Avatar The Last Airbender Fan Fiction ❯ The War of the Elements ❯ The Legions of Darkness ( Chapter 3 )

Chapter 3 The Legions of Darkness

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar The Last Air Bender

 

 

 

 

Somewhere in the desert

 

 

 

The gang were passing trough the dessert with Appa as their flying guide, they were heading to the boat station where they would go to Ba Sin Say and find the earth king who's been in hiding with the rest of his people somewhere in the earth capital. Sokka looked at Zuko who look scare he was still not use to travel with Appa.

 

“What's wrong Zuko scare?” Sokka said with a smirk

 

“Actually yeah I feel like Im about to fall” Zuko said

 

“Yeah I felt the same way the first time but you'll get used to it” Toph said

 

“I think this spot is good to camp for the night al right Appa take us down” Aang said

 

The flying bison descended into the ground, the group took some of the fruits that they saved from the western air temple.

 

“You guys set up camp I need to start up my fire bending lessons” Aang said as he looked at Zuko who nodded

 

“But Aang” Katara said worry for the air bender

 

“Don't worry Katara Ill be fine” Aang said

 

Sokka grumble while trying to start the fire with two sticks” oh this is gonna take a while just like in the temple its so hard”

 

“Its like watching monkeys trying to start a fire” Toph said in a humor tone while Sokka ignore her comment

 

Katara sighed” I wish we had someone who can light the fire?”

 

Aang was gonna say something until Zuko came to where Sokka was starting the fire he raise his hand and a small ball of fire was formed in his hand he shoot it in the group of wood creating the fire. The gang looked surprised Zuko return to Aang side while Katara had a dumbfounded look in her face.

 

(Of course Zuko is a fire bender he can light the fire with no problem at all) Katara thought

 

(Zuko why I didn't thought about it before) Sokka thought

 

“Well see you guys later” Aang said as he and Zuko left the camp site

 

Katara looked at Aang and Zuko leave(there's no way Im leaving him alone with Zuko) she then follow the two teens

 

Sokka looked at his sister concern but he shrug it off he knew how stubborn Katara could get.

 

“Katara doesn't trust him a bit” Teo said

 

“Yeah and I don't blame her Zuko has done a lot awful things to us in the past its not so easy to trust him” Sokka said

 

“War is tragic lives are taken and hatred is born that is why is best to avoid one” the inventor said

 

“But we can't avoid this war we have to fight and stop the fire nation” Toph said

 

The gang began to eat as the fire continue to dance, the sun was finally setting down and night has arrived. A few feet away from the camp site Aang and Zuko were in a meditating state both had their eyes closed until Aang broke open one of his eyes.

 

“Um……Zuko why are we meditating?” Aang said

 

“Because we had to clear our mind and soul in order to fire bend otherwise you will fail” Zuko said

 

Aang grin” oh yeah I forgot about that” he close his eye again

 

“Tea also calms the mind and the soul, my uncle taught me that” Zuko said he open his eyes and had a sorrowful look in his eyes

 

Aang saw his expression and try to change the subject” so how about we begin my mind is already clear so lets go”

 

“Al right now that our mind is clear you have to understand that fire is the element of power and destruction if you can't control it you will destroy everything around you or yourself” Zuko said

 

Aang knew exactly what he was talking about he remember when he was too careless with fire bending that he ended up burning Katara's arm he has never forgotten that horrible moment he try to erased that tragic memory as he continue to listen to Zuko.

 

“Now performing fire bending is the same as bending any other element it depends of how your emotions are if you're too angry you will lose control over your bending, but at the same time if you're too careless then the same thing will happen that is why every time you perform fire bending you remain calm and concentrated never lose focus or you will regret it” Zuko said

 

“Right I understand” Aang said

 

“Al right now try to create a ball of fire in your palm remember to be focus” Zuko said

 

Aang nodded he raise his left palm he closed his eyes and remained calm in seconds a small ball of fire was formed in his palm.

