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Chapter Seventeen: The War Part 2

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Bumi

As the fireball came at him, the Energy Bender created a shield much like the one from the beginning, only larger and stronger. The transparent colors shimmered lightly on the ground before disappearing as the fireball collided with the energy. Bumi felt a jerk in his body as the two elements smashed into one another, but he barely acknowledged it as the fire disappeared, turning from blue to orange.  When it was gone he formed a ball of energy that crackled because his powers responded to the comet just as much as Firebenders can. The energy ball was the size of a soccer ball, the colors and brightness intense, and white lightning crackled. He threw it at Azula, who dodged it by diving to the side before running at him again, this time launching multiple attacks at him, her wild hair flying all around her face, making Bumi wonder how she could see with such a wild tangle as he blocked and dodged all of her fire. She jumped into the air using her Firebending before falling to the ground, a large stream of fire leaving her connected hands, aiming at him. He created a round shield around him, and when the fire slammed into the half sphere he split the fire around him, breaking the shield.

Azula glared him once she was back onto the ground, small fires around them from her attacks, which added an orange glow to the red from the sky. “You never know when to stay down, do you boy?”

He knew it was a rhetorical question, but he answered anyway. “I told you I wasn’t going to quit until you were down for the count.”

She narrowed her gold eyes threateningly. “Brave words, kid. Too bad you won’t be around while I control the world.” Before he could respond the Cold Firebender shot a giant fireball. Bumi’s eyes widened and he only had time to create a small shield before the fire hit him. Although it was enough to protect him from the blast itself, it wasn’t enough to keep the heat and pressure out. He flew into the air with a scream as the shield broke apart and he landed twenty feet away on his back where he felt a pain. A rock must have hit him there. He groaned and rubbed the sore spot while getting up, his eyes on the figure of his enemy flying at him. He blinked; Azula really was flying at him on fire which shot from her feet, helping her levitate. As she got closer, Bumi heard her laugh crazily and shout, “You should give up now, Montauk! You will never defeat me!”

He frowned at her as he regained his feet. “You’re out of your mind if you think we’re going to just bow down to you!” he shouted back. “That’ll never happen; I won’t let it!” He took a deep breath and concentrated, gathering energy and aiming it at his feet. If Azula could fly using her powers, why couldn’t he? He wasn’t going to let her have an advantage from the air. He could feel she was getting closer and was just about to attack him. His powers were waiting but he timed it; he just hoped Azula didn’t notice the swirling colors on his feet until he was in the air too. When she felt close enough, he snapped his eyes open and the next millisecond he was in the air. Bumi flew over her and stopped way high above her head with her watching in bewilderment and anger. He looked down as he regained his balance and saw energy shooting from his feet, moving in a way that reminded him of fire; then he gulped when he realized how high he was. He could see what remained of the battle, which wasn’t very much. A few skirmishes were present, but otherwise his team overrules the competition. He grinned at Azula, who was scowling at him from below. “You should take a look at your team; looks like there isn’t much left to help your so called ‘world domination’.”

She screeched, “I don’t need them; I’ll take care of all of you myself!” Azula flew straight at him and he rolled out of the way before they impacted. The Firebender went passed him like an arrow but stopped and faced him anger with even more vehemence and madness. “I will destroy you, brat!” Much to his horror she started waving her arms and lightning formed. Right as she shot at him, Bumi flew higher and prayed to last another minute.

Meanwhile: Kya

The Waterbender froze another opponent and wiped the sweat from her forehead. She spotted her mother running towards her with a small group running with her. Her dad was flying with Tenzin, Matt on his dragon, and Melisa with her wings, all of them dropping different types of bombs. Another boom sounded at the far end of the battlefield and Kya saw smoke rise in that direction. Matt flew over her and another stream of crackling shadow escaped the dragon and she wondered how in the world he did that. The beast wasn’t really alive, but with its rider being able to control it, she had no idea how many more surprises the kid had. Katara made it to her side and embraced her tightly. “Are you alright, Kya?” she asked, worried while her group spread out, taking prisoners.

