Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Zuko doesn’t know how long it’s been since the invasion of the Northern Water Tribe. Word is already spreading about the event- he’s heard it referred to as the Battle of the Churning Sea . Such a name is an understatement of the godlike power the Avatar revealed during the encounter.

Zuko and Iroh left without a word. He could feel the tension around the Avatar and his friends. He saw them as Aang, Katara, and Sokka for the briefest of moments…but how could he any longer? The Avatar used the true extent of his power, and what’s worse, Zuko’s secret was out there. He was a prince. They knew . They would never trust him again.

Zuko left with his Uncle during the confusion. They sailed for weeks with nothing but what they could hunt for, either by fishing or Zuko shooting a bird out of the sky with firebending. They eventually found their way to shore, and to a Resort. They’ve used what little riches they had left and the influence they had as their identities to enjoy themselves one last time…after all, everything was gone. The ship. The shop. Probably even the crew…it would take a miracle to survive the full, unbridled wrath of the Avatar and the Ocean.

“It’s the anniversary, isn’t it?” Iroh asks, snapping Zuko out of his trance as he watches the horizon.

“...three years ago today, I was banished.” Zuko says softly, hatred dripping from his voice like blood from one of his blades. They went down with the ship, too. “I lost it all.” he looks up, seeing the sun in the sky. “I want it back. I want my honor, my throne. I want a family that doesn’t think I’m a failure.”

Iroh gently places his hand on Zuko’s shoulder. “ I don’t think you’re a failure, Prince Zuko.” Iroh smiles kindly.

---

It had been three years since Azula had seen Zuko. She had heard the tales, the gossip around the castle. She knew to take anything that the commoners said with several grains of salt…but she also knew that she and Zuko both were meant to become the most powerful firebenders the world had ever seen. Father had simply assumed this fate had forgotten Zuko, and so he has also forgotten Zuko, considering him nothing. Azula is not quite so naive.

Iroh is a traitor, that much is certain. But if she can drag Zuko back to the Fire Nation, she can make sure he learns his lesson. She can see his power in action. And, if even one of these stories are true, it means that she’ll have an ally again.

The castle has been lonely without him, without Ty Lee and Mai, without…

NO.

She cannot, she will not allow herself to have thoughts of weakness. Thoughts like this are why she is a hair off while bending lightning. She will not allow any delays- she had heard the tale of the Avatar’s power, but she will not let something as paltry as a Water Spirit shake her determination.

She’s made sure the Captain knows of her opinion of these tides . She fears nothing.

---

Katara was…distracted. She’ll admit that much. They haven’t talked about it, refused to talk about it, but they’ve all been thinking about Zuko. No one saw him since he went off to fight Zhao…Iroh disappeared into the night, as well. The truth of their identities rattled everyone, and now that Aang is deadset on mastering the Avatar State, Katara is afraid .

She doesn’t know what to think. She doesn't know what to do. When she looks at the moon at night, she used to feel the chilling comfort of night empower her…but now, the moon is different. She’s not sure many of noticed, but it’s not quite as bright as it once was. It’s duller. Yue isn’t as powerful as Tui was…and Sokka may not be saying it, but she knows her brother. If there’s any chance that Zhao’s alive, Sokka wants to march into the Fire Nation and avenge Yue’s sacrifice himself.

But General Fong rubs Katara the wrong way. Aang has the power of a God, but he’s a kid . He needs to master the four elements…if he doesn’t, how can he ever hope to control something as mighty as every avatar at once?

---

Zuko and Iroh are staying in a small shack on a beach. While Zuko meditates in a corner, Iroh pours a bag of shells he had just spent the past few hours finding onto a table.

“Look at these magnificent shells!” Iroh chuckles. “I'll enjoy these keepsakes for years to come.”

“Don’t expect me to carry your bag of shells for you. We need to carry everything ourselves now.” Zuko remind his Uncle, but as he turns, they both see a silhouette in the doorway.

“Hello, Brother. Uncle.” Azula says. Zuko, astonished, stands straight up.

She’s grown…looks like she’s been fitted for armor at last.

“Azula. What are you doing here?” Zuko asks. If there’s one thing he’s learned, it’s that Azula always has motives.

Azula walks into the room, picking up one of the shells in her hand. “You know, in my country, we exchange a pleasant ‘Hello’ before asking questions. Have you lost your civility so soon, Zuzu?” she asks with the smallest of smiles.

“Don’t call me that. We aren’t children anymore.” Zuko says with a scowl.

“To what do we owe this honor?” Iroh stands in front of Zuko, his face showing a brief lack of patience.

Azula clicks her tongue at what Zuko said, but turns to her Uncle. “Both of you, so quick to get to the point…” her grip on the shell causes it to crack. “I’ve come with a message from home. Father’s changed his mind. Family is suddenly… very important to him .” she rolls her eyes, as though finding the very idea ridiculous. “He’s heard rumors of plans to overthrow him; treacherous plots. Family are the only ones you can really trust.” she takes a deep breath, visibly contemplating her next words. “Father regrets your banishment. He wants you home.”

A silence follows, and Azula’s eyes narrow at the lack of a response.

“Didn’t you hear me?” she asks. “You should be happy. Excited. Grateful . I just gave you great news.”

“I’m sure your brother simply needs a moment-” Iroh begins, but Azula clicks her tongue.

“ Don’t interrupt, Uncle! ” she scolds, then turns to her brother. “I still haven’t heard my ‘Thank You’. I’m not a messenger- I didn’t have to come all this way.”

“Father…regrets?” Zuko asks, hope beginning to return to his eyes, return to his heart. “He…wants me back?” he asks, his voice cracking. Such a thought was foreign to him, he felt such hatred for his Father…but if there was a chance, even a ghost of a chance that his Father regretted his actions, that maybe Zuko could return, regain all he lost…shouldn’t take it? Shouldn’t he try to rejoin his family?

He misses everyone so much. Three years of sailing, three years of training, three years of waiting…was it all worth it in the end?

“I can see you need time to take this in.” Azula says, turning her back to them. “I’ll come to call on you tomorrow. Good evening.” she says, leaving the two of them with the information she has left for them.

Hours pass after Azula leaves. As night falls across the shoreline, Zuko is eagerly packing his belongings.

“We’re going home!” Zuko says, joy overcoming him. “After three long years, it’s unbelievable!”

“It is unbelievable.” Iroh says, contemplating as he looks out the window. “I have never known my brother to regret anything , no matter how poor a decision it was.”

“Didn’t you hear what Azula said?” Zuko asks. “His life is in danger! This is our chance to make things right! This could finally make him realize how important family is to him. He’s finally realized he cares about me!”

“ I care about you!” Iroh turns to Zuko, desperation in his eyes, but he takes a deep breath. “If Ozai wants you back, I think it may not be for the reasons you imagine.”

Thoughts race through Zuko’s mind. Thoughts of destiny, of his own power, of his knowledge of the Avatar’s travel patterns, of Ozai wanting a weapon. He shakes his head, chasing these thoughts from his mind.

“You…you don’t know what you’re talking about.” Zuko says, turning his back on his Uncle.

Father cares about me. He finally cares about me. I can’t deny this, if there’s even a chance…

“Zuko…” Iroh places his hand on Zuko’s shoulder. “I only meant to say that in our family, things are not always what they seem.”

More thoughts race through Zuko’s mind, thoughts of snapping at his Uncle for not understanding, for never understanding…but Zuko bites his tongue. He knows his Uncle only ever wanted to help him. Zuko hasn’t been filled with anger like his youth for years now, and so Zuko just says nothing.

He walks out of the shack without a word, leaving Iroh behind him.

---

As the sun rises the next day, Zuko descends the stone stairs, carrying his bags. He knows that Uncle may not want to return, but…he doesn’t want to make him do anything he doesn’t want to do.

“Wait! Don’t leave without me!” a voice calls, and Zuko looks back in shock as he sees Iroh running towards him.

“Uncle!” Zuko smiles wide. “You’ve changed your mind!”

“Family sticks together, right?” Iroh smiles, and the two walk together towards the shore.

“We’re finally going home.” Zuko smiles as they approach Azula’s ship.

---

Azula keeps her armor straightened. She’s been rehearsing her lines in her head for hours now. Everything has to go perfectly . Zuko’s spent three years among commoners, there’s no telling how much he’s changed. She’s prepared a full course of servants to pamper Zuko as soon as they return, followed by a healthy dose of propaganda while she will make attempts to keep Iroh’s imprisonment from him as long as possible. If all goes well, she’ll get him a position on the front lines by next month.

Things were going well. The Royal Guards stand in perfectly perpendicular lines, saluting as she instructed as Zuko and Iroh make their way to the ship.

“Brother, Uncle, welcome! I’m so glad you decided to come.” Azula smiles her most genuine-looking smile to the two of them.

“Are we ready to depart, your Highness?” the Captain asks her.

“Set our course for home, Captain.” Azula says.

“Home…” Zuko says wistfully, and the two begin to walk up the ramp to the ship.

Perfect. Just the reaction I was looking for. At this rate, everything will go exactly as planned…

“You heard the Princess, raise the anchors!” the Captain orders, just as Iroh and Zuko are halfway up the ramp. “We’re taking the prisoners home!”

Time seems to slow. The Captain realizes his mistake instantly, and Azula’s face contorts into one of rage.

“Your Highness, I…” The Captain begins, but a wave of heat erupts from the gangplank as the royal guards she had placed to give Zuko nostalgia are all blasted into the water by the Dragon of the West and his apparent apprentice.

“You lied to me!” Zuko accuses, snarling with rage as he stomps onto the deck, fire surrounding him as the battle erupts.

I can make this work. If I can’t bring you back of your own volition, Zuzu, I’ll take you back by force.

“Like I’ve never done that before.” Azula grins, and the siblings do battle.

Azula is not nearly naive enough to believe Zuko has learned nothing after all these years- indeed, his firebending skills have improved. She firebends against him, the both of them keeping each other at bay. She deflects his attacks, he deflects hers.

But there’s one thing she can do that Zuko can’t .

“You know, Father blames Uncle for the loss of the North Pole.” Azula taunts. “He considers you a failure for abandoning your search for the Avatar!” She backflips onto the upper deck. “Your only hope to come back home out of chains is me , the one who can lead you down the path of no longer embarrassing him!”

Zuko growls, the fire daggers he was wielding against her sparking with greater heat as he lunges for her! The two of them combat each other, and she manages to push him back. He’s disoriented, and now’s the moment to strike .

Performing the movements, Azula begins to generate lightning in her body. Her lungs fill with ozone as she points her fingers towards Zuko, her heart rate spiking as the sheer force of power courses through her veins! She feels alive .

But in the tunnel vision of her shot on her brother, she fails to see her Uncle coming for her until it’s too late. Iroh grabs her wrist, and as the lightning travels to her fingertips, Iroh rends the lightning from her body and into his own, shooting the lightning into the sky! He takes advantage of Azula’s disdain and disbelief by throwing her overboard!

Azula lands in the water with a splash, and by the time she gets to shore, her Brother and Uncle are long gone. She digs her nails into the sand, growing in anger.

You can run, Zuzu, but you can’t hide. Not forever.

Azula stands up and takes a deep breath, straightening herself out.

You want the throne as much as I do. Sooner or later, you’ll come back.

---

Miles away from their location, a Sky Bison takes to the skies. And in a riverside glen, Zuko and Iroh cut their hair, to leave their past behind…but the past can’t be so easily let go. Even as the hair flows downstream, Zuko places his crown within his travel bag.

Zuko has hope, and he will not let anyone take it away from him.

Chapter Text

Zuko and Iroh had been on the road for…well…he didn’t know how long, at this point. For a while, they were getting by with the kindness of strangers. Zuko let his Uncle do the talking while he kept quiet. Right know, they were “Mushi and Junior,” refugees going from town to town, drifters going along their way. They had no pack animals, and even if they did, they barely had enough supplies anyway, it’s not like they needed one. The first farm they came across had an Ostrich-Horse, but…well…what was Zuko gonna do? Steal it?

It crossed his mind…

But everything changed when they were begging in an Earth Kingdom village. Zuko hadn’t firebent in weeks…and yet, when that man made his Uncle dance like a fool with those swords, Zuko felt something ignite in him. A righteous fury.

The Blue Spirit made his return, and this time, the Fire Nation wasn’t his target. He took what he needed for him and his Uncle to survive…but only what they needed. Just enough money to get them from town to town, just enough food to make sure they were comfortable.

“Zuko,” Iroh told him one day, “there is a simple honor in poverty.”

Zuko looks down at the particularly large bounty he had returned with. They’d been getting bigger, Zuko had been getting bolder…greedier, perhaps.

“Is there any honor left for me?” Zuko asks. “Is there even anything left for us in this world? Any hope at all? How much farther until I completely lose myself?”

“Do not lose hope, my nephew.” Iroh puts his hand on Zuko’s shoulder. “There is always hope for those who seek it.”

Zuko looks away, and Iroh sighs.

“Let’s put the mask away for awhile, yes?” Iroh suggests, and Zuko silently agrees. He doesn’t question why his Uncle knows already or how- it’s Uncle. Of course he knows. Zuko hands it over, and Iroh slips it into the bag. “I think it’s time that you took a look at yourself, Zuko. You need to decide the kind of person you want to be, without a mask. Whether it’s the mask of a vigilante, or the mask of a Prince. Who are you, Zuko?”

“How can I answer that question?” Zuko asks weakly.

“Even I don’t know,” Iroh strokes his beard, “but I think we will be able to find the answer. Together.”

~=~

Time passes. Zuko doesn’t bother to keep track. They’re running low on money and food, but they’re nearing another village. As they walk, Zuko catches the scent of food on the wind. He turns, and sees a man cooking something. Dark thoughts cloud Zuko’s mind…but they’re dashed away before he can even consider something further once he sees that the man is caring for his pregnant wife.

Iroh puts his hand on Zuko’s shoulder and smiles. “Perhaps they could use some help,” Iroh suggests. He waves toward them. “Hello, friends!”

Zuko makes sure his hat shrouds his face properly, and the couple waves at them.

“Oh, hello!” the man says. “We didn’t expect to see any other travelers for a while.”

“Same here!” Iroh smiles and approaches alongside Zuko. “I’m Mushi, and this is my nephew, Junior. We saw you two down here, and was wondering if you needed some help moving? We’re not far from the next village, but you look rather far along, my dear.”

“Help would be very appreciated.” the woman smiles thankfully. “I’m Ying, and this is my husband Than.”

“Please, won’t you two join us for a meal before we move forward?” Than asks.

“We wouldn’t want to impose…” Zuko says, but his stomach rumbles.

“I think your stomach disagrees with you.” Than chuckles goodheartedly. “We only have the two bowls, but we can share! We’d be glad for the company.”

“Oh, that’s so very kind of you!” Iroh smiles and sits down, and makes sure Zuko gets the first bowl offered to them. Zuko eats quietly, trying not to let his true hunger betray itself.

“Tell me, where are you two off to?” Iroh asks.

“We’re on our way to Ba Sing Se,” Ying rests a hand on her stomach, “we’re going to find a new beginning for our little one.”

“Ah, such a beautiful city. And safe from the war!” Iroh nods with a smile.

“Oh, you’ve been there before?” Than asks.

“Just once, a very long time ago.” Iroh shrugs.

“Is that where you’re going? We could head that way together.” Ying smiles.

“I…don’t know where we’re going,” Zuko says quietly. “I doubt we’re going to a place like Ba Sing Se.”

“My nephew and I are nomads,” Iroh says. “We’re on a journey of self-reflection. Perhaps we’ll pass through the great walls one day, but for now, I am content with following the winds that Junior rides upon.”