 

Zuko smile” good now try to keep the fire ball in your palm concentrate don't increased it”

 

Aang concentrate to keep the fire ball in his hand but he couldn't the fire ball increased in size and almost burn Zuko but he was quick and was able to dodge it, Aang cough as the fire vanish.

 

Zuko sighed” looks like you have ways to go before you can master fire bending”

 

Aang grin sheepishly they continue to the fire bending lesson while a few feet away Katara was watching the two teens she was keeping her distance because she didn't wanted Aang to see her. She continue to watch keeping an eye on the air bender making sure that Zuko didn't betray him and attack him. When she saw that Zuko wasn't doing anything in the sorts to Aang she couldn't help but smile a little for a while she thought that maybe the fire prince was actually telling the truth and maybe he and Aang would become good friends.

 

After a while Katara decided to return to the camp site and let the two teens continue the fire bending lesson, in another part of the desert a black flame portal appeared and a stranger wearing a black cloak and hood came out from the portal.

 

“You all know what to do kill the Avatar as for the rest do what you like with them” the hooded stranger said as he enter the portal and vanish

 

Back at the camp site Aang and Zuko return from their fire bending lesson Katara was already back too, the two got seated in the sandy ground and took some of the fruit that the rest was sharing. Sokka look at Aang who looked calm and Zuko was being quiet as usual he glance at Katara and she was calm too like nothing has happened so he thought that Zuko hasn't stab Aang on the back while they were on their fire bending lesson.

 

“So Aang how did your fire bending lesson went?” Teo ask beating Sokka to the question

 

“It was great Zuko really knows a lot, but I still need more time to learn fire bending” Aang said

 

“Don't worry Aang you'll learn in time you just need practice” Katara said

 

“Thanks Katara its tough but I will learn fire bending” Aang said

 

“And with Suko as your teacher Im sure you will learn fire bending quickly” Sokka said in a sarcastic tone

 

Sokka's comment made Zuko look depressed while Aang didn't realize that Sokka was being sarcastic, Toph just sighed she didn't wanted to get involved but to his surprise it was Katara the one who reacted she smack him on the back of his head.

 

“Ouch Katara why did you do that?” Sokka said

 

“Aang is going to master fire bending and Zuko is going to help him so don't be mean” Katara said

 

“Yeah you deserve it Sokka” Toph said

 

Momo made a positive squeal while Appa just made a loud yawn meaning it was tire and wanted to rest, Zuko gave a small smile to think that the person who hated him and distrust him so much was defended him in her brothers comment.

 

“But Katara I thought you” Sokka didn't finish because Katara cut him off

 

“It doesn't matter now Sokka lets leave it like that okay?” Katara said

 

Sokka sighed” fine I swear I don't understand you at all sheesh”

 

“I think its time we take some rest” Teo said

 

The group nodded

 

“WAIT” Toph shouted

 

Everybody looked at the blind earth bender why confusion

 

“What's wrong Toph?” Sokka said

 

“Shhhh quiet” Toph said as she was using her hearing to verify the noise that she was hearing the group was just curious to what was happening

 

“What is it Toph?” Aang said

 

Zuko was checking his surroundings ready to attack

 

“Were not alone, something's coming” Toph said she then gasp” BENEATH US”

 

(AN: sorry for the cliffhanger but I will continue to finish the chapter soon so feel free to leave me any comments)

 

The gang took a fighting stance as they saw something that they have never seen before, at first they were expecting to meet any fire nation soldiers but this time it was completely different. Their enemies weren't human they look like black shadow creatures with small antennas in their heads and they had bright yellow eyes they were very creepy.

 

Sokka drew his sword” what are they?”

