
"Good Morning, Toph." Aang smiled.
"Hm? Oh, twinkle toes. It's good to hear that I'm not the only one up early in the morning."
"I guess, haha. Anyways, did you sleep?"
Groaning in discomfort, she began stretching her back. "Like I slept on a rock!" A few pops resonated shortly after causing her to moan in satisfaction. "Ah, that's so much better."
"Ha, that's funny to hear coming from you."
Toph rolled her eyes at his response. "Oh hardy har-har. Just cause I'm an Earth Bender doesn't mean I feel comfortable sleeping on stones! Get a grip."
Releasing a humored chuckle, he decided it was best to let it go before she buried him 50 feet under the earth crust. Literally.
"Anyways, seeing as how you just woke up I doubt you know much. But I was wondering if you knew Kataras whereabouts. She sort of disappeared on me last night."
Going into a deep thought, Toph rubbed her chin profusely at the mention of the Water Bender
"Katara, huh? ... I do remember something. Last night I woke up to a dry throat. I felt like a suffocating fish. Anyways, I remember sensing her step out of your chambers in an odd manner. Almost like she was being cautious, but in a hurry all the same. After that, I... wait a second."
Her eyebrows furrowed before giving a peculiar stare at the Avatar.
"Why was she even in your room to begin with? It was so late at the time. Don't tell me you were monkeying around in there, hmm?"
Realizing that he was about to be caught red handed, Aang gave a nervous chuckle before scooting away as silently as he possibly could. Moments later, Appa gave a skeptical humm once the Avatar made his departure
"Yeah, he's acting totally weird." Toph agreed, almost as if she could understand his incoherent grunts.
Sensing that Aang had long since departed, an unexpected gloom had settled over the Earth Bender. If anyone saw her now, they'd likely be confused and confront her about this odd behavior. Why did she act this way? Well, I'll tell you why.
Like many others, Toph had grown to admire the growing Avatar. His aura itself was enough to lighten your mood. Having spent a lot of time with Aang - unlike most others who merely admired the Avatar - her fondness over him had inevitably grew into something more. The way he interacted with her, the way he treated her, the way he listened listened her. It was a spitting personality of someone she'd eventually fall for. If only she could see his face, she'd be more than certain his features would match his characteristics.
Unfortunately, she knew very well that the only person who would ever receive a hint of romantic interest from the Avatar... wasn't her. She knew that, and she hated that. This spark of jealousy knowing that she could never have what Katara was having had soured her mood. At this point in time, she could only hope that Aang would one day see her in such a way and cut things off with the Water Bender. As selfish as she sounded, she truly wished that day would eventually come. Regardless, for now all she could do is wait as her emotions remain unfulfilled.
...and perhaps it never will.
The Fire Nation was as lively as ever. With the recent excitement of Prince Zuko being deemed the new Fire Lord of the Nation had yet to dwindle from the peoples spirits, one particular Avatar seemed to be searching in the most unlikely places for his love interest.
"Where could she be?" He thought.
Momo had accompanied the Avatar during the brief moment he evaded Toph. The lemur flew next to him, joining him across the sky in hopes of completing a personal quest.
"You see anything Momo?"
"..."
"Thought so." He sighed.
The Fire Lords palace was ahead, and with nowhere else to look, Aang decided it was a good time to pay the new Fire Lord a visit. Landing in front of the doors of the palace, the guards greeted him respect. This was somewhat weird to him. It hadn't been long since peace had been declared across the world. A world where only days prior, every Fire Nation Soldier could basically be considered an enemy - Someone was after his head. This was going to take time to get used to. Giving them a kind gesture, Aang ventured inside the palace in search of his new ally.
"Zuko?"
Other than the echoes of his voice bouncing across the halls, Aang was met with pure silence. A large doorway with its entrance cracked slightly came into view. The opening was large enough for the sun to illuminate into the hall, giving a specific sector of the building an enchanting and hospitable glow. With his curiosity getting the best of him, Aang snooped closer until he was just at the door. Cracking it open just a little, he peaked his head inside wondering what lied beyond this frame. His vision settled onto someone he hadn't expected to be here, the person he had been searching for.