She nodded with a grin. “I’m great actually!” she answered while looking up as the other three flyers flew over them. “I think this battle’s just about over,” she added, looking at the rest of battlefield, watching as enemy ran away; but her smile faded as she looked farther down and saw bright lights exploding in an open part of the field. “I just hope Bumi’s okay,” she whispered.

Her mother looked ever there as well and grabbed her daughter’s hand to give it squeeze. “Do you think we should go help him?” she asked.

Kya looked at the ground before glancing at the battle away from the battle before shaking her head. “No; this is Bumi’s fight. It’s up to him if we win or fail in the end.”

Katara frowned at the tone of her voice but nodded in understanding and Kya suspected her mom knew how she felt when it came to letting someone fight for something they love. She remembered the story Katara had told back on the trip; of the hardships they had gone through and of how the enemy became friend; of how she had been kidnapped and of her father coming to rescue her. Aang had to fight Jet pretty much on his own even though Kya knew it must have killed Katara to watch her future husband go through that. This made her start thinking of the things she never thought of before; despite being together for years, Mom and Dad seemed even closer than the closest couples she had ever seen or known. It was as if they could read each other’s thoughts. Kya looked at her mother. “Mom, I really want to know; how come you and Dad know what to do without saying anything?”

Katara raised en inquiring brow. “What do you mean?”

Kya rolled her eyes and frowned at her. “You know what I mean, Mom. All you have to do is look at one another and you know what the other was thinking. Don’t tell me it’s because you’ve known each other for years. Please tell me,” she added when Katara looked away.

She sighed. “Alright; I’m going to tell you, but promise you won’t spread it out to your friends; we don’t want the world to know.”

She smiled. “I promise.” And she meant it; if her mother didn’t want anyone to know, Kya would keep it quiet.

The older Waterbender sighed before looking around. “Well, as hard as this may seem to be, Aang and I are… well… we’re soul mates and that grants us the ability to reads each other’s minds and emotions so strong we can feel them as well. I thought it was crazy, but I remember when my necklace glowed and how our eyes became two toned.”

Kya looked at the said necklace that Katara was fingering and inquired, “Two toned eyes?”

Her mother nodded. “When our souls merged to become one, my eyes had gray in them and Aang’s eyes had blue, my eye color. After that, he thought some things and I spoke out loud and we’ve been able to understand with thoughts since then.”

The younger Waterbender stared at her, mouth agape. “You’re not kidding, are you?”

“She’s not,” came Aang’s voice, making them jump with surprise. Where did he come from? Kya looked around and noticed how there wasn’t anyone left from the enemy side. They must have finished off what remained while they had been talking and taken the rest into custody. Tenzin was by their Dad’s side while Matt and Melisa flew around, making sure there wasn’t anyone left Kya guessed. Aang continued. “Katara and I are soul mates and have been reading each other’s thoughts for years. We didn’t tell you kids because we thought you wouldn’t believe us or would tell your friends if you did.”

Tenzin, looking pale but more tired than hurt, stared at him with a small grin. “Seems like I need to say it again, Dad; nothing about this family is normal, so the thought of you being psychic in some way doesn’t really faze me.”

Kya laughed for the first time since this whole battle began. “I’m with Air Boy with this; I’ve always thought you two were way different from us mental wise; but knowing now that you’re soul mates really hits it off. I think it’s pretty cool.”

Katara gave a small smile. “Really?” she asked.

Tenzin nodded. “Definitely!” Light came from the Energy Bender and the Cold Firebender at the other end of the field and he added, “Let’s make sure we stopped everyone here; I don’t want any surprises going Bumi’s way.”

Aang nodded. “Let’s find Matt and Melisa; they might help.” Father and son flew into the air while mother and daughter ran, Kya praying for her brother’s safety.

Matt

The Shadowbender decided it was time to stop the flying and landed in an area that was heavily scorch marked with a few bodies on the ground. He felt a vague sadness looking at them, wondering if they had families waiting for them to come home. Matt looked up as he heard wings flapping while the Shadow Dragon faded to nothing and Melisa landed next to him, her wings disappearing. She looked around at the damage, hands on hips, and with a frown said, “These poor people. Azula has no mercy, does she?”