 

“Stand back you two” Aang said to Teo and his father

 

The two nodded and went behind Appa who was ready to charge at the mysterious creatures. The creatures charge at them Zuko drew his broadswords and started slashing them he also forge his fire bending into the broadswords making them very strong and effective, Aang use his staff to throw a large gust of air sending the creatures a few feet away from the group. Toph raise a giant wall from the ground crushing some of the creatures in sight while Katara created a water whip she used it to hit more of the creatures and Sokka charge at them using his sword and his great sword skills that he learn from the sword master.

 

The creatures vanish but suddenly they appeared again, the gang continue to fight them they defeated them again but they appeared like nothing has happened the gang was now getting irritated and annoyed about it.

 

“What are these things they just keep coming back” Aang said

 

“Yeah what gives we beat them and more of them show up” Sokka said

 

“LOOK OUT” Katara shouted as she saw the creatures moving towards them at high speed

 

Zuko threw Aang out of the way and the rest were caught in a cage made from darkness created by the creatures, the air bender gasp seeing his comrades trap in the cage.

 

“Guys no” Aang said

 

“Forget about us and stop those things” Zuko said

 

“He's right twinkle toes stop them before they capture you too” Toph said

 

Aang saw that the creatures were regrouping and it seems that they were ready to attack, the air bender took his staff ready to strike he then gasp seeing the black creatures fusing with one another creating a new creature. When the fusion was done the whole group gasp in shock now standing before Aang was a giant black creature ten times bigger than the normal size of the other creatures. Aang use some earth bending to created a huge hole in the ground making the giant creature fall he then closed the hole, however the creature came trough the hole like it was nothing.

 

Aang then form a gust of air but it didn't even made the mighty creature move, the creature finally made its move and raise his large dark hand at Aang who use another gust of air but it was no use the hand has covered him he vanish the group was shocked to what has happened.

 

“NO AANG” Katara shouted as tears formed in her eyes

 

“I…..I don't believe it he's gone NO” Sokka said

 

Toph stood quiet the same with Zuko Teo and his father were shock as well Appa growl he used a strong gust of air but it didn't do any damage to the mighty creature.

 

Aang saw that he was surrounded in pitch black everywhere he look there was nothing but darkness he immediately felt that he couldn't breathed there wasn't any oxygen in the whole area he felt like this was it he was going to die. He began to think about his friends Sokka, Toph Momo, Appa Zuko who has become his new friend and teacher and of course Katara the girl he loved very much. He could barely keep his eyes open he slowly closed them there wasn't anything he could he was gonna die, he suddenly got a vision of Katara her radiant beauty he also got a vision when he kissed her it was over he was gonna die without sharing a life with the water bender.

 

(No I……I can't die not here not yet Katara and everyone NO I WILL NOT DIE I love Katara too much so I can't die and leave her alone)

 

He immediately opened his eyes and they were now glowing white he was now in the Avatar state he created a large wave of air, the creatures right hand was destroyed to pieces and out came Avatar Aang the group was so happy to see him especially Katara. The giant creature charge at him again trying to caught him in the isolated darkness, Avatar Aang the lifted the ground where the creature stood sending in high into the air he the created a large whirlwind making the creature spinning out of control he then made the large boulder that was holding the creature to created a million of earth spikes he send them at the large creature stabbing it, the whirlwind was gone and the creature vanish.

 

The cage of darkness vanish freeing the group Katara ran to Aang who was back to normal she jump at him embracing him like her life depended on it, Aang blush hard while the group smile but Sokka had a smirk on his face.

 

“Aang you're al right Im so glad” Katara said happily

 

“That was pretty amazing Aang” Sokka said

 

“You combine earth and air it was very impressive you really are the Avatar” Zuko said

 

“Hey what do you mean you think Im the Avantar I AM the Avatar” Aang said sounding a little offended

 

“Im sorry for offending you” Zuko said

 

Aang grin” its al right Zuko I was just joking”

 

Toph gasp” no THEY ARE BACK”

 

“What?” Aang said confused

 

Suddenly they were all surrounded by the dozens of black creatures the whole group got ready to fight again.