Katara
The remarkable glow of the sun flowed off her chocolate skin - giving her an enchanting purity. Her gaze had settled over the City where the rest of the Capital could be seen just below. A dreamy gaze plastered over her eyes while her chin rested firmly against her palm. His heart fluttered at this angelic view and how remarkable this woman truly looked - who she truly was.
"Ka-"
His throat suddenly caught in its throat. Zuko had appeared. His approach had been slow and subtle, but eventually taken his place behind Katara. Watching in faint curiosity, his heart slowly began to ache once the Fire Lord embraced her in a loving manner. Choosing to disregard this intimate gesture, he forced himself to believe it may have been a friendly gesture they've grown accustomed to. How he wished that were the case.
Zuko and Katara, slightly parting from their embrace had settled with their faces eyeing one another. Their fingers entwined as if they didn't want to let go. The way they looked, eyes full of love and longing for the person before them... it tore him inside. The intimate moment he remembered having with her had been stripped from his thoughts, now replaced with sudden insecurities in hopes that this wasn't what he dread it was. Blinking for but a second, the moment he reopened his eyes his vision welcomed in the nightmare of what he hoped to be an illusion. Two of his closest friends - One who he had just recently befriended, the other who he had been certain held romantic feelings for him - had been passionately kissing before him. The two secured their arms around each other so tight, that only then did he finally come to realize. He lost her. The passion he felt with Katara a night ago... wasn't real. She kissed him yes, but did she love him? If it wasn't to return the emotions she absolutely knew he had... then what for? He did not know, and that is what killed him inside.
Momo, having sensed the despair within his companion, softly pressed himself against the Avatars neck in a comforting manner. Seeing this sight of Aang had troubled him greatly. Feeling Aang begin to tremble before him, Momo sat up and observed the raw power seeping out of his eyes. It began to flicker violently - showing hints that he was beginning to lose control of his bottled emotions within. The Avatar State was beginning to emerge, and not in a kind way. The Lemur rested his tiny palm onto Aangs cheek where merely seconds ago a heartbreaking tear had fallen. Aang seemed to react positively to this, for soon after his power began to subside as the Lemur once more pressed himself comfortingly to his friend.
"I... I know, Momo." Aang choked.
Oh how foolish he truly was. To think that he - the Avatar; Guardian of the World, the Bridge between the Living and Spirit realms - could love? Was this it? Was this why the Guru Pathik told him to let go of all that bound him to this world? In order to willingly tap into the power of the Avatar, he had to let it all go. He didn't want to... but now he understood why.
"...I know."
With that one final choke, Aang took off down the hall towards the entrance he came in. He's seen more than enough for one life time.
Elsewhere, Katara felt an urge to look up in the sky. In the distance, her eyes rested upon what appeared to be Aang flying on his glider. An overwhelming desire had flooded her veins. One where she must chase him, grab him, and never let him go. Instinctively, her hand outstretched as if she trying to capture him in the sky. As she did this, she remained oblivious to Zuko repeatedly calling her name.
"Katara!"
"What? Who?" She blinked and looked at Zuko. "Wha-"
Zuko chuckled before smiling lovingly at the woman.
"You blacked out for a second there. As I was saying, what you would like for breakfast?"
Blinking repeatedly in a confused manner, she found her lack of appetite rejecting his offer for food. Instead, her gaze resettled into the distance - hoping to catch another glimpse of the object she thought was Aang.
"I'm... I'm not hungry." She finally answered.
"Are you sure?"
A brief silence enveloped the two as Katara continued to observe the bright sky. After deeming it a hallucination, she closed her eyes and nodded lightly.
"Yeah... I'm sure."
The Avatar landed back in the courtyard, his legs quickly pacing himself into his chambers in hopes to start gathering his things. His heart continued to beat rapidly as a sense of despair crept ever closer to his fractured soul. He didn't know what to think or do at this point. None of it matters after all, nothing did.
"What am I doing?"
Questioning his own sanity, his shattered heart acted upon it's own accord and forced him to continue this abandonment.
"Goddamn it, why? Someone, please tell me why?"