Matt nodded, feeling guilty. He wondered if he had killed anyone with his powers. He had tried to make sure he was light as possible with the attacks with enough power to render enemies unconscious; or so he hoped because he never knew the amount of power he could possess. He pushed the guilt away as best he could and looked around again, feeling uneasy. Something was off but he didn’t know how until his spine tingled and heard a ‘click’ from a gun. He cried, “Look out!” and pushed Melisa out of the way just as someone shot at her and Matt felt a regular bullet pierce his shoulder. Blood spread from the wound and he fell to the ground with a groan; but the bullet had passed clean through and didn’t hit bone, so it wasn’t so bad.

He looked over and saw someone else take aim at his twin from behind a bush, and suddenly knew what was wrong. Matt yelled, “Melisa run! It’s a trap!” But it was too late. About ten people who he thought was dead was getting up and moving towards them, making a circle to trap them in. The Shadowbender looked around in dismay, seeing Firebenders and knife throwers along with fighters of every kind. He cursed himself for not checking them and seeing if they were alive or dead. Matt got up painfully, while holding his shoulder, and stepped closer to his twin. “Use your wings; I’ll distract them,” he said quietly. Melisa stared at him; she has always protected him and he was going to return the favor no matter the cost; even if it meant losing his life.

She looked at his wound. “I can’t leave you; you’re hurt Matt.”

He looked at her sternly as the enemy came closer slowly. “Don’t argue with me, Mel. It’s not too bad; I’ll be fine. Go.” It was true for the most part; the bullet had only went through skin and some muscle, but he could still move his arm if he was careful.

His twin looked like she wanted to cry, but she took a deep breath and started forming her wings, light glowing from her back, making her seem like an angel. One of the men cried, “She’s gaining her wings! Stop her you fools!”

Matt gritted his teeth. “Stay away from her!” He erected a barrier around them just as the firing started. The bullets couldn’t pass through, but he couldn’t hold up the shield forever either. Matt could feel himself weakening from blood loss, but he wasn’t going to drop the barrier until Melisa was safe.

Her wings finally formed and she yelled, “I’m ready!” He opened the top, creating a hole large enough for her to get out without anyone noticing until it was too late. “Be careful!” she called as she flew out and away. The Shadowbender heard gunshots leaving his shield but was glad nothing happened; Melisa got away from them. As he heard shouting while the bullets stopped for a moment, the Shadowbender decided it was time to stop these guys once and for all. He was scared about what he was about to do, but it was for everyone’s safety. He shrunk the barrier until it took the shape of his body to keep the bullets away, but it was enough to get their attention and they started firing. Other than vibrations, they didn’t hurt him. He took a deep breath and raised a hand, thinking who to do this to first and spotted the one who shot a hole in his shoulder. Matt looked at the man’s shadow and gripped it with his powers, making the man look confused as the gun swung around.

One of his comrades stared at him. “What the hell are you doing?”

The man shook his head. “I don’t know; it isn’t me.”

Matt moved the shadowy arm again and made him aim at one of his friend’s feet and pull the trigger. There were a couple of yelps as the man jumped back. The guy he was controlling looked really scared now and he demanded, “What are you doing to me?”

The Shadowbender glared at him. “Teaching you a lesson!” He kept his grip on the man’s shadow and took control of another, one of the fighters, and jerked his hand at him, making the guy fly into the air while screaming. He controlled a different one and made him punch himself in the face. Normally that would have been funny if the circumstances allowed humor. Bullets rained on him but none of them made it through his armor as he made the man knock himself out before moving on and making another attack a comrade before throwing him as far as he could. Going back to the one he was already controlling Matt used both arms and pushed him away, covering him with shadows until he was stuck.

Matt started feeling dizzy even with the comet helping, but he had one more move before he stopped. He made his armor darker and thicker and he thought he saw some of the fighters back away. He felt a grim satisfaction; so they were afraid of him, eh? Good, he wanted them afraid. As the shadows finished thickening, he concentrated and breathed deeply before opening his eyes. The last of the fighters cried, “His eyes! They’re fully black! That’s not right!”

