The Jaden War

The Jaden War - Prologue

Heed my warning Avatar, your ways are old. The time is war, to kill is to protect. No one is safe, as long as the Jade Devil comes to be. Stop them from arising, that is your final task. Heed my warning Avatar, the world will burn if the Jade Devil returns.

The arrowed man sat up in bed, sweat dripping down his body as fear consumed his heart. It had been ten years since he was last contacted by the dead – the spirits. Ten years since the war had ended. He was married now, trying for a child. As with his friends who had long since settled down. What could this task mean, his mission was supposed to be over. He had served his purpose, now he was to just live, then die. Gray eyes slowly glanced over to the female one pillow down. The blankets rose with her breath, peacefully. Nothing like the man who sat beside her. Carefully he removed the covers, using his oldest style of bending. He snunk out of the small room within the temple, past the sleeping students, out to his childhood friend. Into the night he flew upon the beast, to a place long gone. To a place where the owl guardian lived. The Avatar could only hope that the letter he left upon the ground would be found by his love.
…
-Ten Years Prior-</i>
…

Iroh sat there laughing as the children around him giggled at Sokka's mangled attempt of drawing them. The Hundred-Years War had finally ended by the hands of teenagers. Even those with the smallest egos could not help but feel elated by knowing what they had achieved. They were children of war, from one of the worst times to ever be born; but they never let it hold them back. Now only one questioned left unanswered, one stone left unturned.

The Avatar relaxed upon an air ball, "So what now?"

"Whatcha talking about Twinkle Toes? We just won a war!" The blind girl pumped her fist into the air.

"Yea, but we're still kids -"

"Speak for yourself," Those surrounding him laughed at Iroh's comment.

But Aang continued, "Well most of us are. We've got entire lives left ahead of us. I mean only Zuko has a plan, being Fire Lord and all, but what about the rest of us?"

"Aang's got a point guys," Katara secured her arms around each other, "We're products of war. But there isn't a war anymore."

The two warriors shared a glance but the male was the first to speak, "Well, I guess we should probably tell you. Suki and I were thinking about starting a warrior's academy. Between the Southern Water Tribe and Kyoshi Island there is an uninhabited island. It would be the perfect place to start teaching styles for non-benders that incorporated different forms!" Everyone around Sokka was astounded by the way he spoke, as if he actually had put some thought into it.

Toph casually picked her toes, "Well that takes care of Snoozles and Fangirl. What about you Sugar Queen?"

The girl in question turned a light shade of pink, making the Avatar's heart flutter, "I don't really want to go back the South Pole, believe it our not, I think it might be too cold for me to handle now. So...I'm going to stay in the Fire Nation. There aren't a lot of healers there so I might become a doctor."

"You would be a nice asset," Zuko and Iroh both nodded approvingly as the former spoke.

"But Sis! You just were questioning what you were going to do! How -"

"Sokka, I've been thinking about it for a while. Since we were in Jang Hui. I just decided now."

As the group fawned over the new found occupations of the Gaang, no one noticed how the Avatar slipped out of the room. Heartbroken with tear filled eyes to the brim, tempting to spill at any second. It was an expected reaction. After all, he thought the tan beauty would want to stay with him and travel the world. They hadn't even bothered to ask him his plans, but then again, he was the one to pose the question in the first place. But the Fire Nation over the Air Temples! Why would she chose there? It would be like choosing Zuko over him and, though they were now friends, that seemed impossible.

Unbeknownst to Aang the raven-haired girl had come onto the balcony to join – maybe even comfort – him. Whatever her reason, she wanted to make sure that the arrowed boy did not move. Metal and Earth slowly encased his being whilst she approached. Toph's sightless eyes boarded straight into his as her face began to frown.

"Aang? Listen I now you're probably freaking out right now, but it's okay. I mean, we can always come and visit her...."

"We?"

"I was thinking of coming with you if you didn't mind. Going back to the Bei Fong house...I've seen most of the world now. To sit at home all day, protected, would suck. But if you don't want me to I understand," she turned to exit but he - newly freed - thrust out an arm to stop her.

"No, come with me. I don't want to be alone. Not anymore," his face also fell at his words: spoken and unspoken. She could only nod through her limited understanding of his thoughts. "Toph, what was it when you realized Sokka chose Suki?"

The girl took a few steps back, surprised that her friend could have possibly known about her old feelings for the blue eyed boy. Aang noticed this and gave a half smile, "Yea. I knew. Always did."

"Well. It kinda sucked at first but I got over it," She sunk down to the ground with him.

"But you love him right?"

A blush creeped up her cheeks, "Loved. Not love. And well I did; but sometimes when you love somebody you have to know when to let them go. That's what I did. Anyway Aang it's okay. Katara is still there ya know," she punched him in the arm, "Besides you haven't lost her."

Aang slowly rubbed where Toph had given her famous tight hook, "Buy you're wrong. I have. Just watch Toph. I have...."

...
-An thus the story begins-
...

On an island in uncharted territory, a young couple worked tirelessly to build their home. At the same time a forever scarred boy ruled his nation with his uncle by his side. Neither too nice nor did they possess an iron fist. The blue eyed beauty had opened a small medical office and treated those of all walks of life. Lastly two best friends flew across the planet helping those who needed it and restoring the glory of the upside-down temple. No one would have ever guessed that trouble was brewing beneath the surface, just itching to emerge.