“Thank you, Uncle.” Zuko smiles. Even in the wake of all this confusion, it’s clear to him that Iroh will be with him every step of the way.

“That’s beautiful.” Ying smiles. “I imagine we may see more like you on our way. With the Avatar returned, there are probably many adopting the idea of a nomad.”

“We should probably get going,” Zuko says once it’s clear the others have finished their bowls.

“Not a bad idea,” Than nods. “Are you ready, Ying?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” Ying smiles.

Iroh and Zuko help Ying walk, and soon enough, they make their way to the village. It’s a quaint enough village, not too much to see, and there’s a modest presence of Earth Kingdom soldiers…though it seems like there might be a reason that they’re out this far, with their apparent habit to gamble instead of patrol. The group sits Ying down at some barrels, and Zuko goes to get them some supplies.

“I’ll need water and a hot heal for four people…though one of us is eating for two.” Zuko looks toward Ying.

“Hm, not enough here for so many hot meals…” the shopkeeper says sadly. “I could get you some nonperishables? Travel food.”

Zuko sighs, but nods. He notices a few things from the corner of his eye. Like how those soldiers watch him, the only armed man in a traveling group. Wondering what his deal is. And he notices the children behind the stall, giggling as they throw an egg at the soldiers. It’s hardly Zuko’s business. The children run off, leaving only one person for the soldiers to blame.

“Hey!” their leader shouts, approaching from behind. “You throwing eggs at us, stranger?”

“No,” Zuko answers succinctly.

“You see who did throw it?” the man scowls.

“No,” Zuko turns around as he answers, this time lying.

“That your favorite word, “No?”” one of the soldiers mocks.

“Egg had to come from somewhere.” the man in charge scowls.

“Maybe a chicken flew over,” Zuko suggests dryly. One of the soldiers laughs, and their leader glares at him.

The merchant Zuko was buying from puts down the rations he bought onto the counter, and the soldiers grab them up before Zuko can.

“Thanks for your contribution. The army appreciates your support.” the leader snickers. “You’d better leave town. Penalty for stayin's a lot steeper than you can afford, stranger. Trust me.” the man pats the hammer at his side menacingly.

“What happened?” Than asks as he, Uncle, and Ying walk up. Uncle is helping Ying walk.

“What always happens…” Zuko mutters.

“What horrible men.” Ying frowns worriedly. “Do you suppose it’ll be the same in the city…?”

“Oh, don’t worry, Ying.” Iroh smiles. “The Earth Kingdom keeps its best forces to protect the front lines and the city of Ba Sing Se. We’re in the middle of the Earth Kingdom, far enough away from the war that they can afford placing their unsavory troops here.” Iroh scoffs. “Still, though, you’re right. Those men are horrible, and have no honor.”

“Yeah, they’re supposed to protect us from the Fire Nation, but they’re just a bunch of thugs.” the Merchant sighs.

“Were you part of the army once, Mushi?” Ying asks.

“Oh, my involvement in this war ended many years ago.” Iroh chuckles. “Now, I am glad to care for my nephew.”

“Hey!” a little boy catches Zuko’s attention. “Thanks for not ratting me out!”

Zuko ignores the kid and starts to walk back toward the others. The kid looks annoyed, but brightens up and runs up when he sees Zuko is part of a group.

“Hi!” the kid says. “I can take you to my house! My family could give you a place to rest. Come on, I owe you!”

Zuko hums in thought, his stomach growling, and Iroh walks up with the couple.

“We would appreciate some shelter, young man.” Iroh smiles, putting his hand on Zuko’s shoulder. Iroh gives him a nod, and Zuko nods back, following his Uncle’s judge of character.

~=~

The farm seems nice, for where they are. As they walk up, a woman peers out from a farmhouse and a man, clearly the man running the farm, walks up to them.

“Did you make some new friends, Lee?” the man asks with a smile.

“This guy stood up to the soldiers!” the kid, Lee, clutches Zuko’s arm. “By the end, he practically had them running away!”

The woman, Lee’s Mother, comes out to join the conversation.

“Does this “guy” have a name?” She asks.

Zuko looks away, and Iroh steps forward.

“This is Junior. I’m his Uncle, Mushi. These two are Than and Ying.” Iroh explains with a smile.

“Well, anyone who can hold his own against those sorry excuses for soldiers is welcome here.” the Father says. “Those men should be ashamed to wear Earth Kingdom uniforms.”

“The real soldiers are off fighting the war,” the Mother puts her hand on Lee’s head, “like Lee’s big brother Sensu.” she looks across their group of four. “I’m going to start on Supper soon. Would you like to stay?”

“Those two can,” Zuko looks at Than and Ying, “but my Uncle and I should keep moving.”

The woman seems concerned, and Uncle looks at him sadly. 

“Gansu could use some help on the barn,” the Mother says. “Why don’t you two work for a while, and then we’ll eat?”

Zuko takes a moment, then nods, silently agreeing. Iroh gives an appreciative nod to the woman.

“I’ll help, too, if you wouldn’t be against another set of hands.” Than smiles.

“I’d be more than glad for the help.” Gansu nods.

Up on the barn’s roof, Gansu, Zuko, and Than work to try re-shingle it. Gansu is doing well, Than is similarly fine…while Zuko isn’t doing so well, even though he’s trying his best. Zuko feels guilty for the wasted nails from his haphazard strikes, and considers that maybe it be applies enough heat, he could bend a few of them back into shape…but he can’t firebend around these people. Everyone in the Earth Kingdom sees the Fire Nation as monsters perpetuating a war. He’d just be another part of that…he is another part of that. The son of the Fire Lord.

The way that they looked at him when they heard who he was… what he was. Sokka was shaken. Aang was scared. Katara looked betrayed. How could be ever think he might have been able to belong among them? It’s best that he just disappears from their lives, and fade into obscurity.

“You don’t seem like you’re from around here,” Lee notes from the ladder. Zuko hums in agreement. “Where are you from, then?”

“Far away.” Zuko lowers his hammer.

“Where are you going?” Lee asks.

“Lee, give it a rest,” Gansu orders. “Stop asking the man personal questions, got it?”

“Yeah,” Lee disappointedly rests his head on his arms with a sigh…before continuing with, “So how’d you get that scar?”

Zuko’s surprise from the blunt question makes him his own own thumb, and he groans in pain.

“It’s not nice to bother people about things they might not want to talk about.” Gansu instructs. “A man's past is his business.”

“Well said, Gansu.” Than smiles. “I don’t think Junior’s much of a talker, anyway.”

As the day goes on, Zuko can’t help but reminisce on the past. His past. Memories of his family…the good and the bad.

Before bed, Zuko pulls out his knife to observe it and sighs.

“Do you remember when you sent this to me, Uncle?” Zuko asks quietly in the barn, only he and Iroh are awake.

“Oh, yes.” Iroh chuckles. “I also recall that your sister burned her gift, yes?”

“Yes,” Zuko smiles, “she really didn’t like that doll.”

“My relationship with your sister has always been rocky,” Iroh sighs sadly. “She never responded to my attempts to connect with her like you did, but that left me with a lack of knowledge of what exactly she was like, so a handful of misguided gifts not to her liking only grew her dislike of me.”

“It’s not your fault, Uncle.” Zuko puts the knife away. “She’s…” He sighs.

“It’s okay, nephew.” Iroh smiles. “I know.”

~=~

Zuko’s senses have been heightened over the past three years, from training and paranoia alike, and have only gotten more intense over their time in the wild. So, it’s not hard for Zuko to awaken and notice the child, Lee, trying to sneak off with his stolen Dao.

Zuko creeps to follow Lee out to a sunflower field, where Lee is practicing with the swords. Zuko startles Lee a bit when he reveals himself, but goes onto teach Lee how to use the blades properly. It’s…a nice moment. A morose thought comes to Zuko that this might be a moment he would have with Azula, if the situation were different. If she didn’t hate him like she does. If their family wasn’t shattered beyond repair.

“How was your night?” Iroh asks when Zuko returns to bed, the awake old man bearing a smile on his face.

“It was nice.” Zuko says honestly, placing his swords back where they belong. “He’s a fast learner. He may be skilled enough to use swords properly one day.”

“Swordsmanship is a rarity in the Earth Kingdom. Their military focuses on Earthbenders, whose bending heavily relies on the muscle.” Iroh explains. “So I’m sure a unique fighting style may make him the desire of many one day.”

“Yeah…I’m sure the army would take him readily.” Zuko frowns.

“Not all warriors need to go to war. Especially now that the Avatar has returned.” Iroh says reassuringly. “Those uninvolved need simply wait.”

“Right…wait it out.” Zuko nods a little bit, and he doesn’t miss the sigh Iroh makes at the remark.

Because Uncle still believes Zuko’s destiny lies in the Fire Nation. Maybe once they’re safe and have a place to hide, he’ll finally abandon that fantasy…

~=~

“Here you are,” Sela, Lee’s Mother, hands Zuko and his traveling compatriots some food. “We may not be able to spare too much, but this should get you all through a few meals.”

“This is more than enough. Thank you, Sela.” Iroh smiles and helps store it while Than and Ying bow to the family in thanks. But as they do, they notice the Earth Kingdom Soldiers…those thugs riding in on their ostrich horses. Gansu steps forward, interposing himself between the group and the soldiers.

“What do you think they want?” Gansu ponders.

“Trouble,” Zuko responds, stepping forward to be alongside Gansu while Than holds Ying close. The animals seem irritated as the Soldiers approach and stop in front of the group.

“What do you want, Gow?” Gansu asks.

Gow, the apparent leader of the gang of soldiers, speaks with a cruel grin. “Just thought someone ought to tell you that your son's battalion got captured.” He turns to his subordinates.  “You boys hear what the Fire Nation did with their last group of Earth Kingdom prisoners?”

“Dressed 'em up in Fire Nation uniforms and put 'em on the front line unarmed, the way I heard it.” One soldier remarks and spits. “Then, they just watched.”

Zuko wouldn’t be surprised if this was true. With every passing year, his homeland’s methods of war have grown crueller.

“You watch your mouth!” Gansu snarls.

Gow rides his steed closer to Gansu, but Zuko steps into interpose. Even not on a steed of his own, Zuko’s burning gaze and his hand on his Dao seem to have the desired effect. Zuko’s unshaken and fearless determination against this poor excuse of a soldier has the man shaken, clearly used to no resistance.

“Tch…why bother rooting around in the mud with these pigs?” Gow gives himself an out, and they ride off.

Zuko takes a deep breath, memories continuing to flood through him, and Iroh puts a hand on Zuko’s shoulder, pulling him to reality and beaming with pride. Zuko looks back to see Sela and Gansu are hugging, and Lee is standing closeby.

“What’s going to happen to my brother?” Lee asks, and Gansu takes a deep breath.

“I’m going to the front,” Gansu says. “I’m going to find Sensu and bring him back.”

The parents walk away, with Sela crying. Than is hugging Ying while she clutches her stomach in fear, perhaps terrified of letting a child be born into this world. Zuko and Iroh stand alone…until Lee runs up and clutches Zuko’s clothes.

“When my dad goes…will you stay?” the boy asks desperately.

“I…” Zuko looks at Iroh for help, for guidance, to answer… but his Uncle’s expression is clear. It’s one he knows well.

“This is a choice you must make.”

Zuko can’t expect Iroh to lead him along like a lost child forever. Zuko needs to make his own decisions…and looking down at the child, Zuko knows the decision he has to make, even though he doesn’t like it.

“No,” Zuko says regrettably. “We need to move on.”

Because they do. No matter the state of the world, Zuko will put his surroundings in danger merely by existing. Now that Azula is hunting them, now that they’re wanted by the Fire Nation itself, there is no chance that they could ever stay in a place like this. But that doesn’t mean that Zuko can’t make a difference. He pulls out his dagger and gives it to Lee, who takes it with a faint smile.

“Here. I want you to have this.” Zuko says. “Read the inscription.”

Lee unsheathes the dagger. “Made in Earth Kingdom.”

“The other one.” Zuko quickly says, ignoring Iroh’s chuckle behind him.

“...Never give up without a fight.” Lee reads.

Iroh is truly beaming with pride, and soon, Zuko, his Uncle, Ying, and Than are all heading off, back to the road.

“Uncle…have I done the right thing?” Zuko asks.

“Only time will tell what actions are right and wrong,” Iroh says sagely. “But a true man knows that to follow his heart is a pure path in life.”

~=~

Not too far out of town, the group had to stop. Ying needed some rest, and Zuko took the opportunity to shut his eyes for a moment. His dreams of the past are awakened by the sound of an ostrich horse. Zuko sit sup to see Sela riding toward them in a carriage. She looks frantic and panicked.

“Help, please!” she stumbles out toward the group.

“Sela? What’s wrong?” Ying asks.

“It’s Lee!” Sela whimpers. “The thugs from town came back as soon as Gansu left. When they ordered us to give them food, Lee pulled a knife on them!” Zuko felt the blood drain from his face. “I-I don’t even know where he got a knife! Then they took him away,” Sela begins to sob. “They told me if he’s old enough to fight, he’s old enough to join the army! I-I know we barely know you, but…” She looks at Zuko desperately.

“We’ll help you,” Than says, but Zuko holds out his arm.

“No. I’ll go alone.” Zuko orders. “It’s my fault. I’m the one that gave him the knife. I’ll fix this.”

“Do not blame yourself, Nephew.” Iroh frowns. “I’m the one that gifted you the dagger in the first place, when you were Lee’s age.”

“That doesn’t excuse the mistake I made.” Zuko steps toward the carriage. “All of you, keep going. I’ll catch up.”

“Nephew…” Iroh frowns and walks forward. “Are you sure about this?”

“I am,” Zuko says resolutely.

“Well…do you think you’ll need this?” Iroh holds out his satchel, and Zuko stares down at the bag containing his mask. Zuko takes a deep breath…and turns away.

“No,” Zuko says. “I don’t need it anymore.”

Iroh smiles. “Then be careful, won’t you?”

“I’ll see you again, Uncle. I promise.” Zuko says. He may not be sure if he’s telling the truth, but he does know that at the very least, he can make sure his Uncle is with people that will ensure he’s safe…and vice versa.

~=~

As the sun sets in the village, the carriage rides into town, and Zuko steps out as Sela rushes off to the side. Lee is tied to the water tower, and many people are gathering around as Gow and his soldiers stand around the thoroughfare.

“Hey! There he is!” Lee grins. “I told you he’d come!”

Zuko takes off his hat and tosses it aside. No more masks, no more shrouds. No more hiding…not in the way he did before, anyway. Zuko approaches, standing across from Gow and his entourage.

“Let the kid go.” Zuko orders, and the soldiers laugh.

“Who do you think you are, telling us what to do?” Gow asks.

“It doesn’t matter who I am. But I know who you are.” Zuko narrows his eyes. “You’re not soldiers; you’re bullies. I’ve seen it time and time again. Freeloaders, abusing your power. You don’t want Lee in your army- the respectable members of your country wouldn’t even entertain the idea of a child soldier, and certainly not if he’s not a bender. You’re sick cowards messing with a family who’s already lost one son to the war. I’ve seen it time and time again…but after years of witnessing such horrid acts from the Fire Nation on the people of the Earth Kingdom, I assumed the Earth Kingdom itself had respect for it’s citizens. Guess I was wrong.”

“Are you gonna let this stranger stand there and insult you like this?!” Gow fumes to his soldiers.

The first soldier runs forward, brandishing a spear. He goes for the strike, but Zuko retaliates without even fully unsheathing his sword. The man backs away in fear and Zuko resheathes his blade. The second soldier rushes to attack with his own spear, but Zuko punches the spear upward, grabs the man’s forehead, and shoves him onto the ground. These fools are giving him less trouble than Sokka did in their first meeting.