 

“Will this ever end?” Sokka whined

 

“There's too many of them we have no choice but to fight” Katara said

 

The gang took a fighting stance as they were going to take on the army of dark creatures, jus things were critical a small ball of light fell on the army of creatures, the whole desert was illuminated by the bright light the gang shielded their eyes because of the brightness of the beam. All of the creatures were completely destroyed by the bright light, when the light faded the gang open their eyes and saw that all of the dark creatures were eliminated Teo and his father were surprised Appa was in the same boat as well as Momo the gang didn't know what just happened they look at every direction and saw no sign of the creatures.

 

“What just happened?” Sokka said confused

 

“Looks like those things were defeated” Katara said

 

“Are they really gone this time” Zuko said not letting his guard down

 

“Yeah they are gone for good this time I don't hear any movements in the ground” Toph said

 

“But how did those things were beaten?” Katara said

 

Everyone turn to Aang who gave them a puzzle look” hey don't look at me I didn't do nothing”

 

Toph ears perk up(there's somebody here)

 

“Im so lucky that I finally found you”

 

The gang looked behind them and saw a teen boy who seems to be around fourteen with messy brown hair and blue eyes he was wearing a white cloak and hood that cover his whole body, in his right hand he had a sword the blade was colored white and the handle was colored black with gold lines on the side.

 

The mysterious teen smile at them while the gang was a little surprised however Zuko was keeping an eye on him making sure he wasn't an enemy.

 

“Hi you must be the Avatar my name is Sora Im so glad that I finally found you”

 

The gang blink at his name then they stare at Sokka who was surprised at the rest his name sounded a lot like him.

 

Aang smile at him” um….hi yes Im the Avatar pleased to meet you Sokka I mean Sora”

 

Sokka sweat dropped at Aangs comment

 

“Was it you the one who defeated those things?” Sokka said

 

Sora nodded” yup it was me you guys look like you needed some help”

 

“We sure did thanks for helping us Sora” Katara said

 

“Yeah thanks for helping us Sora” Teo said

 

“No problem Im glad I was able to help” Sora said

 

“That attack” Zuko said getting the attention of the group” that wasn't any elemental attack that I know off what was it?”

 

“Now that Zuko mentions it what was that Sora was that bending?” Aang said curious

 

Sora gave a thoughtful look” well since Im going to be traveling with you guys from now on I might as well tell you everything you guys have the right to know, however its going to be a long story” he then sheathed his sword back in his back

 

The gang nodded they were all curious and interested to hear what Sora has to say

 

“Yes please tell us Sora” Aang said

 

“Al right then” Sora said

 

The group sat back on the sandy ground next to the camp fire waiting to listen to his story

 

“First of all have any of you heard about the six nations?” Sora said

 

Aang gasp along with the gang

 

“You know about the six nations?” Aang said highly interested

 

“So the Avatar knows about the six nations of course I should have known” Sora said

 

“Well the guru told me about it back at the western air temple and my name is Aang sorry for not introducing myself”

 

“My name is Katara”

 

“Sokka's the name the bravest warrior of the water tribe”

 

Katara sweat dropped at his comment

 

“Toph” the blind earth bender said

 

“My name is Teo and this is my father” he pointed towards the old inventor(AN I don't know his name)

 

“Zuko” the fire bender prince said

 

Sora chuckle” since we know our names Ill continue my story”

 

“What are the six nations do they really exist?” Katara said

 

Sora nodded” yes Katara they do exist in this world they aren't four nations but rather six nations the other two nations are hidden from the rest because they are not supposed to be in contact with the rest of the world, the other two nations are the light nation and the dark nation” he then pulled out from his cloak what it seems to be a scroll he then opened it revealing a map of the nations

 

The gang gasp when they saw the map it was different, it show the four nations(water, earth, fire and air) but they were two additional nations, up north there was a region that said light written in kanji and in the south region there was a region that said dark written in kanji.