“Run for it!” another yelled and they started running; but he wasn’t going to let them get away that easily. Matt released the shadows and they exploded away from him, creating an expanding sphere so big he thought he was going to faint himself if he allowed it. The barrier hit the enemy and they all fell; but the sphere didn’t stop and Matt worried he put too much energy into this attack. He gritted his teeth and forced himself to stop. The sphere slowed and vanished. Leaving nothing but groaning fighters.

His eyes turned back to normal and he blinked before collapsing to his knees in exhaustion. Sweat stung his eyes and he fought to catch his breath. Matt couldn’t believe what he just did; he never made anything so strong in his life, except for the dragon maybe. The Shadowbender closed his eyes and took deep breath before looking at his shoulder. Blood was still seeping from the wound, but like before, it wasn’t too bad; it didn’t hit bone and he could still move his arm; but he kept it still, knowing he had to get help before the wound became infected. He groaned as he tried to regain his feet but couldn’t; Matt thought he was going to black out from the pain and fatigue.

Vision going darker as he fought to stay conscious, he heard the best thing in the whole world. “Matt!” a girl called and Lin came into his vision; it was then he realized that he had fallen on his back without his knowing. She stared at him with concern, one arm going under his shoulder to help him up. She winced when she saw his condition. “Are you out of your mind, brainless? You could have gotten killed. We saw most of what had happened and Melisa filled us in as we came over. She said you had saved her life and wanted us to come make sure you were alright. You idiot; do you realize how scared you made me feel?” He tried to answer, but he was so tired and wanted to rest. Matt could feel his eyes closing and felt Lin tighten her hold slightly, not seeming to mind the blood. “Don’t you dare die on me, bucko.”

He managed a faint smile. “Not a chance,” he croaked quietly. “I’m just tired and sore.”

Her face softened as everyone else came into view. Katara came into his line of sight with water already on her hands. They went to his shoulder and he saw a blue glow emanate there. There was sting and his breathe hissed out; but then there was a cooling sensation which took most of pain out of arm and Matt sighed. “You were lucky, Matt,” she said after she was done. “The bullet didn’t hit bone. I made it so the bleeding stopped, but I can’t heal it completely; it will have to do that on its own.”

Matt nodded and sat up painfully, holding his head and grimacing. When he was upright he asked, “Is everyone okay?”

Tenzin knelt by him. “Other than a few cuts and bruises, everyone’s alright. The army had either run or was captured; we won on our side of the fight. How about you?”

He took a slow breath before replying. “I’m okay. Me and Melisa did our share and stopped a bunch of members from getting away. I’m tired though.” Then he looked around at the group and noticed only one person was missing. He frowned. “Wait, where’s Bumi?” It was then an explosion could be seen at the end of the battlefield and Matt knew what was happening before anyone had to say anything.

Jade was the one who did the answering. “He’s fighting for the world.”

Katara

The older Waterbender helped Matt walk into the healing tent so he could be looked at properly, thinking of the explosion she and the others saw just ten minutes ago. After the boy was in the other healers’ care, Katara walked out of the tent and looked back over there, watching colors move in a deadly dance. Bumi was out there and she wished desperately that she was there helping him out; but the Master Waterbender knew he had to fight this battle on his own. He was a brave teenager who had been through too much in such a short time; it reminded her of what she and he friends had been through, but what had happened to them paled in comparison to what had happened with their kids. Katara closed her eyes and prayed for her son’s victory, hoping against hope he would prevail over the mad Firebender.

A soft hand touched her cheek and she opened her eyes, seeing everything was slightly blurry. Katara didn’t even know she had been crying until Aang had touched her face and wiped the tears away. “He’ll be okay, Katara; I know he will.”

Katara didn’t need to ask who he was talking about; she knew he was referring to their son. “I just hate having him out there fighting alone. He’s only fifteen, Aang; he shouldn’t be by himself, especially when he’s going against one of the craziest people in the world.”

Aang smiled slightly. “He’s almost sixteen.” She frowned at his humor and his smile vanished like water over sand writing. “I get what you’re saying, Kat; but remember that Bumi is strong for his age, and those lessons with Ursa had helped him. We both knew something was going to happen in the future and now we have to accept the idea that it’s been destiny this whole time. We raised our children to fight for what’s right and they have; Bumi’s just doing what’s right for the world.”