The third soldier charges with his spear, but Zuko kicks his leg seconds before impact, snapping it in half. The soldier gasps and immediately flees once disarmed. Lee laughs from his bound position. The village has gathered in a crowd to watch the skirmish.

All alone now, Gow steps forward, brandishing a pair of hammers against Zuko’s pair of swords. Zuko fully draws out his blades for this fight. They stand there, in a face-off…and Gow screams and throws the first blow, knocking a rock he has earthbent powerfully toward Zuko! Zuko raises his blade and feels the heat around him, the sunset beating down on him and flowing through his blades. With a single cut, the rock is split and lands on either side of him. Gow is baffled, but he is undeterred as he fires three rocks instead of one! Going in rapid succession, Zuko can only cut through the first two before the third knocks the wind out of him! Zuko takes a breath and charges toward Gow!

Gow repeats his previous attack, and Zuko adapts to it better this time. He deflects the first two rocks, and when this one hits him, he somersaults forward to keep his momentum going…yet Gow’s smile hasn’t faded.

“Behind you!” Lee warns, and Zuko realizes that Gow is trying to surround him with rocks!

Zuko defends, cutting through, dodging, and deflecting the rocks as he faces off against Gow! The Earthbender is going at him full force, but Zuko is too busy defending to do anything offensive! Gow’s attacks are overwhelming, and one more barrage sends Zuko flying back as he lands straight on his back.

Memories flash through Zuko’s mind, a memory of the night that caused him to question everything in the first place. The memory that truly sent him down his current path.

“Remember this, Zuko. No matter how things may seem to change, never forget who you are.”

Gow approaches Zuko, raising his hammers up…and Zuko’s eyes burst open, heat peeling off of him moments before fire follows suit. Zuko grips his blades and flourishes, creating a hurricane of flame that he uses to propel himself to his feet! The unprepared Gow is pushed back, dropping his hammers in the process! Zuko stands tall and flicks his wrists, the flames peeling forward to set the handles of the hammers ablaze, leaving Gow unable to arm himself.

The village stares at him, glares at him. Lee looks at him with shock…with fear. Zuko hates the looks…but there’s no going back, now. There’s no getting out of this for him…or for Gow.

Gow raises his fists, determined to finish what he started. Zuko charges him, using his expert combination of fire and swordsmanship. Gow’s earthbending is helpless against Zuko’s immense fire, and he’s sent backward, down into his own crumbling rockalanche as he’s covered in stones!

“Who…who are you?” Gow asks.

“I told you…” Zuko sheathes his swords, and in that moment, all the fire he had conjured goes out, as if the hilt of his blades were the douter to his firebending’s candle. “Who I am doesn’t matter. It’s a question that annoys me at this point. But fine, I’ll tell you the basics. I’m the grandson of a hero and the child of a monster. My Mother was taken from me by the malice in this war. I have lost everything I ever knew three times so far, and it’s bound to happen again. I’m a firebender, and I hate everything that reminds me of the monsters I left behind! I am Zuko, and my destiny is mine to carve.”

Zuko walks away from the cowering man, and the village cowers in kind, whispering behind his back. He approaches Lee. His flames, whether by his subconscious command or not he’s not sure, had burned away enough of the ropes to free Lee while leaving him unharmed. Sela is standing in front of him protectively.

“Not a step closer!” Sela warns, and Zuko obeys. He gets down on one knee, and pulls out the Dagger.

“It’s yours. You should have it.” Zuko encourages.

“No!” Lee scowls. “I hate you!”

Zuko knew it was coming. It couldn’t not happen. Firebenders are monsters…at the end of the day, the only reason the Jasmine Dragon was ever accepted was because there was so many of them. No one would ever trust a lone firebender, no matter how much good they did. It’s what Zuko has to expect wherever he goes…what he’ll have to expect if he ever winds up in the path of the Avatar and his friends.

Zuko palms the dagger and walks out of town. He’s unaccosted, and no one speaks a word to him.

“You did the right thing, Zuko.” Iroh says, waiting for him beneath a tree.

“Where are Than and Ying?” Zuko asks.

“They went on their way,” Iroh shrugs. “Nice people, but I prefer the company of family.”

Zuko smiles a little bit. If nothing else, he can always count on his Uncle to be there for him. Zuko will never forget who he is…but the question is, who will Zuko be at the end of the road he’s carving?

Chapter Text

Zuko and Iroh travel on foot through the Earth Kingdom’s wilds. They have no destination in mind, wandering from place to place. Zuko is resuming his meditation with his Uncle, and training his bending.

“How’s this cup, Uncle?” Zuko asks, pouring his Uncle a fresh cup of tea.

“Hmm…” Iroh drinks the cup and hums to himself as he tastes it. “You are improving, nephew. The temperature is perfect…you simply still have to learn how much of the herbs to mix in at once.”

“Well, at least I’m mastering the temperature,” Zuko mutters to himself, looking at his hands. He’s stopped simply trying to measure the temperature and control the flame beneath the teapot itself- instead, he’s working using a similar method to when he faced the flood. So far, it’s been working pretty well, but Zuko’s a slow learner when it comes to making tea itself. Even back on the boat, he hardly bothered himself with making the tea himself.

“Baby steps, Nephew.” Iroh smiles, and the two of them keep walking.

Soon enough, their day is interrupted as they see a portion of the forest they’re trekking through completely barreled through. A path of destruction is clear, and there are treads on the ground. It’s a Fire Nation war machine, but bigger than anything Zuko had seen before.

“It seems there is a new machine on a rampage. But why go through a forest without burning it…?” Iroh ponders, and it’s a good thought- the Fire Nation troops either go through forested areas to raze them to the ground or not at all.

Looking at the ground, Zuko sifts through some fallen leaves and finds tufts of white fur…shedded, not cut, and the single bundle he’s gotten is nearly a handful, which means it came from a big creature. And Zuko recognizes the hue of the fur…

“Because it’s not a warpath. It’s a hunt.” Zuko frowns. “They’re tailing the Avatar while the Sky Bison’s shedding.”

“How concerning…” Iroh frowns. “This time of year, all kinds of creatures shed their fur. It will likely be doing so for weeks, until they give the creature a proper bath. And that’s not going to be a good option as long as they’re being chased…” Iroh looks at Zuko from the side as he notices Zuko determining which way the tracks go. “Who do you suppose is following them?”

“Considering we’ve actually been covering our tracks, I have a pretty good idea.” Zuko frowns.

“So, Zuko…what shall we do?” Iroh asks, and Zuko takes a deep breath.

If Azula is chasing the Avatar and his friends, that’s all the better. It gives them time to flee. They could even backtrack along the treads, and no one would be any the wiser. They could probably get weeks away from Azula, even with her new war machine.

But they’re far away from any inhabited village, according to the map. If Azula keeps chasing the Avatar down, they’ll get tired. A machine like that probably has a crew, so Azula will be fine, while the Avatar and his friends won’t be.

“We need to help them.” Zuko begins to follow the tracks. “But we need to be ready…as soon as there’s safety, we need to run.”

“Of course, nephew,” Iroh says, a bit sadly.

~=~

Following the tracks takes time, but it seems like there was a confrontation somewhere along the way. The tracks go in a different direction to the fur trail…but the trail is far more regular than the shedding was. And if Zuko noticed that, Azula definitely did. And yet, there’s a single let of lizard tracks following them.

“Azula split off. She’s realized that the Avatar split off from his group to make this trail. He’s the only other thing that can fly, after all.” Zuko frowns.

“Then why have the machine go the other direction? They can’t possibly follow the Sky Bison without a trail. Was she simply covering her bases…?” Iroh ponders. As intelligent as he is, Iroh’s far from an expert on Azula’s twisted mind…

But Zuko knows her mind well.

“Glory,” Zuko says. “This was Azula’s plan all along. First, she gets a war machine and a crew to tail the Avatar nonstop. Sleep deprivation would bring the Avatar’s group to a breaking point. Something would happen to split them up, in some way, and once it did, Azula sent the rest of her crew away so she could have the glory of capturing the Avatar for herself.”

“That leaves her all alone, though, does it not?” Iroh asks.

“It does. She’s confident she can beat the Avatar one-on-one, especially when he’s sleep deprived. She’s probably right…” Zuko starts moving. “We need to hurry.”

Unfortunately for them, as they move to more mountainous terrain, a tiny earthbender gets the drop on Iroh while Zuko draws his swords…before seeing the lone little girl before them.

~=~

Naturally, Uncle offered the girl some tea after setting up a small fire. Zuko looks out from the mountainside, keeping an eye out and searching for where their destination may be.

“Here is your tea,” Iroh hands his tea to the girl, who appears to be blind…not that it’s stopping her. “You seem a little too young to be traveling alone.”

“You two seem a little far away from any settlement to be normal travelers.” the girl retaliates, and Iroh laughs.

“Perhaps we are.” He smiles.

“I know what you're thinking...I look like I can't handle being by myself.” the girl says casually.

“I wasn’t thinking that.” Iroh returns.

“You wouldn't even let me pour my own cup of tea!” the girl frowns.

“I poured your tea because I wanted to and for no other reason.” Iroh insists.

“People see me and think I'm weak. They want to take care of me, but I can take care of myself, by myself.” the girl huffs.

“You sound like my nephew.” Iroh smirks, and Zuko shoots him a look.

“She does not.” Zuko scowls.

“She does!” Iroh chuckles. “The two of you, always thinking you need to do things on your own. Even now, you’re considering trying to convince me to stay here while you go on.” He says, and Zuko looks away guiltily. “There is nothing wrong with letting the people who love you help you. Er,” he looks back at the girl, “Not that I love you, I just met you.” he chuckles.

The girl laughs kindly. “So, where exactly are you two going?”

“We’re tracking down someone who needs our help,” Iroh explains.

“And then we’ll be on our way. We’re nomads.” Zuko says dismissively, and the girl gets a strange look on her face.

“Well, “nomads,”” the girl says like she doesn’t believe him, “Why not stay with whoever you’re looking to help?”

“It’s a long story.” Zuko dismisses.

“Please excuse my Nephew’s brusqueness.” Iroh explains. “His life has recently changed, and he’s going through some very difficult times. He’s just trying to figure out who he is, so we’re traveling the Earth Kingdom to find out together. But, uh…” he leans in, “my nephew has a soft spot for these people, I think. At the end of the day, I know he will do the right thing.”

“There.” Zuko points out what he sees- a small village down the mountain, and there’s the dot of Azula’s lizard steed approaching it. “Uncle, we need to hurry!” Zuko begins to use his blades and slide down the mountainside, from ledge to ledge.

“Your nephew’s real lucky to have you, even if he doesn’t know it.” the girl smiles. “Say, uh, do you think you guys will need some help in this?”

“I’m pretty sure we could use all the help we could get.” Iroh chuckles.

“Then hold on, Tea Man!” The girl plans her feet square on the ground. “I can get you guys there fast. We’ll pick up your nephew on the way down.”

~=~

Azula steps forward as she stares the Avatar down.

“Alright, you’ve caught up with me.” the Avatar says. “Now, who are you and what do you want?”

“You mean you haven’t guessed?” Azula smirks. “You don’t see the family resemblance? Here’s a hint.” She puts a hand over one eye and imitates Zuko. “I’m better off running around with tea lovers than actually reclaiming my honor.” The Avatar stares unmoved, and Azula smirks. “It’s okay, you can laugh. It’s funny.”

“So, what now?” the Avatar asks.

“Now?” Azula chuckles. “Now, it’s over. You’re tired and you have no place to go. You can run, but I’ll catch you.”

The Avatar rises, brandsishing his staff. “I’m not running.”

Azula grins and takes a deep breath. “Good.”

Azula rushes at the Avatar, ready to unleash cerulean flames upon him, when in a split second, she feels the earth tremble, making her stop in her tracks. She leaps away as a wave of earth rushes into the city, carrying atop it her brother, Uncle, and a little blind girl.

“Azula!” Zuko charges forward, drawing his swords as fire dances around him in that fascinating new fighting style of his.

“Zuko?! Toph?!” the Avatar exclaims in shock.

“Wha- Aang?! You’re who Tea Guy and Hothead are tracking?!” The blind girl exclaims, clearly also getting used to the fact that she’s just given a pair of firebenders a ride into this abandoned town.

“Zuzu!” Azula grins. “I was wondering when you’d show up.”

“Zuzu…?” the Avatar holds back laughter.

“Back off, Azula!” Zuko snarls, determined. “You’re outnumbered.”

“I’m not going anywhere.” Azula prepares her fighting stance.

Everyone stands ready for battle. The Avatar holds his staff, Zuko his blades, and Azula is unarmed but talented. The little earthbender girl has her feet squared and ready, while Iroh is preparing himself. Azula ponders to herself exactly how many sides of this battle there are…and she’s quite excited to find out. The Avatar is distracted, clearly uncertain of who to point his weapon at.

Azula makes the first move, sending blue fire at Zuko, who parries the strike away with a swing of his sword! The Avatar reacts by getting onto his glider and trying to fly away. Azula leaps up through buildings and sends barrages of fire toward the Avatar, but he closes the glider in midair and spins it, deflecting the flames with airbending! He lands in the process, but Azula is now running across rooftops, dodging blasts of fire from her Uncle and chunks of earth from the girl! Azula leaps down and lands behind the Avatar, effectively using him as a human shield, interposing against the rest of her adversaries! She continues to barrage the Avatar with fire, forcing him backward. Zuko rushes past the Avatar and swings his blades, and Azula leaps back as metal and fire crash into the ground!

This continues onward, and the earthbender seems to be making things better for her adversaries. The girl stomps a foot on the ground, raising walls to turn the town into a labyrinthine arena and grant cover from Azula’s attacks, and platforms when they may fall from roofs. Clearly, the girl has to go first…but when Azula sends a blast of fire, the girl reacts by raising a new barrier! The girl has tricks, able to determine Azula’s attacks from a distance like that.

The battle continues, and though they’re at a stalemate, Azula is well-rested, and the Avatar is not. He’ll slip up, and when he does, all it’ll take is one well-placed bolt of lightning to end the job. Azula’s blue fire sweeps across the village, while meanwhile Zuko and her Uncle’s bright orange fire contrast against it, surrounding them in a cyclone of heat and rock. Even so, Zuko swings his blades, putting out fires that would put anything in serious risk…which, of course he does.

But soon, Azula sees her chance. Zuko and Iroh are keeping the fires under control, the girl is bending some earth to keep her distance and shield herself from the flames, and the Avatar is about to land from midair…it’s the perfect opportunity. Azula performs the movements, feels the extreme power channeling, and ready to point the lightning toward the Avatar…when a whip of water hits Azula’s arm, putting it off course! Azula’s eyes widen as the lightning trails into the sky, and the Avatar’s little friends have joined the fight! The Water tribe peasants, and that massive monster of his.

“Katara!” the Avatar shouts in glee.

The fight, as much as Azula hates to admit it, gets worse for her from there. Shock at seeing who they see aside, Azula finds herself being cornered by all the elements. Her back comes to a stone wall.

“Well, look at this.” Azula smirks. “Enemies and traitors, all working together. I’m done.” Azula raises her hands in surrender. “I know when I’m beaten. You got me! A princess surrenders with honor.”

The Avatar and his cronies look confused and not quite convinced…and Zuko’s eyes narrow. Even now, she can hear that ridiculous mantra of his.

Azula always lies.

Quick as lightning, Azula sends a blast of fire at Iroh, and he screams in pain as he’s thrown back by the force of her flames!

“Uncle!” Zuko shouts in horror. He then turns in Azula, enraged.