 

“No way so there are six nations after all” Sokka said

 

Sora nodded” yup the people from the dark nation are called dark benders or shadow benders and the people from the light nation are called light benders I am a light bender”

 

“A light bender that's so cool that's why you were able to shot that ball of light” Aang said

 

“Its pretty impressive” Sokka said

 

Katara nodded Toph frown

 

“Don't tell me you guys actually believe him?” Toph said

 

“How else was he able to bend light like that?” Katara said

 

“And those creatures of darkness it was the doing of the dark nation” Zuko said

 

Sora nodded” yeah now for many years the light and the dark nation were involved in a war but neither side has won its been a tie match”

 

Aang sighed sadly” so there's another war besides the one we are fighting”

 

“But wait a minute” Katara said” Sora you said that the light and the dark nation can't get in contact with the other nations but why are you here?”

 

“That's the other thing Im about to tell you, you guys are in a war with the fire nation this is when things turn from bad to worse the dark lord have decided to join forces with the fire lord they have created an alliance to conquer the rest of the nations” Sora said

 

“WHAT” the gang shouted in unison

 

“So you're saying that the fire nation is not just our enemy but the dark nation too?” Sokka said shock

 

“It can't be” Zuko said shock” so he's not alone after all but for how long he has been in this alliance”

 

“You mean the fire lord well I guess for a while that's the reason why Im here the light nation send me to aid you Aang so we could end this war once and for all” Sora said

 

Aang smile” thanks Sora lets do it well stop the fire nation and the dark nation”

 

“Its not gonna be easy but well do it” Sokka said

 

“The fire lord has to be stop” Zuko said in a serious tone

 

“No matter what happens we have to win” Katara said

 

“You guys already know my answer so lets do it” Toph said

 

“Well help too” Teo said and he was the father nodded

 

“Then its decided welcome to the group Sora” Aang said

 

“Thanks you guys” Sora said

 

“Well its getting late we should get some rest tomorrow we are going to the port to get a boat to enter Ba Sin Say” Katara said

 

“Yeah but the fire nation will obviously be at the port they must have taken over it just like the earth capital” Sokka said

 

“We have to get to the port in order to get to Ba Sin Say” Aang said

 

“Or we can cross the serpent pass” Toph said

 

Sokka went pale at hearing this” no thanks I prefer taking on the fire nation than a giant sea serpent”

 

“I agree it easier and safer” Toph said

 

(I wonder what's so safe about taking on the fire nation) Katara thought

 

“Lets get some rest guys you should rest too Sora” Aang said he then saw the light bender was already asleep

 

“Looks like he was very tired” Teo said

 

The gang decided to finally Teo's father was sleeping in a corner Teo was next to him Sokka was sleeping next to Appa who was using the flying bison fur as a pillow Toph made her earth tent and she was already sleeping, Zuko laid to rest next to the fire as for Aang and Katara they were sleeping together both were smiling.

 

The gang were happy to have a new ally and friend, and so they rest for tomorrow where they will go to the port to get on a boat and go to Ba Sin Say.

 

 

 

Fire nation territory

 

 

 

Riku along with Azula, Mai and Tai Lynn were traveling a long road somewhere in the fire nation, they were traveling in their salamanders Riku was concentrated on whatever task he has in mind while Mai was calm but she was keeping an eye on her friend Azula the same with Tai Lynn and they could see that she wasn't happy in the least. Azula has being quiet the entire time but she was very angry both Mai and Tai Lynn could see the murderous intent in her eyes the only thing she had in her mind was to killed the one responsible for making her so helpless, the person next to her Riku who has used an shadow bending technique making her control her like she was some kind of puppet. Azula growl in her mind she was beyond upset the fact that she couldn't move her own body was too damn frustrating and worst of all she was gong to help Riku stop her own father and there was nothing she could do.