She sighed. “I know, Aang; but I still hate it though. I’m a mother; I can’t help but feel overprotective of our kids.”

The Airbender kissed her forehead. “I know; you’ve been that way since before we even met. Tenzin, Kya, and Bumi are lucky to have you for a mother and I’m lucky to call you my wife and soul mate. He’ll make it through this just like we did.”

Katara smiled slightly and hugged him close, thinking his words through and knowing how much truth rang in them. Their children were strong and they had raised them right, even if the teenagers do fight a lot; it was sibling thing. She also accepted the fact that Bumi was born for this encounter and there wasn’t anything they could have done to stop destiny; sending everyone to the mountains seemed like a silly idea now. “I love you, Aang,” she whispered, feeling the need to say the words.

Aang kissed her softly. “I love you, Katara.” He released the hug and grabbed her hand. “Let’s head inside; the other wounded need you.”

She looked at the ongoing battle and felt tears prick her eyes before she took a deep breath and allowed her husband to lead her inside, both of them praying for a miracle.

Jade

When the adult came in, the Healer decided to take a break and stepped out of the tent as well to sit on the ground and watch the colors on the opposite end of the field, wondering when they were going to stop. Jade wanted her best friend and boyfriend back more than anything else in the world; other than to have Azul pay for her evil and have her back in prison where she belongs. The girl watched them fly back and forth in the sky, one flying on energy; the other on fire. A small grin came into her face; Bumi flying was really cool, even if he was fighting for his, all of their, lives. She sighed and rubbed her arms while looking up. The sky was getting darker, which said that the comet was almost gone. Jade thought it would be so in about half an hour or less.

Melisa sat next to her and looked in the direction of fighting as well. “It’s almost over, I think,” she said after a few minutes.

Jade looked over at her friend. “I hope you’re right, Mel. I hope that witch gets sent back to hell.”

The Lightbender chuckled. “You’re calling me ‘Mel’ now?” she asked with a grin.

She flushed. “Oh; was I not supposed to say that?” she asked sheepishly. Even though she was younger Jade, Melisa has shown more maturity than a fourteen year old should ever have to.

Melisa waved her hand. “Don’t worry about it, girl. I’m fine with it. Just don’t let Matt hear you say it; he would rant about how it was his idea to call me that.”

They laughed a little at that and sat for a few minutes in silence before Jade sighed sadly. “I don’t want to lose him, Melisa. We’ve already so many people in this war; we can’t lose each other too.”

Her friend grabbed her hand in comfort and Jade held it tight, glad she was there to begin with. They had become good friends in the short time they had known each other. “I don’t think you have to worry about for long; Bumi has shown incredible power and I believe he’ll win this fight soon.”

The Energy Healer looked at the display again. “I pray you’re right; I truly do.”

The Lightbender softly said, “Me too, Jade.” Then she took a deep breath and added, “Come on; the others need us.” They walked inside, hearing the booms in the distance.

Tenzin

The young Airbender could still hear the fight despite the distance the fight was taking place. Tenzin was pacing the tent of the wounded; his grandfather Hakoda was bandaging a man’s forearm after someone had stitched it up. He was old now, with gray hair and beard with deep lines on his dark skin, but he still had a strong build and had been helping with the weapons, handing them out and making sure they were in working order. Tenzin groaned. “When will this fight end?” he asked himself, never slowing down his pace.

Hakoda sighed, tying a knot on the bandage. “Tenzin, you need to calm down; you’re too agitated,” he said gently. “It’s not good for you or the patients.”

“Sorry, Grandpa,” he said, slowing to sit down at his grandfather’s feet while placing hands on his face. “I want to be out there fighting with my brother; I hate the thought of him out there alone. You know how psychotic Azula is.”

The old man nodded. “I know, kiddo, but you have to understand that he has to fight on his own. It’s his destiny.”

Tenzin sighed, lowering his hands. “I know that, Grandpa; I’ve already accepted that. It’s still hard knowing he’s out there on his own.”