Zuko, the earthbender girl, the waterbender girl, and the Avatar all send their respective elements right at Azula, but she coats her flames around her, manifesting them at just the right point of impact to ricochet against Zuko’s fire, burst the earth into dust, mist the water, and burst against the air! A smokescreen of elemental proportions extends outward, and Azula uses it to make her getaway. They may have won this round…but Azula always gets what she wants, in the end.

~=~

Azula had gotten away…but that was hardly of consequence to Zuko. All of his fear, all of his plans to run away, all of it melted away into dread as he saw his Uncle, injured from Azula’s horrible fire.

“Zuko-” Katara begins, and Zuko moves faster than he ever did before.

“Save him.” Zuko clutches Katara’s dress, kneeling on the ground, begging. “Please, save him. I will do anything, just please… please heal him, Katara.” He whimpers.

“I will! I will.” Katara assures him, and rushes to administer her healing abilities to Iroh.

Zuko curls up on the ground, uncontrollably sobbing as the sun sets over the horizon…

Chapter Text

When Zuko and Iroh were found to be missing after the attack on the North, Katara wasn’t really certain what happened to them. Iroh was with them until the very end, until he vanished, so Katara didn’t think that the God-Spirit had taken them. It would spare them, like the other Fire Nation soldiers who bowed…the Attack on the North had perhaps the highest surrender rate from the Fire Nation of any battle in the war so far! And the highest mortality rate…best to make sure Aang never really has to think about what La did in his body.

It wasn’t until they were already flying on Appa’s back, away from the Northern Water Tribe, that they realized that they probably needed to take a moment to talk.

“What do you think happened to them?” Katara asks. “Zuko and Iroh, I mean.”

“...I don’t know,” Aang says. “You don’t think it was true, do you? About who they really are?”

“I mean…it would explain a few things-” Katara says.

“It would explain everything!” Sokka huffs. “Everything we know about them makes perfect sense if Zuko’s Dad is the Fire Lord.”

Katara feels a lot of things right now, burning in her gut. But amid all the negativity, Katara can’t help but feel this profound sense of betrayal. He was right there, traveling with them, standing beside them, even helping them on occasion, but he always stayed out of the picture just enough to protect his own people, and the war goes on. Sure, he says he’s loyal to his homeland and against the Fire Lord, but what do they have to base that off of?

Firebending the flood away saved his own people.

Stopping the Volcano saved himself.

Fighting against Zhao benefits the world at large, including the Fire Nation!

“I hope we never see him again,” Katara mutters.

“Yeah, who needs ‘em?” Sokka scoffs. “We’ll be fine as we are!”

“Yeah…yeah,” Aang says sadly. “I guess it’s for the best, huh?”

“Traveling with the Fire Lord’s own family is a slippery slope. What if he regresses, or gets tempted to actually do what he’s out here for?” Sokka asks.

“What’s he out here for?” Katara asks, and Sokka flinches.

“I- okay, yeah, I guess that never came up.” Sokka sighs. “To be fair, I’m pretty sure he was meant to fail. He was sent to do it three years ago, after…you know.” he gestures to his face, and Katara purses her lips at the thought that the leader of the Fire Nation would scar his own son. “He was sent to kinda…capture the Avatar.”

“Wait, what?!” Aang exclaims. “But I wasn’t out yet!”

“Yeah, my point exactly.” Sokka nods, and Katara feels herself spiraling in on her own thoughts.

He was tasked to… capture Aang. To drag him back to the Fire Nation in chains. It would explain his violent outburst when he first met Aang, and why he’s seemed to know so much about bending in general. His skills are unmatched, and that makes him dangerous. Every negative thing he’s said about Aang, is all Fire Nation propaganda! And she felt sorry for him, worried about him! All of his honeyed words were probably just attempts to turn the Water Tribe siblings to his side. Everything he said about how she and he had to work for their skills, not be naturally gifted like others… URGH!

Katara would be glad to never see Zuko again.

~=~

Katara was reminded of Aang’s youth when they met General Fong. Katara tried to tell Aang that there are no shortcuts to this, but as usual, Aang wanted to find an easy answer to a complex problem. She was especially upset when Fong completely disarmed her of her water, and used her as a weapon to draw the Avatar State out of Aang.

Katara hates feeling helpless, but she was completely powerless against Fong. She needs to get stronger. She needs to find a way to counter earthbending, just in case they ever find themselves against it again.

She can’t help but feel like in this situation, Zuko could have fought back. He’s spent years in the Earth Kingdom, he probably has some pointers on how to counter Earthbender attacks.

~=~

In the Cave of Two Lovers, Katara and Aang shared a chaste kiss. It…didn’t quite feel right. That much was clear to both of them. They haven’t spoken of it since. They had bigger things to worry about, after all. Omashu was under attack!

Katara ignores the voice in the back of her mind that considers that Zuko might have been able to get them through faster, with no real explanation or reason to the thought.

~=~

Katara didn’t like these new Fire Nation women who are after them. The one with blue fire rubs her the wrong way, but she likes the chi blocker the least. At the very least, they were able to evacuate Omashu.

The one with blue fire reminds her of Zuko. There’s a resemblance there she can’t deny. She recalls what Zuko once told them about a younger, prodigal sister…

~=~

The ability to control the water in plants had never occurred to Katara before the swamp. Trying to push the vision the swamp gave her to the back of her mind, Katara desires to learn about the true extent of her waterbending. Maybe then, they’ll stand a real chance in this war.

Katara absolutely ignores how while in the swamp, while her friends felt cold, all she could feel was an alluring heat, like a campfire just out of reach.

~=~

Katara wasn’t certain if she could bend oil, but if the Fire Nation hadn’t arrived, she sure as hell would’ve tried. She’s not letting Aang throw his life away just to atone for a crime he didn’t commit. At the very least, now Katara knows that each Avatar is definitely not the same person deep down: she can’t imagine Aang carving a new map into the world, even if it’s to keep the people he loves safe.

Katara feels like Zuko would.

~=~

When they meet Toph, making her into Aang’s earthbending teacher was a perfect move. Even if they got a shaky start, and Katara’s not a big fan of how Toph conducts herself, seeking to pull her own weight without working as a team, she can’t deny that Toph has her charms.

Throughout their issues, though, a biting voice in the back of Katara’s mind frequently said Zuko didn’t have a problem working with us.

But the time came to confront their foes, and so after losing their tail, they rode Appa into an abandoned village to take on Zuko’s possibly sister; Azula, she thinks she heard one of the other girls call her.

~=~

As the battle in the village went on, Katara resisted every urge to bind Zuko in ice to keep him from turning on them while she and the others fought Azula. However, she’d seen Zuko escape a net in the south pole, so she doubted her ice could contain a firebender of his strength…for now, that is.

When Azula escaped, Katara felt her rage turn to despair as she saw Iroh fall over, directly impacted by Azula’s blue fire. Witnessing how Zuko despaired over his Uncle’s injury, the possibility that Iroh could die here, all of Katara’s rage subsided in an instant, like a fire that’s been snuffed.

Katara steps forward. “Zuko-” she’s ready to offer to heal Iroh, but Zuko moves quicker than lightning.

“Save him,” Zuko clutches Katara’s dress, desperately, pathetically, begging for his Uncle’s life. “Please, save him. I will do anything, just please… please heal him, Katara.”

In that moment, doubt filled Katara’s mind. The rage in the back of her mind simmered, considering all the good she’d seen Zuko do.

When he helped them free to the Earthbenders from the Prison Rig.

When he saved them from the Pirates.

When he defended them time and time again, doing the right thing even when it was hard for him.

When he returned her Mother’s necklace to her.

“I will! I will.” Katara assures him. Walking forward, she draws her water out and applies it to the old man, focusing her power to heal him.

If there’s one thing learning healing at the North did for her, it’s allowed her to better understand how her healing abilities work. Already, she can tell that Iroh’s going to make a full recovery. He’ll be unconscious for the rest of the night, probably, but he’ll be fine. Luckily, firebenders seem rather resistant to fire, even fire like Azula’s.

“He’s going to make it,” Katara tells Zuko, and the man is sobbing. He looks…so different than the last time they saw each other, Katara’s only just now taking it in.

His hair has been cut. He’s not wearing that crown of his anymore, and his clothes are dirty from living on the road. He’s thinner, too. It’s never really occurred to Katara how lucky they are to travel so quickly on Appa, and how they’re able to get a bird’s eye view, so they never miss a village for resupply. Traveling like this, without even a map it seems, must be so hard for them.

“Thank you…” Zuko chokes out, and the sun sets lower as Katara looks to her friends.

They’re exhausted, all of them. Azula truly seems gone for now, and Appa won’t be leaving trails anymore…it’s time for them to rest for real.

And then, they’ll have to decide what on earth they’ll do next.

Chapter Text

A new day rises, and the sun beats down on the arid desert where Team Avatar (and company) find themselves. As Aang leaps up on a new day, he feels both excited and anxious for what it will bring.

On the one hand, Toph came back! He’ll probably learn some earthbending soon!

On the other hand, Zuko also came back, and everyone’s still a little unsure how to feel about him.

On the other other hand, with Zuko back, Aang has a firebending teacher good and ready when he masters earthbending!

On the other other other hand, Katara and Toph’s argument never really resolved, so Toph might leave again…

While Aang seesaws back and forth between the good and bad of the situation, he notices that he’s not the only one awake.

“Zuko!” Aang jumps over to the firebender, currently making tea while his Uncle softly snores nearby. “You’re up!”

“Firebenders rise with the sun…when they’re well,” Zuko says softly, not meeting Aang’s gaze.

Thinking back, Aang supposes that Zuko did get up before any of them when he traveled with them for a bit, he just never noticed.

“Well…this is great, you know?” Aang smiles positively. “I mean…it’s good to see you again! I’ve got an Earthbending teacher, and now you’re here! And good news: I don’t need a firebending teacher anymore! I’ve, uh, sworn off of it.” he chuckles nervously and Zuko arches an eyebrow looking at him, but doesn’t say anything as he goes back to brewing.

Zuko’s holding his hands over the teapot, moving them about in some movements that almost resemble waterbending. Aang tilts his head and sits down across from Zuko, on the other side of the fire.

“What are you doing?” Aang asks curiously.

“Making tea,” Zuko answers simply.

“Well…I mean-” Aang begins, but the ground rumbles, and Toph’s earth tent bursts apart from the inside!

“Good morning, Avatar!” Toph grins. “Time to start your training!”

“Oh!” Aang floats to his feet. “Good morning, Sifu Toph! But…right now? Isn’t it a little soon?”

“Eh, I had my little epiphany away from you folks, with the apparent royalty I’d been walking alongside,” Toph says, and Zuko stiffens up. Aang tilts his head. They had said Zuko and Iroh’s names, sure, but they hadn’t mentioned them being royalty…is that common knowledge in the Earth Kingdom, and Team Avatar just…didn’t know?

“Katara and I both said some pretty crummy things to each other,” Toph shrugs, “I’ll stand to be a little more respectful.”

“Well, that’s good to hear,” Katara stretches as she sits up, smiling. “I’ll do the same. I think it was the lack of sleep that was really working against us…”

“Eh, I just wasn’t used to people actually wanting the real me around…” Toph sighs. “Iroh’s a pretty good pep talker…he’s, uh, gonna be okay, right?”

Katara walks over to the sleeping man, drawing water from the skin on her waist to cover her hands, and they glow as she holds them over his body.

“Yes…he’s doing fine. He’ll recover later today.” Katara reports, and Zuko breathes a sigh of relief.

“Awesome! Now, you!” she points dramatically at Aang without facing him. “We need to start your Earthbending training, and this place is as good a place as any!”

“Yes, sir, Sifu Toph!” Aang says.

“Hmm…you never called me Sifu Katara…” Katara pouts a little.

“Uh…I mean, if you think I should…” Aang rubs the back of his head sheepishly.

“I think some of us are still trying to sleep!” Sokka snaps grumpily.

“Sorry, Snoozles, we’ll do our earthbending as,” Toph’s voice drops into a whisper, “quietly as we can…” Toph then kicks her heel into the ground and launches Sokka away! When he lands, he complains as grumbles as he hops around in his sleeping bag. Zuko hides a chuckle at the antics, and Toph smirks.

“So, he does have a sense of humor.” Toph snickers, and Aang heads next to Toph.

“So, what move are you gonna teach me first?” Aang asks excitedly. “Rock-a-lanche? The Trembler? Oh, maybe I could learn to make a whirlpool out of land!” he suggests while gesturing dramatically, but Toph puts a hand on his chest to stop his spinning.

“Let’s start start with moving a rock,” Toph suggests.

“Sounds good, sounds good!” Aang grins.

~=~

Katara did, does, and will continue to have mixed feelings about Zuko. The negative crisis she’s had about him for weeks combined with the epiphany she had yesterday that he can’t possibly be all bad…if bad at all…is leaving her a little bit of a wreck. So, while Zuko tends to his Uncle and she confirms the old man will be fine without a healer, she walks away from them to watch Aang’s earthbending lesson. Just to get her mind off of things.

He’s having trouble. She supposes it’s to be expected since Earth and Air are opposite elements, but…it’s also a little disheartening. Toph, stalwart yet impatient, is angry that Aang is taking so long to master the basics…meanwhile, Katara, patient yet fragile, felt so disheartened when Aang began to surpass her bending ability in a few lessons. She’s gotten better now, and she thinks she might actually be a little better than Aang now, though…but is it so selfish she wanted someone to talk to about this? About this guilty frustration that what she had to work for, someone else has without effort?

“The Avatar, he’s like my sister,” a memory bites at Katara’s mind. “Everything came easy to her. She’s a firebending prodigy. Everyone adores her.”

Katara shakes her head. Their situations aren’t the same. Azula…she’s nothing like Aang, not at all. When Zuko first spoke of her, Katara imagined a firebending child, a little girl that soaked up attention like a sponge…instead, Azula is much worse. A cunning sociopath who uses her praise and influence like puppet strings, tracking them down in a moving fortress and ready to completely annihilate anyone that stood in her way, even her own blood. Comparing them, comparing Katara’s experience with Zuko’s…it’s not fair. Not to either of them.

“Uncle,” she hears Zuko say, and she turns to see Iroh starting to wake up. “You were unconscious. Azula did this to you…it was a surprise attack.”

“Somehow, that’s not so surprising…” Iroh groans through his jest.

“I made you this,” Zuko pours Iroh some tea. “I hope you like it…”

Iroh takes a sip and makes a face as he swallows it. “It is…your best batch yet, nephew,” he says measuredly, and Zuko frowns.

“We’re with the Avatar’s group…” Zuko says.

“So I can see…and what does this mean, nephew?” Iroh arches an eyebrow.

Zuko frowns. “I…don’t know. The Avatar says he doesn’t want to learn firebending anymore.”

Iroh hums, silent disapproval evident, but he sits up in a cross-legged position. “And what do you think?”

Zuko gets a far-away look in his eye. “That doesn’t matter, Uncle…we’re their prisoners now.”

Prisoners? Is that what he thinks? Katara frowns and looks back at Aang and Toph. The two are arguing about Aang’s earthbending tactics now. She had tried to intervene, but…it seemed like that wasn’t helping. Sokka is getting ready to go hunting, and Katara stands up to walk to him.

“Sokka,” she says, “we need to talk…”

“I’m kinda about to go hunting, Katara,” Sokka sighs, “can we make this quick?”

“It’s about Zuko and Iroh…” Katara frowns. “What are we going to do with them?”

Sokka pauses, and sighs. “I don’t know…”

“Zuko thinks they’re our prisoners,” Katara says, and Sokka snorts.

“We didn’t even take anything from them! They could probably fight their way out…” Sokka frowns. “Look, this is a crummy situation. I’m fine with just looking away, and if they use that chance to “escape,” so be it.”