The spitting image that tore apart everything replayed itself over and over in his corrupted thoughts. Forever echoing, judging, and once cherished memories of the woman he adored brought nothing but insecurities now.
"WHY!"
Grabbing the nearest item, he threw the object across the room shattering a window. With his anger still rabid, he instinctively grabbed his staff to repeat the same manner he had done just moments ago - but stopped as soon as he realized.
Ever since the dawn of his own time - this overwhelming responsibility as the next heir to Avatar had weighed his identity. Every action, every decision, it was all because of his heritage. That was all he was ever viewed as. The Avatar - Acting upon a sole ideal of righteousness and preservation. A world to save. A destiny to uphold. All of it, in the name of the Avatar. Bounded forevermore to this unending responsibility, he never felt more caged in his entire life. The staff he held - once a reminder of an old and cherished life he once had - held no purpose to who he was now. All he could see... all he could feel, was the Avatar. Twisting it around one final time, he caught it with both his hands and swiftly snapped it between his legs - discarding it's severed remains onto the floor. Conflicted, confused, but most of all - betrayed. A void had gradually began to form inside his soul. A void that craved to be filled... but how?
How could he fill such a hollow shell? He was never trained for this particular motive, nor was he prepared for it. How could he, Avatar Aang, find the one thing all people sought in this world?
Happiness.
He did not know.
With this in mind, Aang stepped out of his chambers prepared to set off into the vast world - alone. He dreaded the idea. Having spent most of his travels with others, the thought of venturing out on his own for an unknown duration of time unnerved him. But he couldn't bring himself to face anyone at this time, not when they'll more than likely question to him for his foreign behavior. His feet shifted forward, and before he knew it he was already leaving this place.
*Groan*
Stopping in his tracks, the sadden groan of his oldest companion held him back. Aang clenched his shaking fist at this interruption. He didn't want to leave Appa, but he would be much better off with the others looking after him.
"Appa, you can't come with me. They need you hear, more than I do."
The Sky Bison ignored his owners reasoning and continued to persist, nudging the Avatar in hope that he would mount him. Despite being an enormous beast, Appa was no fool. He knew when things had gone south strictly by the aura Aang had emitted. This was one of the many perks the two shared among each other. If a swelling of unease settled in one, the other would surely find out - and listen.
Right now, at this very moment he knew Aang wanted to leave. Why? He did not know, but that did not matter to him. The only thing that did was getting his friend as far away from here as possible.
Appa stomped on the ground and roared in his face causing the young nomad to tense up. He showed that there was no room for debate, he would be coming whether he liked it or not. This persisting nature continued with Appa nudging and blocking any path of escape for Aang with his enormous figure. Eventually Aang got the message, and with a frustrated sigh he gave in.
"Ugh, fine."
Mounting the Sky Bison, Aang couldn't help but smile in the end. Appa really was loyal, incredibly loyal. After all this time, he knew he was incredibly lucky to have a friend like him - and eternally grateful too.
"Yip, yip!"
And then they were off. With Momo joining in the ride the last moment, the Lemur tucked himself within the Avatars clothing. The three of them sailed across the sky completely unknown to the rest of the gang of their departure.
That day he flew away from it all. Away from every thing he's come to know. The Avatars duty was solely to maintain peace and balance in this world. With recent events shattering his vision of of future, his destiny couldn't be painted anymore black and white than it already had. His fate had been sealed the moment he was birthed. With this in mind, he knew what he was born to do. For now, he had to get away. For he could not fulfill this role with this heavy and pain-filled heart.
The Avatar flew away from the Fire Nation that morning in pieces. Unbeknownst to all in the world, the darkest days this world had yet to witness had just been set into motion.
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End of Chapter 1
Let me know what you guys think, I'm planning to put so much effort into this story and I hope this topic would somewhat spark a new category in this ATLA fandom rather than the typical Zutara/Kataang/Taang/ or whatever kind of overly used topic out there. Questions, comments, concerns/bitches, moans, and complaints are all welcome. Thank you guys for taking the time to read this, and I'll see you all in the next chapter.
Ciao!
TheLivingMyth
Update: This Chapter has been reviewed and rewritten as of January 6th 2022