 

Azula was always proud of herself of her strength she was cold and ruthless to anyone and she brought fear into the hearts of her enemies but now she was at the mercy of the dark bender, the day Riku use his shadow technique on her was the day he has dig his own grave because she has sworn to killed him and give the most painful death there is. Azula took a quick glance at Riku who was concentrated at the road ahead she hated him so much it was pure hatred no one has ever humiliated her like he did not even the Avatar who has defeated her a couple of times.

 

Riku knew that Azula was glaring at him he could sense her hatred towards him like the darkness he controls but he decided to ignore her and focus on his plan, he then notice that Tai Lynn had a thoughtful look on her face he was curious to know what she was thinking so he didn't hesitated to ask her.

 

“Is there something on your mind Tai Lynn?” Riku said snapping Tai Lynn from her thoughts

 

“Oh well I have been thinking, Riku you're a dark bender and you said that the dark nation and the fire nation made an alliance so why is it that you want to stop the fire lord and the dark lord if you're on our side?” Tai Lynn said

 

Mai looked at him and Azula was still glaring at him to their surprise they saw that the dark benders expression change from his calm look to a disgusted look.

 

“I don't follow the dark lord's ambition lets leave it like that” Riku said

 

Mai and Tai Lynn were surprised at his comment it seems he didn't like to talk about the dark lord Azula on the other hand decided to play her little mind games with him.

 

Azula gave a wicked grin” what's wrong Riku are you afraid of the dark lord? Are you afraid that he's too powerful for you that when he finds out that you have betrayed him he will hunt you down and killed you?”

 

Riku was calm” actually he already knows of my betrayal and if I know him he's already planning on my assassination as I speak so Im not afraid of him”

 

“You can't fool me you feared the dark lord” Azula spat

 

Riku then looked at her with a serious look” you don't even know the meaning of the word fear Im a dark bender I should know so don't antagonize me with your mind games”

 

Azula growl she was even more upset now she wanted to chew him and spit him out like a piece of meat but she decided to stay quiet.

 

(I have to break free from this technique if father thinks I betray him Im dead)

 

Mai decided to change the subject” so where are we going were in fire nation territory you know?”

 

“Yes Mai Im well aware that we are in the fire nation, were going to the main prison hold” Riku said

 

The three girls gave him a confused look

 

“What prison hold?” Tai Lynn said

 

“Well since the dark lord and the fire lord have the same personality Im sure that the fire lord must have a prison fortress where he holds all his enemies am I right Azula?” Riku said

 

Azula growl but she still answer his question” so what if he does father has a main fortress where he holds all of his enemies he recently send some people that attacked in the solar eclipse invasion”

 

“Thank you for answering my question Azula we are going to infiltrate that fortress and rescue all of the prisoners” Riku said

 

The girls gasp

 

“You're kidding?” Mai said shock

 

“Yeah that's impossible” Tai Lynn said

 

“Impossible indeed that fortress is heavily guarded and its crawling with fire nations soldiers there is no way you might even get inside” Azula said in a delighted tone

 

“I can make the impossible possible and besides I have the daughter of the fire lord by my side that's enough to get inside the fortress I wonder what the soldiers would think when they see you attacking them what would you're father think?” Riku said with a smirk

 

Azula glared at him with pure hatred” bastard mark my words Riku when I get free from your technique I will make you suffer so much that you will be begging for me to kill you”

 

“You said it Azula when you get free but that will never happen I can keep my shadow binding technique for as long as I like” Riku said

 

Azula growl and decided to continue riding her salamander while Riku smirk at her Tai Lynn sighed while Mai shook her head she knew things were bad with Azula very angry there's no telling what she will do to break free from Riku's technique.

 

(Oh well things are not so bad as long as Riku has his technique on her she wont be able to go after Zuko) Mai thought

 

The group headed to the prison fortress where they are going to help the prisoners escape it seems Riku has something big planed but what?

 

 

 

To be Continued

 

 

 

Looks like things are getting interesting the Avatar gang has a new ally and Riku is going to break into a prison fortress what else is going to happen find out in the next chapter farewell.