“And if they don’t?” Sokka asks.

“Then we can talk about it over dinner when I catch it,” Sokka walks away.

“You’re awfully calm about this considering who they are…” Katara says.

“Yeah, well…so are you!” Sokka says and stops. “It’s just…I know what we said, after the North Pole, but seeing them again…I just remembered all the good times, you know?”

“Yeah…I know what you mean.” Katara frowns. “It’s just them now…”

“I’m not good at all that mushy stuff,” Sokka heads out, “so, you guys figure it out!”

Katara frowns and looks back toward Toph and Aang.

~=~

Toph grits her teeth frustratedly. She may have never taught anyone before, but how could one guy be so bad at earthbending?! She’s tried almost everything! She’s about 5 seconds away from just throwing a rock at him and seeing what happens!

Hm, that’s not a bad idea, actually…

“Toph! Aang!” Katara walks up to them. Toph sighs…she has mixed feelings about Katara. She really does mean well, Toph knows she does, the girl’s probably the most genuine and honest girl Toph had ever met. It’s just that Katara also has this bossiness about her…she’d probably make a good noble.

“Come for more suggestions, Katara?” Toph questions.

“Oh! No, I’m going to trust your process now.” Katara says. “Though you could stand for some positive reinforcement…” she shakes her head. “Agh, nevermind…that’s not why I’m here! I wanted to talk to you two about Zuko and Iroh, and what exactly we’re going to do with them. They’re under the impression that they’re our prisoners, and before I talk to them, I wanted to make sure we’re all on the same page.”

“Prisoners?!” Aang’s eyes widen. “No! They can leave whenever they want!”

“Not that they should,” Toph scoffs. “We’re going up against the Fire Nation. Having two firebending powerhouses on our side is exactly what we need, especially if it’s the Dragon of the West and the Banished Prince!”

“Iroh’s the Dragon of the West…?” Katara softly exclaims softly, and sighs. “Well, that reminds me. We were told about Zuko’s past. How did you find out, Toph?”

“The Fire Nation colonies in the Earth Kingdom have mixed ancestry,” Toph says, “and a lot of Earth Noble Families stay close with their mixed cousins, hoping to keep their settlements away from Fire Nation occupation. Everyone knows it’s futile, but they don’t know what else to do…luckily, it means you hear a lot of Fire Nation stories. The story of Prince Zuko spread across the Earth Kingdom's high society probably just as fast as it spread across the entire Fire Nation. How Crown Prince Zuko spoke out against his Father, and as punishment, he was branded with a scar in front of an audience of hundreds…”

“An audience?!” Aang and Katara exclaim.

“Ah. Didn’t know that part, huh?” Toph nods. “Yeah, rumors say he did it in an arena, and everyone in the royal palace was invited, noble and servant. Just to show them all what happens when you step out of line…then, he was banished, given an impossible mission. They ranged in quality of impossibility, but everyone agrees that he gave up about a year after being banished.”

Toph can feel Katara’s heartbeat. Aang, already disheartened from the training so far, just seems even more worried, but Katara’s compassion for Zuko is boiling into a further rage against the Fire Nation. Toph smirks.

“You know, for someone who hates the Fire Nation, you seem to really hate what happened to Zuko more~” Toph teases, and Katara blushes.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Katara lies. “Anyway…you’re right, Toph. We should try to convince them to stay with us.”

“Yeeeah…I’ll leave you in charge of that,” Toph shrugs. “Not a people person. But I am an earthbending person. Twinkletoes! Back to work!”

“Er- yes, Sifu Toph!” Aang exclaims, and Katara leaves them be quietly.

~=~

Zuko is sitting silently, watching the cinders in the fire slowly wither and die. That is the nature of fire. To burn, to consume, to rage, and then to sleep and die away, just as suddenly as it appeared…but even when fire leaves, the heat remains for much longer…

Katara sits across from him, and Zuko doesn’t meet her gaze.

“Zuko, Iroh.” Katara greets.

“Ah, Miss Katara.” Iroh smiles. “I’m told I have you to thank for my swift recovery! You have my gratitude.” the man bows respectfully, and Zuko does the same.

“Thank you for healing my Uncle,” Zuko says.

“Of course,” Katara smiles, and sighs. “I overheard you two earlier…Zuko, you and your Uncle are not our prisoners.”

“...we’re not?” Zuko asks, looking up but not meeting her gaze.

“No. You two can leave whenever you want. If you don’t want to stay, you don’t have to…” Katara grips her dress. “But I want you to stay.”

“You do…?” Zuko asks.

“W-we! We, the team, want you both to stay!” Katara amends. “Zuko, it… hurt when we found out how much you hadn’t told us. We’ve learned things, things we should have learned from your words, not another’s. But…you’ve done a lot of good. Sokka’s undecided, Aang doesn’t want to keep you here, Toph wants you to stay…I just want to make sure you two do what you really want. If you’re just wandering, we’d be glad to take you with us, even if you don’t want to keep fighting! We can find somewhere to stay.”

“I…” Zuko clenches his fists and meets Katara’s gaze. “I want to help you. I want to get stronger. I want to stop my fa…the Fire Lord. This world needs to return to balance.”

Katara smiles genuinely. “Then we’ll be glad to have you.”

Zuko smiles softly, and the two gaze into each other’s eyes. Iroh smiles looking at the two.

“E-erm…in any case,” Zuko blushes and clears his throat. “Uncle. I think I should resume my Firebending training, and learn something advanced. If we take on Azula again, we need to be ready.” he sighs. “I know what you’re going to say, that she’s my sister and we should try to get along…”

“No,” Iroh says, “she’s crazy and she needs to go down.” he remarks resolutely.

Zuko feels his chest tighten. He doesn’t understand why…why did some part of him want Iroh to tell him he was wrong?

Iroh gets himself up. “Today, I will show you lightning.”

~=~

Katara watches Iroh’s lesson curiously.

“Lightning is a pure expression of firebending, without aggression. It is not fueled by rage or emotion the way other firebending is. Some call lightning the cold-blooded fire.” Iroh explains while he makes his own batch of tea. “It is precise and deadly, like Azula. To perform the technique requires peace of mind.”

“I see…that’s why we’re drinking tea, to calm the mind.” Zuko surmises.

“Oh yeah, good point! I mean…yes.” Iroh says, and Zuko frowns while Katara hides some laughter.

“There is energy all around us,” Iroh continues, “The energy is both yin and yang. Positive energy and negative energy. Only a select few firebenders can separate these energies. This creates an imbalance, a chaos in-between. The energy’s nature wishes to restore balance at its core, and so at the moment that the positive and negative energies come crashing back together, you provide release and guidance, creating lightning!” Iroh demonstrates with an impressive display of lightning bending.

“I’m ready!” Zuko stands up.

Iroh nods and starts to guide Zuko. “Remember, once you separate the energy, you do not command it. You are simply its humble guide. Breathe first.”

Zuko breathes. He starts to generate lightning…but at the last moment, as lightning leaves his fingertips, it backlashes and launches him back! At the same time, Katara can hear some earth smashing in the distance.

Well, at least Aang’s not the only one having trouble with his lesson… Katara thinks to herself.

Soon, Aang comes over and slumps down nearby.

“Are you okay?” Katara asks.

“No…” Aang sniffs and wipes his eyes. “I don’t think I have what it takes to be an earthbender.”

“Aang, don’t say that!” Katara says gently. “It’s no big deal if you’re having trouble. You can take a break and try earthbending again when you’re ready. We can even work on waterbending if you need a break! Okay?”

“Yeah…” Aang nods. “That sounds good.”

“Yeah, whatever, splash around until you feel better.” Toph scoffs and walks past them.

“Hmm…that gives me an idea.” Iroh smiles. “Prince Zuko, you recall my lessons about the waterbenders, yes?”

Lessons about waterbenders…? Katara and Aang look toward the firebenders in intrigue.

“Yes,” Zuko nods. “About all the elements. Fire is the element of power. The people of the Fire Nation have the desire, will, energy, and drive to achieve what they want. Earth is the element of substance. The people of the Earth Kingdom are diverse and strong. They are persistent and enduring. Air is the element of freedom. The Air Nomads detached themselves from worldly concerns and found peace and freedom. Water is the element of change. The people of the Water Tribe are capable of adapting to many things. They have a deep sense of community and love that holds them together through anything.”

Katara smiles softly, a small sense of pride in her soul that Zuko and Iroh think so highly of her people.

Iroh nods. “It is important to draw wisdom from many different places. If you take it from only one place, it becomes rigid and stale. Understanding others, the other elements, and the other nations will help anyone to become whole.”

“Maybe that’s part of your problem…” Katara tells Aang. “You’re going about this like an airbender. If you faced this head-on instead of avoiding it-”

“I know, I know, I know, I know!” Aang interrupts her. “I get it, all right? I need to face it head-on like a rock, but I just can't do it. I don't know why I can't, but I can't.” Aang huffs, clearly frustrated at himself.

“Aang, I think this is difficult for you because air and earth are opposites. But you’ll figure it out. I know you will.” Katara encourages.

“Well said, Katara!” Iroh smiles. “It is the combination of the four elements in one person that makes the Avatar so powerful. But it can make others powerful, too. You see, this next technique is one I created myself by studying Waterbenders.”

“Really?” Katara asks in wonder.

“Indeed!” Iroh smiles. “And you may be able to master it quickly, Zuko. I know you have been working on your own style of bending inspired by the waterbenders.”

“You have?” Katara asks.

“It’s…” Zuko frowns. “A while ago, I realized that fire is more than flame, it’s heat. But drawing heat within other things, like drawing it out of magma to create earth or into water to create steam, it’s hard. They’re not elements I can control, and if I succeed, I’m taking away any semblance of control I have. It’s not bending the elements themselves, it’s just altering them. So, I began studying waterbending, since waterbenders have experience with something similar! Water and Ice.”

“I see…” Katara says. “That’s what you did with the volcano and the flood.”

“I call it ‘Heatbending’,” Zuko explains. “A little simple, but…it’s served me well. I can channel heat into my swords, and it lets them counter earthbender attacks pretty easily.”

“That’s incredible!” Katara smiles. She hasn’t noticed that Toph and Aang have wandered off by now. “I never thought about using other bending styles to incorporate into my own.”

“Waterbenders deal with the flow of energy,” Iroh explains. “A waterbender lets their defense become their offense, turning their opponents' energy against them. I learned a way to do this with lightning.”

“To redirect lightning.” Zuko nods.

“Precisely.” Iroh smiles. “If you let the energy in your own body flow, the lightning will follow it. You must create a pathway from your fingertips, up your arm to your shoulder, then down into your stomach. The stomach is the source of energy in your body. It is called the sea of chi. Only in my case it is more like a vast ocean!” he laughs and pats his belly. “From the stomach, you direct it up again, and out the other arm. The stomach detour is critical. You must not let the lightning pass through your heart, or the damage could be deadly. You may wish to try a physical motion, to get a feel for the pathways' flow, like this.” Iroh demonstrates, and the two firebenders make their movements. Katara observes it closely, very curious. “Now, are you focusing your energy? Can you feel your own chi flowing in, down, up, and out?”

“I think so…” Zuko nods.

“Come on, you’ve got to feel the flow!” Iroh encourages as they continue to practice. “Excellent! You’ve got it!”

“Great! I’m ready to try it with real lightning!” Zuko grins.

“What, are you crazy?!” Iroh frowns. “Lightning is very dangerous!”

“I thought that was the point! You teaching me to protect myself from it!” Zuko retorts.

“Yeah, but I’m not going to shoot lightning at you!” Iroh insists. “If you're lucky, you will never have to use this technique at all!”

Zuko frowns and huffs. Katara frowns and stands up.

“Are you okay, Zuko?” she asks.

“I’ll be fine…” Zuko sighs.

As the sun begins to set, Aang, Sokka, and Toph return to camp.

“What happened?” Katara frowns. “Sokka, why are you covered in dirt? What happened to you?”

“The whole time I was in that hole, not knowing if I was going to live or die. It makes a man to think about what's really important. I realized-” Sokka begins sagely.

“Hey, guys, look what I can do!” Aang eagerly earthbends.

Katara smiles. “You did it!”

“Did Sokka just say he was stuck in a hole…?” Zuko mutters.

“Yeah! You were all right!” Aang grins. “I just had to stand my ground! The key to earthbending is being completely rooted, physically and mentally unmovable! You need to face the rock head-on!”

“Hm…” Zuko mutters. “I wonder…” he looks toward a nearby mountain.

“Zuko? Are you okay?” Katara asks.

“I’ll be back later,” Zuko says and walks toward the mountain. Katara furrows her brow in worry.

Storm clouds gather overhead…

~=~

Zuko stands at the peak of the mountain. Rain begins to pour down, and the wind whips around him. But he’s not here for wind and rain.

“Come on!” Zuko shouts out, readying himself. “I’m ready, universe! You’ve always thrown everything you could at me, and this time, I’m ready to take it straight on like an earthbender!” Zuko yells as loud as the storm. “Come on, strike me! You’ve never held back before, and I’ve always gotten back up!”

No lightning strikes, not even in the distance.

“Come on, what are you waiting for?!” Zuko snarls.

“Zuko!” Katara shouts through the cold, and he whips around in shock.

“Katara…?” Zuko’s eyes widen.

“Zuko, what are you doing?!” Katara questions in terror.

“What I need to do!” Zuko says. “You heard my Uncle. The only way to become whole is to master the ways of the other elements, like the avatar! I need to face the terrors of nature like an earthbender if I want to become stronger. The only way to test my skills against lightning is from the source!”

“No!” Katara climbs up to him. “Zuko, this is crazy!”

“What else am I supposed to do?!” Zuko retorts.

“Zuko, you’ve mastered firebending and use waterbending skills to create an entirely new subset of firebending!” Katara says. “That’s already so impressive! You don’t have anything to prove.” she comes to him and gently raises her hands to stop the rain from falling immediately around them, like an invisible umbrella. “Zuko, your Uncle told you that lightning is dangerous. Just…come down, okay? Don’t fight nature when you don’t have to.”

“But I need to do this,” Zuko says. “If Azula comes back…”

“Then we’ll be ready for her this time,” Katara smiles. “She couldn’t beat us all together before…and she won’t next time. So come back to camp, okay? We’re a team now.”

Zuko stares at her…and slowly smiles. “Okay, Katara.”

She takes his hand, and leads back back down the mountain.

~=~

In the spirit world, an electric-blue dragon stares through his clouds at the human world. A human-turned-spirit hovers near him.

“I never realized how easy it would be to see my old friends…” Yue says.

“We are the great spirits, Little Moon. We can push and pull many things to our whims.” Ryujin, Spirit of Lightning, tells her. “While my Father sits upon his perch in the sky, I stand to keep the boy unharmed from his own hubris…as much as I can, in any case.”

“Yes…” a new voice calls. “It’s quite a shame, isn’t it? That one cannot bend lightning through the practice of an earthbender.”

“That voice…” Ryujin snarls as light and dark coalesce into a figure of the in-between. Not Order, nor Chaos, and certainly not Balance.

“Well, if it isn’t my half-brother and new half-sister!” Shi, Spirit of the Eclipse, grins. “Apologies, I’m just in the market for a new mortal to play with, and I happened to be in the area!”

“Leave the avatar and his friends be, Shi.” Yue frowns. “Things are hard enough as it is.”

“Why, Little Moon, I’m only trying to help!” Shi snickers. “I am the child of the Sun and Moon, the Fire and Water Nations are my kith and kin!” they declare. “It’s only natural that recent events draw me back to this realm. After all… my day is returning this year. I need a mortal that embodies Fire and Water together.”

“You will not touch the Fire Prince!” Ryujin warns. “There are things in motion with him, things you mustn’t hinder!”