Hakoda gestured to him. “Come here, son.” Tenzin stood up and the man placed him on his knee. They haven’t done that for a long time and Tenzin was slightly embarrassed, but after everything they went through, he wanted some normality. “I know you kids fight sometimes and feel like siblings are too annoying; but I know how much you guys love each other too and realize that you’re best friends. Bumi knows that you’re thinking about him and hoping he would make this better. He knows you believe in him and that’s make him stronger as a brother and friend. He would also be very proud of you; I know I am.”

“Really?” he asked, staring with big gray eyes.

Hakoda chuckled. “Of course; you each made a stand and there’s nothing that would make me think less of any of you. I’ve been so proud of every one of you, even before this war started.” He ruffled Tenzin’s hair.

“Grandpa!” he complained with a grin.

The old man laughed as his grandson tried to put his hair back in order but still looked messy. “That’s what you and Aang have in common; your hair is all over the place.”

The Airbender crossed his arms and pouted. “Stupid hair,” he grumbled.

Hakoda hugged him before getting him off his knee. He groaned as he stood up. “I’m getting too old for this.”

Tenzin laughed as he followed his grandpa into another tent. “You’re never old.”

Hakoda grinned at him. “Thanks. Come along; we have more work to do.” Feeling lighter of heart he did so, glad to have Hakoda around.

Bumi

He shot another orb at her but she flew out of the way before shooting a red stream at him. The Energy Bender was getting more tired the farther the comet got, but Azula seemed to have more than enough energy to continue. Bumi made another shield and flew away when the fire hit him. His arms were shaking and he didn’t know how much longer he could go on. The fire pushed him farther away until his back hit a rock formation, making him lose concentration with a loud grunt. Bumi fell to the ground hard. He was breathing hard as sweat fell down his chest. His shirt was completely destroyed, having been burned off of his body and there were some blisters on his skin. He shakily stood up and formed a large orb, waited until Azula was close, and shot the crackling energy at her, knocking her down, and she rolled on the ground several times before stopping on her side with white sparks flying on her body.

The Cold Firebender stood, also breathing heavily, her gold eyes glaring malice. “Give up, boy! NO one beats me!” she screeched.

Bumi was almost tempted to admit defeat, but he knew he couldn’t, not while Azula was still at large. He took a few shaky breaths as he got into a stance, heart pounding and nerves frayed. “I will beat you.” She yelled out at his comment and formed lightning again. Before she shot it, he made a sphere around him and flew into the air, barely escaping the lightning. He was so tired, but he couldn’t give in; the world needed him. He wasn’t going to let anyone down again. Bumi stopped in the air and created energy spears, four in all, about five feet long. He threw them at the Firebender and two ripped through her arm and leg, leaving gashes that wept blood. She screamed, “I will destroy you!”

Bumi rolled his eyes. “You say that way too much!” he called and immediately regretted it because she flew at him on her fire rockets and shot multiple blue fireballs at him. Each blast hit him again and again with so much force that it was a miracle the shield surrounding him didn’t break on the first impact. He was so focused on keeping himself from being roasted that he failed to notice how high he had gotten. It wasn’t until she broke through and he started falling that he realized how high he was. He must have been at least 100 feet in the air. Bumi thought quickly as the ground rapidly approached him and thought of the air bubble his dad and brother would make whenever they fell. The Energy Bender flipped around, raised his arms, and an energy bubble caught him just as soft as a pillow. He slid to the ground and stumbled, landing on his arms and knees.

He looked up and saw how close Azula was and decided to make another shield around him, using the amulet to give it a thick layer. The world turned mostly white with a little color and he huddled inside his last defense. Azula laughed. “You fool; as if that pathetic barrier will keep me out! Do you want to know why your kind is so few? It was because people nearly forgot about Energy Bending. People don’t care about what you wield, Bumi. You and those forbidden Benders of Light and Shadows don’t belong in MY world! When I finish you, I will make this world mine! Prepare to join your kind; prepare to die!” And she started firing at the orb, and Bumi closed his eyes as the fire engulfed his only protection. Bumi wanted to stop; he wished none of this had happened. He couldn’t fight anymore; it wasn’t in him. He let everyone down; again.

