Hey guys, glad you've stayed with me on this epic journey through my first story :D. I really appreciate the support and criticism I've gotten so far and I can't thank you enough for your support. We've walked a long road together, and now it comes to an end; but don't worry, I've got at least 2 new ideas for a story (only one at a time of course) and plan to get working on my next story ASAP. Enjoy!

Thump

Aang's eyes clinched at first, his body preparing for the final blow; yet it did not come. He slowly opened his eyes to reveal he in fact wasn't impaled, the Necrons staff stood embedded in the sand next to him. He scanned his body for injuries and noticed none were present, confusion quickly overtook him as he tried to contemplate the apparent mercy he had been bestowed by such a heartless being. He scanned his surroundings noting the Necron stood tall over him, staring blankly down onto him.

"Rise" The Necron spoke, startling Aang at first.

The confusion on his face was apparent as the young avatar came face to face with the Necron Lord.

"Why did you spare me?" Aang curiously asked, somewhat hoping he wasn't antagonizing his superior adversary.

"This world reminds me much of my own people, Eons ago. Strong and wise, much potential for greatness, yet divided and suffering. You bring unity to the chaos of this planet, you give it hope. My people were often fractured and fought amongst ourselves, giving in to the deals of darker beings for the sake of power. While killing you would only restart the cycle of reincarnation, this world still needs you now, to help mend the wounds left by the strife that has wounded these lands. You bring hope to those in despair, and harmony to where there is turmoil. I spare your life because this world needs you, and I can respect your commitment to those close to you. I realize you may still hold reservations about trusting me, or giving up your attempts to ensure my capture; but you lost this battle, see that you live long enough to ensure it doesn't become a war."

Aang understood the underlying message, he knew he couldn't beat the Necron in combat, and he also knew the metallic being was a very good strategist. Any prolonged hunt or conflict would possibly take years to end, unknowing of how many civilians would get caught in the crossfire. There was no alternative, he reluctantly accepted defeat.

"Alright, I promise we will stop chasing you, but in return promise me you won't hurt anyone else." Aang wanted to make sure his conscience could be clear leaving this place, or all his effort would have been for naught.

"Very well Avatar, as long as none disturb me here I shall not seek to endanger the lives of others. Know this, should you ever stray from the path you are on, I will not hesitate to… "Realign" you. The grim warning stuck in Aang's mind, knowing he would always feel that unwavering gaze watch over him at every possible moment.

Before the two could continue the conversation, they both looked over to see both ships were coming ashore, both sides quickly unloading their crews on the beach, medics exchanging equipment to tend to the wounded, and troops on both sides returning the captured and dead of the opposite faction. Evelyn sprinted over to Xeras, followed by the gang. While Eve was happy to see Xeras was fine, the gang didn't seem equally as excited, they were shocked to see Aang in at least physically good condition. After checking on their respective champions so to speak, each side faced one another; the troops wondering if they would be once again thrust into bloody combat.

"So what now?" Katara nervously asked, trying to ignore the throbbing pain in her head and chest. The group had suffered heavy injuries, but they would heal in time; Aang's body still throbbed internally in pain but it was manageable.

"We leave" Was Aang's only answer.

The group was stunned, all the work they'd done, and all the pain they suffered just to let their nemesis go?

'What do you mean leave? Surely we can't-"Sokka began to rant but was cut off by Aang.

"It's over Sokka, we don't need any more bloodshed." The group could hear the moaning of the wounded, and the sadness for those both sides had lost. All of them took a moment to contemplate what this conflict had cost. "Xeras promises to never hurt anyone again as long as he is left alone, he will remain here unless he deems something important enough to venture away from these isles. The gang was shocked by the response, highly untrusting of their malicious foe.

"You have my word, I only seek to claim what relics that might remain on this world so they cannot be misused. Until I am able to leave this world, I shall stay here to offer guidance to the avatars of the future should they require… persuasion on the correct path to take; should it be required. My people were much like yours Eons ago, I will ensure you do not suffer the same fate ours did." The Necron somewhat reassuringly told them.

While the statement was somewhat ominous, the group decided Xeras' code of honor wouldn't allow any kind of treachery. As the gang left for the ship, Zuko stayed behind; confronting the Necron lord privately.

'Thank you, I know you could've easily killed all of us during that fight but chose not to. I honestly didn't think you were capable of mercy, I'm glad I was wrong. Consider yourself formally pardoned by the Fire Nation, if you need anything just send me a messenger hawk." Zuko offered, hoping to help form a bond of somewhat friendship, and hopefully keep Xeras contained on his island having no reason nor excuse to leave.

"You are wiser than I had first assumed Prince, you could not afford to die, your nation would crumble and the cycle would simply repeat itself once more. Your group I feel will be instrumental in healing this wounded world, as such I cannot afford to kill you. I do appreciate your offer, albeit one simply meant to keep me trapped here, but I will accept." Xeras replied, somewhat embarrassing Zuko by exposing his minor ploy.

A messenger hawk was left with Xeras as the royal ship left with its crew, leaving Eve at his side while his own men began gathering up any leftover supplies.

"So, this is our endgame? I gotta admit, I didn't think you'd let them live." Eve stated as she viewed the sun setting on the horizon.

"There is hope for your world, I will ensure your kind doesn't fall into the same trap we did." His response was quick, and without his usual malice.

The two stood, watching the crew as they finished preparations to leave, Evelyn was actually sad she had to leave Xeras behind, especially after he put so much trust into her and made sure she got out alive. Before she began to head back to the ship, she was stopped by his staff.

"I have one final mission Evelyn, if you choose to accept it; this is more of a request than a direct order." She looked curiously over to him, wondering what he could be talking about. "Your life is your own now, you are free to roam and live the rest of your days as you please. I only ask if you come across any relics in your travels that you bring them to me for safekeeping." He received a silent nod from the smiling Eve. "And since I shall spend most of my time here unless necessary". He hands her a glowing orb he recovered in a hidden section of the vault, calling it a resurrection orb. "I ask that you keep this with you at all times, bring it here to awaken me should I go onto a deep slumber once more, pass on this relic to your descendants, or any you deem trustworthy with the knowledge of my existence. Should anything happen to you and you are unable to contact me before your time has come, I want you to know it has been an honor serving by your side; I couldn't of asked for a more trustworthy comrade." Her heartwarming smile only grew, along with a tear sliding down her face. "And one last thing, you're the captain of the ship now, take care of my warriors." His tone almost seemed somber as he gave her his requests.

"You really do care about them don't you? You were only tough on them to keep up looks but deep down you always protected them." She analyzed.

The Necron simply continued to gaze at the slowly falling sun beneath the ocean depths "Treat your soldiers like your children, and they will follow you into the gates of oblivion."

The wisdom of his words latched itself into her memory, she took this lesson to heart, knowing she would remember it always.

"I'll come visit you when I can, and not just for relics I promise." She assured him, halfheartedly smiling; inwardly deeply saddened by the departure after standing side by side for so long.

"Thank you Evelyn, I will await your return."

As a final goodbye for unknown amounts of time, Eve did something she never did. She stood in front in perfect military stance, and gave a military salute. "It's been a pleasure sir." She stated in a slightly joking tone before turning around and walking off to the ship. Xeras stood upon the sands, watching the ship as it left. The future would be uncertain, but he knew whatever happened, he would be ready and set off to the vault to unlock more of its secrets, where he shall remain until he was needed once more.

It feels so satisfying to have finally finished this! I hope you guys enjoyed the story, your reviews and feedback kept me going. Again I promise ill work on my next one ASAP, keep your eyes peeled for The League of WAAAGH!