“Oh, relax!” Shi chuckles. “I’m not interested in the royal…”

“What?” Yue questions. “Then who…?”

“Oh, I’m sure you’ll find out soon…” they lurk away. “Ta for now, siblings!”

Chapter Text

It’s been a few days since Zuko and Iroh officially joined the Avatar’s team, they’ve been traveling from place to place… seemingly randomly. This desert is vast, and Aang is happily playing a flute, dancing with the harmonizing groundhogs. Katara and Iroh applaud the performance, but Sokka walks over and snatches the flute from his hands.

“This is great and all,” the young warrior says, annoyed, “but don’t we have more important thins to worry about? We should be making plans.”

“We did make plans!” Toph smiles. “We’re all mickin mini vacations.”

“We don’t have time for vacations.” Zuko says. “If what you’ve told us is true, we only have until the end of the Summer to end this. The Avatar needs to hasten his mastery of the elements.”

“I’m learning the elements as fast as I can!” Aang says. “I practice hard every day with Toph nd Katara. I’ve been training my arrow off!”

“Perhaps it is time, then, that you begin learning the basics of firebending from Zuko,” Iroh suggests.

“No!” Zuko and Aang exclaim.

“I mean…I should really make sure I’ve got earthbending down, right?” Aang says nervously.

“Right…and besides, Uncle, you should be the one to teach him.” Zuko says. Iroh hums, and Katara walks forward.

“I’m on Aang’s side on this,” Katara explains. “There’s nothing wrong with having a little fun in our downtime!”

“Even if Aang does master off of the element,s then what?” Sokka frowns. “We may have a couple Fire Nation guides, but we don’t have a map, and they’re fugitives like us! We need some intelligence if we’re going to win this war.”

“Sokka’s right,” Zuko says, “The Capital City is coastal, but well fortified, and the Palace City is a labyrinth unless you know the way. Even I don’t know all of its twists and turns, its secret passages…”

“It is also constantly being expanded,” Iroh admits, “such a fortress is difficult to face. However, rest is important! It allows for the relaxation of body, mind, and soul. A few vacations here and there will not harm anyone.”

Aang takes the flute from Sokka and plays a few more notes for the groundhogs.

“Alright,” Karara nods and pats Aang on the head fondly. “We’ll finish our vacations and then we’ll look for Sokka’s intelligence.” she teases, and Sokka frowns grumpily.

“Your turn, Katara!” Aang shows the map to Katara. “Where would you like to go on your mini-vacation?”

“Hmm…” Katara smiles and points something out. “How about the Misty Palms Oasis? That sounds refreshing.”

“Oh, yeah, I've been there!” Aang grins. “It's a pristine natural ice spring. And I usually don't use the word "pristine". It's one of nature's wonders.”

===

“It, uh…must’ve changed ownership since I was here.” Aang laughs sheepishly as they see the oasis in the middle of a true sandy desert, a ramshackle settlement with a melting shard of ice in the center. The hanging sign falls down as soon as they enter.

Zuko pulls up his hood as they approach the bar, passing by some hostile sandbenders. The entire bar is full of weary looking travelers. When Sokka goes to get a drink, a studious man accidentally bumps into Aang and spills his drink on him.

“Oh, excuse me!” the man apologizes.

“No worried, I clean up easy!” Aang smiles and uses a combination of waterbending and airbending to get drink off of his clothes.

“Oh, my!” the man gasps. “You’re a living relic.”

“Thanks, I try.” Aang shrugs with a smile.

“An Air Nomad, right in front of me!” her marvels. “I’m Professor Zei, head of anthropology at Ba Sing Se University.” he looks Aang over quite intrusively…Aang doesn’t seem to mind, though. Zuko’s certain he would have blown smoke in this man’s face by now if he was in Aang’s place. He pesters Aang with questions, and the Avatar happily answers, visibly glad to have found someone so interested in his people and culture.

“So, Professor,” Sokka says as they all sit down with drinks, “you’re obvious a well-traveled guy. Do you have a more current map? Ours seems to be a little dated.”

“Certainly!” Zei provides his map. Most of the group looks it over, and Toph sips her drink and lays back.

“What no Fire Nation?!” Sokka exclaims. “Doesn’t anybody have a good map of that place?”

“Our ship had one, before it was destroyed.” Zuko says with a sigh.

“You’ve made a lot of trips into the desert,” Katara observes the marks on the map from Zei’s treks.

“All in vain, I'm afraid.” Zei laments. “I've found lost civilizations all over the Earth Kingdom, but I haven't managed to find the crown jewel: Wan Shi Tong's Library.”

Iroh coughs on his drink, and Toph scoffs in disbelief. “You spent years walking through the desert to find some guy's library?”

“This library is more valuable than gold, little lady.” Zei explains. “It is said to contain a vast collection of knowledge, and knowledge is priceless.”

“It is also quite dangerous.” Iroh frowns. “Wan Shi Tong is not a spirit to be trifled with.”

“A spirit?” Aang asks in wonder.

“That’s right!” Zei smiles. “According to legend, it was built by the Great Knowledge Spirit, Wan Shi Tong, with the help of his "foxy" knowledge seekers.” he produces a drawing of the library and places it on the table. “Wan Shi Tong and his knowledge seekers collected books from all over the world, and put them on display for mankind to read, so that we might better ourselves.”

“If this place has books from all over the world,” Sokka wonders, “do you think they’ve got info on the Fire Nation? A map, maybe?”

“I wouldn’t know,” Zei admits, “but if such a thing exists, it’s in Wan Shi Tong’s Library.”

“Uncle…is something wrong?” Zuko asks quietly, and Iroh hums.

“Nephew…” he mutters to Zuko, “if this man wishes to find the library, it will not end well for him unless he is careful. I have only heard tales of the Knowledge Spirit…and none of them good.”

“Hmm…” Zuko looks at the map tentatively. “Then it’s decided. I’d like to spend my vacation seeking the library.”

“There we go, Zuko! Priorities in order!” Sokka cheers.

“Hang on, I joined up before he did!” Toph waves her hand. “When do I get to pick?”

“Eh, Zuko was with us before you for a bit, he’s got seniority,” Sokka claims, and Toph huffs.

“Of course, there’s the matter or finding it.” Zei says. “I’ve made several trips into the Si Wong Desert and almost died each time!” he hangs his head, depressed. “I’m afraid that desert’s impossible to cross.”

Sokka smiles. “Professor, would you like to see our sky bison?”

===

It’s a long flight through the desert, seeking the Spirit Library. For hours on end…and soon, they find it. The immense Spirit Library… buried.

“The inside seems to be completely intact,” Toph explains with her hand on the tower wall, “and it’s huge!”

“That fox spirit thingy went through a window,” Sokka says. “I say we climb up there and give it a look!”

“I say you guys go ahead without me.” Toph scoffs.

“Maybe I should stay, too…” Zuko frowns. “I’m not sure how good I’d be around spirits.”

“Nephew, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity!” Iroh encourages. “This place could have information of our nation from before Sozin.”

“Do you not have access to that normally back home…?” Katara asks.

“Fire Lord Sozin sealed away all information of the Fire Nation before him in a vault,” Zuko explains. “They say only he could access it, so that he and he alone could use the knowledge of our ancestors. Even the current Fire Lord can’t access it.”

“I must have spent months in my youth trying to get it open…” Iroh sighs. “So, Zuko, will you join us?”

Zuko sighs…and nods. “Very well.”

===

Steadily on, Zei, Aang, Katara, Sokka, Iroh, and Zuko make their way into the Spirit Library. The entire place is…beautiful. Momo lands on Aang’s shoulder, staying close to the Avatar. Soon, though, they hear the flapping of wings…

“Hiding will be useless,” Iroh warns them, “simply treat him with respect. And be warned, Wan Shi Tong is not a normal spirit…”

Wan Shi Tong lands. He resembles a balck owl, covered in strange white markings, with an exaggerated peak. He has malevolent energy peeling off of him.

“He is a Dark Spirit…” Iroh informs.

“So, a human claims to know of me?” the immense owl questions. “Who are you, to come to my library?”

“Uh,” Professor Zei walks forward, “Hello! I’m Professor Zei, head of anthropology at Ba Sing Se University.”

The Dark Spirit’s ethereal feathers flutter, as though the mention of Ba Sing Se does something to it. “The City of Walls and Secrets…” Wan Shi Tong chitters. “You should leave the way you came. Unless you want to beocme a stuffed head of anthropology.”

“Are you the spirit who brought this library to the physical world?” Sokka asks.

“Indeed! I am Wan Shi Tong,” the spirit announces. “He Who Knows Ten Thousand Things! And you are obviously humans, which, I should mention, are no longer permitted in my study.”

“What do you have against humans?” Aang asks, and Wan Shi Tong seethes, as though the question irks him.

“Humans only bother learning things to get the edge on other humans! Like that firebender who came to this place years ago, looking to destroy his enemy.” Wan Shi Tong explains.

“Zhao…” Zuko clenches his fists.

“So…” Wan Shi Tong leans down to address the humans. “Who are you trying to destroy?”

“What? No-no-no-no destroying. We're not into that!” Sokka claims.

“Then why have you come here?” Wan Shi Tong questions.

“Um…knowledge for knowledge’s sake?” Sokka suggests.

“Wretched human…” Wan Shi Tong’s darkness glows and grows. “I am the embodiment of Human Knowledge! Your secrets and lies are a poison to my ears!”

“Please, Great Knowledge Spirit!” Iroh steps forward and humbly bows. “The boy knows not what he says. We are here to restore the lost honor of the Fire Nation and restore balance to the world.”

“Balance…” Wan Shi Tong scoffs.

“We are here with the Avatar,” Iroh says, and Aang steps forward.

“Um, yes!” Aang smiles. “I’m the Avatar! You have my word. We will not abuse the knowledge if your library, good spirit!”

“Hmph…” Wan Shi Tong glares down at Aang. “Look at how you’ve reduced yourself…disgraceful.”

“Uh..what?” Aang blinks, and Wan Shi Tong turns away.

“You shall be allowed to peruse my vast collection, out of what respect I have for the Spiritual Bridge. Minute as it may be.” the owl gestires to his library. “On one condition: to prove your worth as scholars, you have to contribute some worthwhile knowledge.”

One by one, knowledge is given, and soon he reaches Zuko and Iroh. Zuko pulls out a scroll.

“I’ve been taking notes on my new Heatbending technique…” Zuko offers it, and Wan Shi Tong accepts it.

“Something new and worthwhile…perhaps not all of you firebenders are the same, after all. Don’t test me.” Wan Shi Tong warns.

“My knowledge must be shared orally, Great Spirit,” Iroh gestures, and he whispers something into the Dark Spirit’s ear.

“Acceptable knowledge,” Wan Shi Tong nods. “I did not know of this tragedy…enjoy the library” he flies away.

“I’ve never seen a Dark Spirit like that…” Aang frowns. “The last Dark Spirit I met was all rampagey.”

“Most of them are,” Iroh frowns. “Spirits are beings of empathy and emotion, reflecting the greatest influence they have faced. Usually the Avatar can help ground them more than any human…but Wan Shi Tong is a Great Spirit. While in our world, the entire world infleunces him. So long as knowledge is hidden or mistreated by the majority of humans, he will be a Dark Spirit. He cannot help it.”

“That’s awful!” Katara frowns. “Can we do anything to help him?”

“I’m afraid not,” Iroh shakes his head. “Avatar Aang is himself missing much knowledge about himself and his past lives, only exacerbating the problem. Our only hope is that when the war ends and knowledge is shared freely again, that he will heal.”

“Look, we’re not here to talk to spirits!” Sokka says. “Zuko, come help me find the Fire Nation section, will you?”

“Sure thing,” Zuko nods, and the two head off.

It takes them time, and soon Sokka finds something…a singed piece of paper. “Hey, look! The darkest day in Fire Nation history. There’s just a date and nothing else…” he pries open the display case to take the parchment.

“Ugh, what are you two doing?” Katara frowns.

“We’ve found a lead,” Zuko says. “Sokka, I think the Fire Nation history is just this way!”

Soon, though, they enter a room…completely strewn in ash.

“Firebenders…” Aang frowns.

“They destroyed everything having to do with the Fire Nation!” Katara says.

“Those fools…” Zuko clenches his fists. “They have no idea what they’ve done…”

Sokka frowns. “This is terrible…we need to find out what happened on the Darkest Day.”

Soon, a knowledge seeker catches their attention and leads them somewhere…a planetarium.

“This is a mechanical wonder!” Zei marvels. “To see the heavens moving…”

“The Spirits have knowledge of the realm beyond our worlds that has been lost to time…” Iroh smiles.

“This is beautiful and all, but how is it helpful?” Sokka questions.

“Maybe these dials represent dates and times.” Katara surmises. “Sokka, try entering that date from the parchment you took!”

“Katara, not in front of the fox!” sokka hisses. “He’s with the owl!”

“The fox spirits may be bound to Wan Shi Tong’s service,” Iroh says and smiles, “but these little fellows are light spirits. They can be trusted to aid us if it means aiding the avatar.”

Zuko and Sokka work together to change the date, and when they do…it all goes dark.

“What happened to the sun…?” Katara questions.

“Aw, you broke it…” Aang pouts.

“No, it’s not broken. Look!” Sokka points out the sun and moon. “The sun is behind the moon. It's a solar eclipse!”

“Of course!” Iroh snaps his fingers. “When the moon eclipses the sun, firebenders lose their abilities!” he frowns and strokes his beard. “But our nation has faced eclipses before…what would have made that one so disastrous?”

“Who cares?” Sokka cheers. “We’ve got an answer! This is huge! We’ve gotta get this information to the Earth King at Ba Sing Se. We’ll wait for the next eclipse, then we’ll invade the Fire Nation when they’re helpless! The Fire Lord is going down!”

Zuko smiles. Victory might just be within sight…if fate put this on their path, then the next one must be soon. If they can use this eclipse, Zuko and Iroh will have to be far away from the fight to not be hindered, either. This nightmare will finally come to an end…

“Mortals are so predictable,” an imposing voice declares, “and such terrible liars.” Wan Shi Tong looms in the doorway. “You betrayed my trust. From the beginning, you intended to misuse this knowledge for evil purposes!”

“You don’t understand!” Sokka claims. “If anyone’s evil, it’s the Fire Nat…the Fire Lord!” he stands his ground. “You saw what the people under his command did to your library! They’re dangerous and destructive! We need this information.”

“You think you’re the first to believe their war was justified?” Wan Shi Tong chitters. “All I see before me are kith and kin killing each other for dominion!”

“Please, we had no choice!” Aang says. “We just want to protect the people I love!”

“And now, I will protect what I love.” Wan Shi Tong declares and flaps his wings. The building begins to shake.

“What are you doing?!” Aang exclaims.

“I am taking my knowledge back…back to the Spirit World!” Wan Shi Tong orders.

“No…you can’t!” Iroh exclaims.

“I can!” Wan Shi Tong declares. “None will abuse my knowledge again!”

“He’s sinking the building! We have to get out of here!” Katara exclaims.

“I’m afraid I can’t allow that.” Wan Shi Tong says as he takes on a truly monstrous form. “You already know too much…I’m sure you wretched humans can understand that much.”

Wan Shi Tong lunges for Katara, and Zuko sends out a gout of fire to keep him at bay!

“Everyone, run!” Zuko orders, and they all begin to flee!

They rush and run, and even as the library sinks, it begins to shake…

“GRAH!” Wan Shi Tong screeches. “Who has the power to slow the descent?! Wretched mortal meddling!”

“It has to be Toph!” Katara exclaims.