The Energy Bender felt the barrier move at high speed when another stream hit him; and felt the impact when he hit another rock. Sweat poured down his face as he held the barrier, energy dwindling and arms shaking, the tension being too much for him to handle. She laughed again as more lightning formed, this time being added to the blue fire. “Now we end this!” Azula shot it at him and Bumi knew this was it; it was over. He couldn’t hold the barrier anymore as the lightning induced fire hit him, breaking his shield and making him ram into the rock. He fell to the ground, too exhausted to get up as she shot lighting at him. As the white hot power came at him, Bumi’s mind flashed.

The last day of school where he almost died and was saved by his best friend; learning of his powers and controlling them under Ursa’s guidance; going on the trip and meeting Matt for the first time; his talk with Tenzin on the way home; seeing Appa happy before he was killed in order to protect his family; his powers stopping the black clothed men from running away; leaving for the mountains; meeting Melisa; running away to the underground bunker where Tenzin almost died; saving Martin; Pema’s new ability; coming home; training; all the way to now.

As the memories flashed before his mind’s eye, Bumi felt a new surge of power course through him and the amulet responded to him as if it knew what he was thinking. It gathered the power of the comet until it couldn’t anymore and Bumi felt the power of the Blaze itself go into him. He knew who he was; he was Bumi, the Energy Bender and Elemental Seer. It took until now for him to realize he was never ordinary; he had a gift and it was time he used it. Before the lightning fell on him he quickly created a shield, thin yet stronger than any of the other ones he had previously made. The electricity hit his body shaped armor and he rolled away in fake agony from her so she couldn’t see what he was really doing. He heard Azula laugh. “Yes! Finally; I have defeated the brat! The world is mine at LAST!”

He closed his eyes and breathed deeply, accepting the comet, accepting who and what he was, and when he opened his eyes again, they glowed white with pale colors exactly like his orbs but brighter. The barrier expanded and thickened. He stood while it was doing so, his eyes still glowing, until he was upright and the shield was gone; he saw Azula, gazing at him in rage and confusion. Looking at her was like looking through a bright tunnel; she was in his sights and wasn’t going to escape it easily. The barrier disappeared. “It can’t be; it’s impossible! That was supposed to kill you.” There was fear in her voice, even if she tried to hide it.

When Bumi spoke, his voice sounded deeper than normal. “It could have, Azula; but you forgot one thing.”

She was breathing heavily as she spat, “What?”

He stepped closer to her and she stumbled back. “When someone threatens the people I care about, I won’t stop until they’re safe. I understand why I was born; it was to protect people from madness like you.” Azula he could tell had heard enough and threw her arm out to zap him; but this time Bumi was ready. He encased his arm with energy and hit her arm, making it go up and the lightning shot into the sky; he then shot a beam of colorful white light and the Cold Firebender rolled away from him, landing on her knees and hands. Eyes still aglow, Bumi ran at her with the energy rockets giving him a boost; once he came in close he jumped, spun once, and thrust his hands out, throwing a thin layer of energy out. Azula ducked and used her fire rockets to fly away from him and he followed closely.

Azula looked behind her, saw him, and shot two fire streams from opposite hands; but Bumi shot two of his own and stopped her streams in mid-attack by covering them completely with energy. No air means no fire. The chase resumed; Fire against Energy. When she was far enough away Azula landed and shot three fireballs but he once again blocked with pillar-like shields and countered with little zapping shards, which cut through Azula’s calf as she resumed flight. She screamed in pain and anger which made her turn once more and fired at the ground this time, the lightning induced fire creating smoke while debris flew in the air. Bumi thought that was a stupid move and hid in the dust. Because of his enhanced abilities, he could feel where she was even though he couldn’t see her.

