The Space Between
[Closed starter for @heartseekingfreedom]
The space behind the door was dark and cold; an inky blackness that consumed all light that filtered through. A chill ran up Zuko’s spine as he stood before the gaping, ethereal void. The longer the fire prince stared through the brass door frame into the darkness behind, the large key in his hand grew heavier and heavier.
Not even a week ago this door had appeared before the Gates of Azulon. As a crowd of curious onlookers gathered, the brass door swung wide open, and dark creatures flowed out like an inky-black wave. They soon swarmed the Fire Nation, bringing with them mayhem and chaos.
Zuko and his friends helped Aang enter the spirit world, and he brought back with him the large key that Zuko now held. This key was necessary in restoring balance to the world.
The fire prince shook his head, his yellow eyes glancing at the key. This job really should belong to Aang, but as the Avatar, he was the only one capable of holding back the creatures, the heartless, the spirits called them. So here he was. Taking the advice of an ancient spirit and stepping into a seemingly endless void to who-knows-where. Taking a deep breath, Zuko returned his gaze to the darkness, and stepped inside. As he did, the copper door slammed shut behind him.
Zuko didn’t know how long he wandered in the darkness before he saw the light. It was dim and distant, but its presence brought Zuko hope. Gritting his teeth, he picked up the pace, desperate for answers... direction... anything! Stepping into the light, Zuko heard a sharp crack at his feet. He barely had a chance to glance down before the ground beneath him shattered, and he plummeted downwards, landing hard on stained glass pillar. Groaning, he pushed himself into a sitting position, rubbing his head. It was then that he realized that he wasn’t alone. Zuko’s eyes widened as he observed his companion, and the ancient spirit’s final warning echoed in his head, “Beware the silver-haired man.”