“Weak humans…I will not be denied my departure! And if I must take mortals with me, then so be it!” Wan Shi Tong spreads his wings to hasten his dark hold over the Spirit Library, dragging it further downward.

They go in a circle. They get what they need, the date of the next eclipse, and rush to get out as fast as they can! Professor Zei stays behind…and they continue to run.

“Wretched mortal humans!” Wan Shi Tong screeches. “Avatar, your precious realm has its days numbered! Even if it is a lifetime away for you, to a spirit, Harmonic Convergence is nigh!”

“Harmonic what…?” Aang mutters with a frown.

“Go on, fight your wars, live in your false peace in the decades to come!” Wan Shi Tong shouts. “It will not save your precious humans!”

They get out just as the library finishes sinking.

“What happened…?” Katara asks.

“He has returned to the spirit world…” Iroh mourns.

“That’s good, isn’t it?” Zuko asks. “Now he can heal without human influence.”

“No, nephew,” Iroh shakes his head, “only positive human influence could heal him. With no such influence in the spirit world, Wan Shi Tong will remain a Dark Spirit…and he may never recover.”

“That’s…” Zuko frowns. “I’m sorry, Uncle. I should have been kinder when dealing with the spirits.”

“You did nothing wrong, Nephew.” Iroh says. “It is not your fault for the nature of the world, or for Wan Shi Tong’s dark nature. We can only hope we can proceed better, and turn this world into a place that Wan Shi Tong will wish to return to one day.”

“Right…” Zuko nods and stands up, turning to face Aang…

“Where’s Appa?” Aang asks, snapping everyone out of their thoughts.

===

The Spirit Library now stands suspended by vines in an immense jungle. The knowledge seekers adapt, and Wan Shi Tong lurks in his dark library.

“Wretched humans…I should have left ages ago.” Wan Shi Tong mutters within his planetarium.

“Oh, come now, you don’t really hate humans, do you? That’s so basic.” a voice asks. Two shadowy hands crawl up the wall, gripping the edge of the planetarium’s eclipsea and a spirit’s face peeks over the wall design, one with the shadow.

“Shi,” Wan Shi Tong scoffs, “I do not expect you to understand. Your distasteful adoration of humans is wretched.”

“Well, we can’t all be like Big Bad Vaatu, can we?” Shi mocks.

“Hold your tongue!” Wan Shi Tong snaps. “When Harmonic Convergence comes…”

“I love a good celestial event as much as the next spirit, Whine Shi Tong, but what use is darkness without light? Really, the Order walks on in human form among their unpredictability, but the Chaos sits waiting in a tree, unmvoing and predictable? That’s hilarious, yes, but also boring.” They stretch and relax on the wall.

“If you meddle with Harmonic Covnergence…” Wan Shi Tong growls.

“Oh, relax, my avian friend!” Shi giggles. “I will first meddle with this age’s affairs.”

“How so?” Wan Shi Tong narrows his eyes.

“Same story, different protagonist.” Shi giggles ominously.

Deeper in the library, amid charred pages, a single artist depiction has survived of the Fire Nation’s Darkest Day. Powerless firebenders cower under the eclipse while one human looms over them all, strange marks on his face, a grin wide on him, and fire in his hands, despite the eclipse overhead…

Chapter Text

Zuko had read tales of the Avatar’s wrath before. The Avatar State, an eldritch amalgamation of forces, a mass of souls conjoined in such a way that calling the Avatar a human anymore is a stretch. The Avatar State can end lives and begin new ecosystems, it can reshape the map, it is the Avatar’s greatest strength and weakness.

“How could you let them take Appa?! Why didn’t you stop them?!” Aang scolds Toph.

“I couldn’t!” Toph retorts. “The library was sinking! You guys were still inside and-”

“You could’ve come to get us! I could have saved him!” Aang scolds.

“I can hardly feel any vibrations out here.” Toph explains. “The sandbenders snuck up on me and there wasn’t time for-”

“You just didn’t care!” Aang snaps.

Even without the Avatar State, the wrath of an Avatar is a forced to be reckoned with…a force that, rather than being enraged about the state of the world or the thousands of death each and every day this war goes on, happens because Appa the Sky Bison got kidnapped.

“Aang, stop it.” Katara intervenes. “You know Toph did all she could. She saved our lives.”

“Well, who’ll save us now?” Sokka sighs, looking out across the desert. “We’ll never make it out of here.”

“That’s all any of you guys care about, yourselves!” Aang snaps again. “You don’t care whether Appa is okay or not!”

“Of course we care,” Katara says, “but we can’t afford to be fighting right now.”

Aang turns away from them. “I’m going after Appa.”

“Don’t,” Zuko grabs the boy’s arm. “We can’t be divided right now. We need to stick together if we want to escape this desert!”

“What do you care?!” Aang blows Zuko away with his airbending. “You’ve left us twice already, and you’ll probably do it again! You don’t know anything about me, or any of us!” he says and glides away.

“The Avatar will return,” Iroh says, “he is simply upset. He reminds me of you a bit Zuko, from some years ago.” he smiles, and Zuko sighs.

Zuko can’t blame the Avatar, he can’t. He’s just a child, and Zuko has been where he is- twelve years old and filled with rage. The Avatar has lost his entire civilization, such a curse would drive most people to madness, and he’s been able to try handling it remarkably well. Losing Appa has only tilted the scale…

“We’d better start walking.” Katara frowns. “We’re the only people who know about the solar eclipse. We have to get that information to Ba Sing Se.”

They all walk through the desert. Unfortunately, Zuko has the worst luck out of anyone in existence, and lo and behold, while the Avatar’s gone, their group finds themselves surrounded.

“It wasn’t easy to find you,” the leader of the group snickers from atop his Komodo Rhino, “but a little desert isn’t enough to stop the Rough Rhinos!”

“These guys again?!” Sokka complains.

“And lookit that…two paydays in one.” the leader, Mongke, smirks…then frowns. “Where’s the Avatar?”

“You just missed him.” Zuko scowls.

“Colonel Mongke!” Iroh chuckles. “What a pleasant surprise.”

“You know these guys?!” Sokka exclaims.

“Sure!” Iroh smiles. “Colonel Mongke and the Rough Rhinos are legendary in the Fire Nation. Each one is a different kind of weapon specialist. They are also a very capable singing group!”

“We’re not here to give a concert.” Mongke raises his fist. “We’re here to apprehend fugitives! Round ‘em up!”

“This isn’t quite what I had in mind about a ride back to civilization…” Sokka complains.

A flail is thrown at the group, and Iroh kicks it away! The flail wraps around a Komodo Rhino’s leg, and everyone tucks and rolls away from the firebending and flaming arrows shot at them! Zuko takes in the fire and wraps it around to send it back at the Rough Rhinos just as Iroh smacks a Komodo Rhino’s rear, making it rush forward! The glaive-wielder’s rhino rushes and drags the flail-wielder with him! The Rhino runs away buck-wild, and the archer fires more arrows! Zuko raises his hands and clenches his fists. The flames on the flaming arrows grow and immolate the arrows himself, and when Zuko catches the fire, he throws it back at the archer, destroying his bow!

All that’s left is Mongke. He unleashes a firebending barrage that keeps Iroh on the defensive, but Zuko leaps behind him and kicks him off of the rhino!

“Everyone, get on!” Zuko orders. He uses the reigns to direct his rhino forward and scoop up Katara! Iroh gets on the other unattended Rhino and gets Toph and Sokka, and Zuko sends a blast of fire backward into the sand, kicking up a smokescreen to help mask their retreat! The last Rough Rhino throws an explosive, but the rhinos are able to charge right through before any damage can be done!

“It’s nice to see old friends!” Iroh quips as they retreat.

“Too bad you don’t have any old friends that don’t want to attack you.” Zuko huffs.

“Hmm…old friends that don’t want to attack me…” Iroh hums.

Zuko feels Katara hug him from behind. “Thank you, Zuko…I was really worried for a second. I want to conserve our water, Toph can hardly see out here, and I’m sure Sokka’s more tired than he’s willing to admit…you two really saved us.”

Zuko blushes. “It’s the least we could do.”

They continue to ride through the desert, and Sokka huffs, trying to use Momo’s wings as shade. They stop the Rhinos for a bit to properly rest and go over the supplies the Rhinos carry.

“They have some food and water, that’ll be useful…” Katara frowns. “But no map.”

“Mongke is cautious in the right moments,” Iroh says. “The map would be on his person.”

“And it looks like the provisions in these packs won’t last a group of our size too long.” Zuko frowns. “The Komodo Rhinos will be okay, they’ve been bred to be able to go for weeks without food or water.”

“So it’s just us we have to worry about. Great.” Toph huffs. “Can I have some more water?”

“Of course, Toph.” Katara brings the young girl some water. “But we need to try and conserve it. If we run out, all we’ll have left is my bending water.”

“Your bending water?” Sokka sputters. “You used that on the swamp guy!”

“Well, pretty soon, it’ll be all we have,” Katara says and after Sokka, Momo, and herself have a sip of water, she hands the canteen to Zuko, who holds it and purses his lips.

“Actually, um…I’ll be fine.” Zuko holds it back out to Katara.

“Zuko,” she frowns sternly, “it’s been too long. We all need to drink.”

“No, um,” Zuko gulps, “Firebenders don’t need to drink as much water. We can handle the heat better.”

Katara narrows her eyes. She turns to Iroh. “Is that true?”

Iroh looks at Zuko and smiles kindly. “Yes, of course, Katara. Please, save the water. My nephew and I will be okay.” he says, and guilt pangs at Zuko’s soul.

“Alright…” Katara frowns and closes the canteen. “If you say so.”

“Hey, guys, look!” Sokka rushes over to a cactus.

“Um, Sokka, I wouldn’t do that-” Iroh tries to warn, all-too-late.

~=~

It begins to get darker, and they’ve decided to tie Sokka up so he stops falling off the back of the Komodo Rhino. Avatar Aang lands in their path, and they stop the rhinos. He quietly looks up at them, tired and hopeless, not even questioning the new addition of pack animals. Katara dismounts the Rhino she’s on with Zuko and approaches him.

“I’m sorry, Aang. I know it’s hard for you right now, but…we need to focus on getting out of here.” Katara puts her hand on his shoulder, and he pulls away.

“What’s the point? Even with those things, we’ll never survive without Appa. We all know it.” Aang complains.

“Come on,” Zuko brings his rhino next to the two of them, “we’ll find something sooner or later.”

~=~

A few more hours pass, and they set up camp.

“Is there any more water?” Toph asks.

“This is the last of the canteen,” Katara explains. “After this, it’s my bending water.” after everyone’s had some, she comes to Zuko.

“I told you, I’m fine.” Zuko insists, and Katara sighs and moves on, clearly uncomfortable not giving Zuko water.

“Nephew,” Iroh says softly next to him, “are you sure you wish to do this?”

“I’m sorry for pulling you into this, I wasn’t thinking,” Zuko responds softly, “but I just wanted to make sure they’d all have enough water…”

“I understand,” Iroh smiles, “and do not apologize. If you wish to suffer for the sake of others, know that I will always be there so that you never suffer alone.”

“Thank you, Uncle.” Zuko smiles softly.

“Sokka, let me see the things you got from the library,” he hears Katara say.

“What?! I didn’t steal anything!” Sokka clutches his pack, paranoid. “Who told you that?! It was you!” he points at Momo, “You ratted me out!” he declares, still very high on cactus juice.

“How long does that stuff last…?” Zuko frowns.

“It varies from person to person,” Iroh shrugs. “I once knew a fellow who spent an entire week hallucinating.”

“Don’t say that!” Katara groans and snatches the bag from Sokka. “I won’t be able to handle another day of this.” she pulls out the scrolls to observe them.

“What’s it matter?” Aang says apathetically. “None of those will tell us where Appa is.”

“No, but we can find out which way Ba Sing Se is!” Katara frowns. “We can use the stars to guide us. That way, we can travel at night when its cool and rest during the day.”

“I can help,” Zuko joins her, “I know a bit about using the stars to navigate from my time on the ship.”

“Thank you, Zuko.” Katara smiles and sighs. “At least someone here can help…” she frowns and looks at everyone. “Should we rest for a few hours?”

“Look at the stars and the map,” Zuko says. “We’re not far from the Misty Palms Oasis! We might be able to make it in a few hours if we hurry.”

“Yes!” Katara smiles, the light returning to her eyes. “You’re right! Come on, everyone!”

~=~

Everyone is utterly exhausted by the time they arrive back at the Misty Palms Oasis, Komodo Rhinos included.

“We may have pushed them a little hard there…” Zuko sighs.

“But we made it!” Iroh smiles. “Come, everyone! To the inn. Let us rest.”

~=~

As a new day rises, everyone is better rested, and Iroh smiles when he sees the many people in the bar.

“Pardon me, but I believe I’ve found a friend,” Iroh smiles. Zuko turns and sees that his Uncle is referring to a man playing Pai Sho alone.

“You want to gamble on Pai Sho at a time like this?” Zuko questions.

“I would not call this a gamble,” Iroh smiles and walks to the old man. Zuko sighs while the rest of the team stuffs their faces.

“Hey, Sparky,” Toph says, and Zuko scrunches his nose at the nickname. “Say the thing about the water again.”

“What?” Zuko asks.

“Say firebenders don’t need water again.” Toph orders.

“Why…?” Zuko questions.

“Humor me.” Toph says, and Zuko rolls his eyes.

“Firebenders don’t need water as much as other people-”

“Ah-HAH!” Toph points. “Liar!”

“What?” Zuko’s blood runs cold.

“I can use my earthbending to tell when someone is lying. It was hard to tell on the sand, but I can tell in here! You’re lying about that!” Toph frowns.

“What?!” Katara turns a glare onto Zuko.

“...agh, spirits.” Zuko curses. “Fine, you caught me.”

“You didn’t take any water yesterday!” Katara frowns. “How far would you have gone not to drink anything?!”

“As long as it would take!” Zuko retorts. “You all needed the water more than I did!”

“Hey, so, I know I kinda started this,” Toph interrupts, “but we have company.”

“There you are!” a musclebound man in earthbender battle garb declares. Next to him is another man in more modest clothing.

“Xin Fu?! Master Yu?!” Katara exclaims.

“Oy, these jokers…” Toph huffs.

“What do you two want?” Aang huffs.

“Just here to collect two paydays in one, by the looks of things.” Xin Fu smirks. “You’re coming with me!”

“I knew it!” an old man’s voice carries over the bar. “All of you…you’re wanted, aren’t you?! Wanted with a giant bounty on your heads!” he declares while Iroh creeps back over to Zuko.

“I thought you were getting help!” Zuko growls.

“I did,” Iroh smiles, “just watch.”

“You think you’re going to capture them and collect all that gold?” the old man challenges, and that’s the right thing to say to draw more attention.

In the resulting chaos, the old man leads everyone out.

“How does an earthbending wrestler and earthbending teacher become bounty hunters for the Fire Nation?!” Sokka exclaims, having slept off the cactus juice with a healthy dose of healing water from Katara upon waking up.

“Eh, probably not important!” Toph dismisses.

~=~

The old man sneaks them all into a flora shop…

“It is an honor to welcome you all,” the old man smiles. “Such a high-ranking member of the White Lotus, and the Avatar as well!” he bows.

The White Lotus…? Zuko narrows his eyes. That symbol…

“Yeah…sure…” Aang dismisses gruffly.

“You’ll have to excuse him,” Iroh laments, “he has not had a good few days.”

They head into a back room, but the rest of the group isn’t allowed to enter.

“Members only,” Iroh smiles, “I’m sure you can all take care of yourselves for the time being!”

Once they are left alone, Aang huffs and heads outside.

“Aang, what are you doing? Those guys might still be out there!” Katara says.