Azula was looking around, wondering where he was and was waiting for the right moment to strike; but he could tell she was just realizing her mistake by creating the dust. That mistake was going to be her downfall. After a few more seconds, he shot out of the debris towards her and she started flying away again, but it was too late. Bumi made a larger version of his arm and grabbed her ankles, putting out her fire. She grew desperate and shot another bolt of lightning but he deflected it with a wave of his free arm before twirling once and slamming her into the ground. She didn’t get up, so he flew closer and trapped her wrists and ankles to the ground. She shook her head and sparks danced her hands, but he reinforced her bonds and landed on the ground, his eyes finally turning back to blue. Azula sneered at him. “Well, what are you going to do now? Are you going to take me prisoner? Or perhaps you plan to kill me in cold blood?”

Bumi shook his head. “I’m not a killer, Azula; I’m not like you. I’ve got a better idea of how to defeat you.” He raised his arms and the restraints on her wrists responded by lifting her to her knees and before she could move, Bumi had his thumbs on her forehead and upper chest. He remembered the story of Light Wing and Taro, of when the first Earthbender had taken his brother’s Firebending away. He was going to do the same thing and the amulet was going to help him do it. He closed his eyes and let the power of the amulet focus his energy. The gem glowed white and colorful and he felt the warmth of it touch his soul. Energy is the main source of all Bending, and if you take away the source, the remaining power withers to nothing. He felt it, and when he opened his eyes again they glowed colorfully white, beams shooting into the sky.

Azula’s panicked eyes glowed blue for her Firebending and they too shot into the sky. The ground vibrated where they were and the different colors of each Bender came together until they blended in the center. Bumi could feel she was trying to fight what he was doing, but with the power of the amulet helping him, there was no chance of her escaping. She did manage to cover his hands and forearms, but when the amulet unleashed the power, Bumi pushed his energy into her and her body turned white. The sky glowed with it as a beam shot into the fading red. Then after a few seconds it disappeared, and her restraints along with it. Bumi felt slightly dizzy when he released his hold on her but stayed upright as Azula tried to shoot fire. Nothing happened and she stared at her shaking hands. “What have you done to me?” she whispered weakly, collapsing on the ground.

“I took your Firebending away; you can’t abuse or hurt anyone else again.”

She stared at him with dazed eyes. “You bastard,” she whispered before fainting, her body becoming limp.

Bumi stared at her for a few moments before someone flew over him. Bumi looked up and saw Aang and Tenzin coming in for a landing. Another sound came to his ears and he looked out to see several vans driving their way, Jade leaning out of the front passenger seat. Tenzin landed first and ran to him. “You did it, Bumes! It was awesome watching what you did; especially that last part when the lights appeared.” He looked at Azula. “Will she be okay? You didn’t kill her you, did you?” The Airbender looked distressed at the thought.

Bumi shook his head. “She’ll live, but she won’t be harming anyone ever again.”

The vans stopped and his friends came out, Jade running to hug him. He held her close despite his injuries. “Way to go, Bumi,” she said quietly and kissed his cheek. He slightly grinned at her before she was pushed away and Kya hugged him too.

“Now that was awesome,” she said, looking impressed.

“Can I get that in writing?” he asked cheekily.

Kya scowled at him playfully. “Don’t push your luck, little brother.  Consider yourself lucky you got the compliment anyway.”

He smiled and his parents walked over to hug him as well. Aang said, “We’re very proud of you, Bumi; you did it. You’ve saved the world.”

Bumi shook his head. “No.” He looked at his friends and family with tired but proud eyes. “We all did; together.” He was also looking at the twins and they smiled at him before hugging him; they were joined shortly by everyone they knew and Bumi felt like the happiest person in the world as they laughed. They won and the world was at peace once again. They all quieted as everyone looked up as the comet disappeared. The sky became a dark blue and stars popped out in groups. Bumi’s smile widened and he said to everyone the words he had been dying to say. “Let’s go home.”

One more chapter plus epilogue. The last chapters are going to be pretty short compared to what I wrote but that's okay; things needed to slow down. What did you guys think of the final battle? I used references from Sozin's Comet but made into my style. Hope you all enjoyed this story!

Chapter Eighteen: katara434.deviantart.com/art/C…
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gohaangten12's avatar
One word: epic ness, if I could say. It's happy and sad at the same time! Ugh. Happy ending, but one chapter left. It better be good, but if I know u it will be!