“I’m just gonna fly around to try and find Appa! He might be flying around by now!” Aang says, and the rest of the gang heads out to watch him.

I can’t blame him for being so shifted by this… Zuko frowns. But would it hurt him to be this determined and proactive on a day-to-day basis? he quietly thinks to himself.

“What are we going to do…?” Katara sighs. “Aang’s out of control, we lost Appa, gained two Komodo Rhinos, and we still don’t have a concrete way to Ba Sing Se…”

“I have faith in my Uncle,” Zuko says. “I know he may seem eccentric, but there’s no one better to trust with your life.”

“Hmm…hey, Toph, you said sandbenders stole the bison, right?” Sokka asks.

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure, why?” Toph asks.

“Well, there’s a bunch of sandbenders!” Sokka gestures to a group entering town. “Even if it’s not them, they might know about some bandit sandbenders around. Hey, Aang! We’ve got a lead!” he calls up.

The group approaches the sandbenders, and their elder leader sees them approach.

“Greetings, strangers,” he says. “My, you’re all quite vibrantly dressed…not many of your type in the desert, certainly not together.”

“Hello, sir,” Katara greets him respectfully. “My name is Katara, my friends and I are traveling with the Avatar,” she gestures to Aang, “Our bison was stolen in the desert recently, and we were hoping you might be able to help us! We have to get to Ba Sing Se.”

A young man by the elder sputters. “You dare accuse our people of theft?!”

Toph’s eyes narrow, and the elder puts his hand on the man’s shoulder.

“Quiet, Ghashiun!” he huffs. “No one has accused our people of anything.” he sighs. “I apologize for him. My name is Sha-Mo, and I will be glad to help however I can, Avatar.”

“I’m…sorry, Father,” Ghashiun says, and Toph’s eyes widen.

“I recognize the son’s voice…” Toph declares. “He’s the one who stole Appa.”

“You’re certain?” Zuko asks.

“I never forget a voice,” Toph says confidently.

Aang rushes forward and brandishes his staff threateningly. “You stole Appa! Where is he? What did you do to him?!”

“T-they’re lying!” Ghashiun covers back.

Aang angrily slams his staff int othe ground, creating a shockwave of air across the desert that releases the Komodo Rhinos and causes them to stampede away!

“Well, there goes that worry, Katara…” Sokka mutters.

“Tell me where he is, now!” Aang continues to let wind peel off of him, either unaware of uncaring of the damage starting to get caused around him.

“Stop it!” Zuko shouts at him, to no avail.

“What did you do?!” Sha-Mo looks at his son.

“I-it wasn’t be!” Ghashiun lies.

“You said to put a muzzle on him!” Toph points at Ghashiun.

“You muzzled Appa?!” Aang is enraged, and his markings begin to glow, alongside his eyes. Wind swirls around him in a twister and he rises off the ground, entering the Avatar state! The people all around scream and begin to run!

“This is not the kind of attention we need right now!” Sokka exclaims.

“Tell me where Appa is!” The Avatar orders across infinite voices.

“I’m sorry!” Ghashiun cowers. “I-I traded him! To some merchants! He’s probably on his way to Ba Sing Se by now! They were going to sell him there. P-please, we’ll do whatever we can, just-”

More wind swirls, and Aang screams in rage! Zuko narrows his eyes and gets into position.

I’ll only get one shot at this…

The sand flows around Aang, carried by his wind, and at the right moment, Zuko unleashes a gout of fire that wraps around Aang like a cyclone, trapping him in a dome of glass!

“Run, now!” Zuko orders, and the sandbenders flee!

The glass dome shatters as the Avatar frees himself, and his rage turns to Zuko.

“You-!” the Avatar begins to advantage, yet halts and grips his head. “No…we cannot harm him, he is of ours…he is the child of a tyrant! He is descent from order…GRAH!” the Avatar State screams in conflicting torment.

Katara leaps up and grabs Aang by the legs, dragging him down! Sokka runs forward and helps, and Toph comes up too. The three of them hug Aang, and he breathes heavily, tears streaming down his face. The air slowly dissipates, and Iroh comes out of the store.

“It is time!” Iroh says. “Hurry! Before we are found out more than we already are!”

Zuko helps carry the barely conscious avatar to the flower shop.

Zuko has heard many stories about the Avatar State and the terror it can bring…the culmination of every Avatar in a single instant. He’s never considered before how difficult that must be, hundreds upon thousands of voices all vying for control. The Avatars are all very different, after all…despite having the same spirit, no two of them are ever alike in their core ideology. These past few days have been filled with pain and turmoil…and now, their only target as a destination is Ba Sing Se.

But something nags at the back to Zuko’s mind, gnawing at his instincts.

Uncle said that Wan Shi Tong is shaped by human knowledge and despises secrecy and the misuse of knowledge…and Wan Shi Tong called Ba Sing Se “The City of Walls and Secrets.” Zuko purses his lips, but keeps his thoughts to himself. I can only worry about what we’ll find there…

Chapter Text

Katara figures that whatever the White Lotus is, they’re certainly good at being travel agents! Iroh’s friends gave them swift transport to Full Moon Bay, a beautiful cove with ships ready to transport refugees to Ba Sing Se safely. There are so many…much more than Katara ever dreamed would be fleeing this far inland.

“My friends were kind enough to provide documentation for us!” Iroh smiles, passing out passports to everyone.

“Pretty nifty,” Toph smiles, “I thought I’d have to scam us onto the boat.”

“You had a plan to scam the ticket officer?” Katara questions.

“Hey, you don’t know what I’m capable of.” Toph shrugs with a smile.

“Hang on, these are blank!” Sokka frowns. “They don’t have our names or anything!”

“We fill them in ourselves,” Zuko explains. “You can all fill in your own names, but my Uncle and I…”

“You’ll need fake names,” Katara realizes. “Of course…”

“Well, I’ll need someone to write mine for me! I can’t exactly write here, people.” Toph huffs.

“I can help you,” Zuko tells her.

When they go to sit down, Katara sits next to Zuko.

“So, any fake names in mind?” Katara asks him.

“Yes,” Zuko nods. “I think I’ll choose Lee.”

“It’s a nice name.” Katara smiles. “Any particular reason why?”

“Well…” Zuko hesitates.

“Oh, my…Mushi! Junior!” a man’s voice interrupts, and a man and a woman approach them in the bay.

“Than! Ying!” Iroh greets them warmly.

“Oh, thank goodness you two are alright!” Ying, a pregnant woman, sighs. “We’ve had you in our prayers.”

“You, um, know these people?” Katara asks.

“Yes,” Zuko says. “Katara, this is Than and Ying. My Uncle and I met them on our travels.”

“We went ahead when Junior went back to help a village.” Than explains. “It’s great to see you both safe!”

“Junior…?” Sokka snickers, and Katara hides a giggle while Zuko’s face turns red.

“I…don’t go by Junior anymore,” Zuko says.

“Oh, of course!” Ying smiles. “Come to think of it, we never learned your real name, did we?”

“Lee has been a model traveling companion since he joined our team.” Katara smiles.

“Lee…?” Ying puts her hand over her chest. “Oh, like the boy from the village!” she smiles. “No wonder you two bonded so quickly, having the same name…”

Boy from a village…? Katara looks at Zuko, and the look on his face…it isn’t sorrow or grief or even rage…it’s resignation.

“I won’t soon forget what happened there,” Zuko says, and Iroh frowns. Katara purses her lips.

What happened…?

“It’ll be great to be among friends!” Than smiles. “All of us, heading to a better life, safe behind the walls of Ba Sing Se.”

“Right…” Zuko nods, and Katara sees him thumbing over his passport, which he has yet to fill out.

Katara frowns, and while everyone waits in one of the various lines, she sits down next to him.

“Do you want to talk about it?” She asks him.

“Talk about what?” Zuko asks curtly.

“Whatever this village was. Who Lee was. I can tell it might be weighing on you.” Katara says.

“I…” Zuko frowns. “It’s nothing. We have more important things to worry about right now.”

“And right now, we’re waiting in line.” Katara points out. “We have time to kill, and I think a good use of our time is to talk!”

Zuko takes a deep breath. “We had only just met Than and Ying…”

Zuko tells Katara the story of what happened in the village. About Lee, who Zuko saw himself in. Back when he was young and happy…Katara can’t imagine a Zuko like that. Small, unscarred, and happy…compared to the person before her right now, such a kid would just be a dream. And yet, it’s the ending of this story that strikes her the most.

“They ran you out?!” Katara exclaims.

“There was no further violence,” Zuko shrugs. “They just made it clear that they didn’t want me around. My Uncle found me afterward.”

“That’s awful!” Katara frowns. “You helped them!”

“That doesn’t matter,” Zuko hangs his head. “To them, I was one of the reasons for the war. A Firebender…it’s why my Uncle and I have to hide. We won’t be welcome anywhere in this Kingdom.”

Katara frowns and slowly places her hand on Zuko’s. “Well…you’re welcome with us.”

Zuko looks at Katara, and the two of them stare into each other’s eyes for a moment…

“Hey, guys! Check it out, Suki’s here!” Sokka shouts jovially, and Zuko and Katara blush and pull away from each other.

“Um…Suki! Hi!” Katara stands up.

Suki smiles and looks between Katara and Zuko. “Good to see you, Katara. Zuko…I almost didn’t recognize you!”

“You’re one to talk,” Zuko says. “I’m not the only one in a new outfit.”

“That crabby lady at the ticket booth makes all the security guards wear them.” Suki sighs. “But hey, look at you guys! You all look good. Been working out?” she smirks at Sokka.

“I grab a tree branch and do a few chin touches every now and then.” Sokka boasts. “Nothing major.”

“Are the other Kyoshi Warriors around?” Aang asks.

“Yeah!” Suki smiles. “After you left Kyoshi Island, we wanted to find a way to help people. We ended up escorting some refugees and we've been here ever since.” she smiles fondly when Momo hops up next to her. “Hi, Momo! Good to see you, too.” she scratches the little creature behind his ear. “So, why are you guys taking the fairy? Couldn’t you just ride on Appa or the Jasmine Dragon?”

There’s a beat of awkward silence, and Katara sighs, realizing she’ll have to be the one to speak.

“The Jasmine Dragon was destroyed, and Appa is missing,” she says. “We’re hoping to find him in Ba Sing Se.”

Suki’s eyes widen. “I’m… so sorry to hear that.” she looks at Aang and Zuko. “Are you guys okay?”

“I’m doing fine!” Aang snaps. “Would everybody stop worrying about me?!”

Katara frowns. She won’t stop worrying about him, and not about Zuko. Zuko has been cautiously afraid of the Avatar State, Katara saw it back in the desert. He had told them that the crew of the Jasmine Dragon would be forced to fight on the Northern Siege…which means there’s a very real possibility that they were among the casualties. 

“Please, you have to help us!” Ying interrupts the reunion and approaches the group. “Someone took all of our belongings! Our passports, our tickets, everything’s gone!”

“What?!” Katara exclaims.

“We can try to talk to the ticket lady!” Aang says.

“That won’t work…” Suki frowns. “She’s heartless. If you don’t have a ticket, you won’t get entry, not without influence or money…”

“There has to be something we can do!” Aang says.

“Oh, we’ll never make it to the city…” Ying frowns, and Iroh does his best to comfort her.

Zuko approaches the couple, and Katara’s eyes widen. That look on his face…it’s that determined look he gets when he’s about to do something risky. At this point, she knows it well.

“Here,” Zuko holds his blank passport to Ying. “I can’t help both of you, but…I can make sure you and your baby get to the city. Just fill your name in, and you’ll be allowed entry.”

“Oh…Lee, I can’t!” Ying frowns.

“You deserve to feel safe…” Zuko says.

“Lee’s right,” Katara steps forward and rubs out her name from her passport, offering hers as well. “Than, you can take mine.”

“Oh…” Than hesitantly takes it, and Ying takes Zuko’s. “Thank you. Thank both of you, so much!”

The couple heads toward the boat, and Sokka stares at the two of them.

“Look, that was very noble of you guys, but what?!” Sokka exclaims. “We can’t split up at a time like this!”

“Sokka’s right…” Zuko looks at Katara. “You shouldn’t have given up your passport.”

“Ex cuse me?!” Katara glares at him.

“You’re important, Katara!” Zuko says. “You’re traveling with the Avatar, you’re making a difference!”

“You’re traveling with us, too!” Katara retorts. “You’re just as important in this!”

“My Uncle’s the one you need, not me.” Zuko frowns. “I can find my own way to Ba Sing Se.”

“Nephew, I will not let you take these sacrifices alone.” Iroh holds up his passport. “Katara, please, accept my-”

“No!” Katara snaps. “I’ve made my choice,” she gets into Zuko’s face, “and I’m not going to let you go gallivanting off on your own while I worry about what happened to you for weeks! Not again!”

Zuko blinks and blushes a little. “You were worried about me…?”

Katara’s eyes widen and she blushes. “T-that’s beside the point! If you can make your own way, I can make it with you!”

“As hilarious as this is to watch,” Toph smiles, “it’s unnecessary. Hey Zuko, how noticeable is your scar?”

“Excuse me?” Zuko asks.

“Humor me.” Toph says, and Zuko sighs.

“Very.” is all he says.

“Cool. Sokka, give him your passport.” Toph orders.

“What?! Why me?!” Sokka exclaims, and Toph shrugs.

“Humor me,” she says again and walks to the ticket desk.

~=~

Toph feels like she will never understand teenagers. Every time Zuko and Katara are near each other, their heart rates spike. Combine that with Aang’s barely-veiled rage with Appa not being around, and Toph’s ears are pounding like a chorus of drums is following her around everywhere. Luckily, Toph is the best, and she can adapt to anything. So while Zuko insists on playing hero and Katara insists on not letting him do it alone, Toph will get to work showing this group just how much weight she can pull.

“My name is Toph Beifong, and I’ll need three tickets.” Toph presents her family crest.

“Ah, the golden seal of the flying boar!” the ticket lady audibly marvels. “It is my pleasure to help anyone of the Beifong family.”

“It is your pleasure.” Toph smirks. “As you can see, I am blind, and those two imbecile siblings are my valets.” she gestures to Katara and Sokka. She can’t exactly include Zuko in it if his scar is too noticeable. Valets are (supposedly) supposed to be pretty and nice to look at, and if the heart rate of strangers they meet their age has been any indication, Sokka and Katara seem to be at least a little attractive.

“But, erm…the animal-” the clerk begins.

“Is my seeing-eye lemur.” Toph declares as Momo climbs onto her shoulder.

“Well…” the ticket lady clicks her nails against the table. “Usually it’s one ticket per passport, but for such a prestigious family…I suppose it’s worth three tickets.” she says and stamps the tickets.

“Thank you very much.” Toph smiles and takes the tickets to the group. “You can thank me later~”

“Well…uhm…” Katara seems amazed.

“All’s well that ends well?” Aang shrugs.

“...right.” Zuko nods, and he and Katara look away from each other, their heart rates still pretty high.

~=~

“You all made it!” Ying says with joy as the gang boards the boat.

Katara smiles. “Yep! We have our ways, it seems.”

“That’s wonderful!” Than smiles.

“And you’re not the only one with ways,” Suki smiles, stepping up with them.

“Suki!” Sokka exclaims. “You’re here, too?”

“I’m security!” Suki chuckles. “Of course, me and the girls are here.”

“How wonderful!” Ying smiles. “Won’t you all join us? We found a lovely place to sit down.”

“I think I’m going to get somewhere with some fresh air,” Zuko says and walks away.

“I will join him!” Iroh says and smiles at Katara. “And Miss Katara…thank you. It is comforting to know that my nephew means so much to you.”

Katara blushes and tries to keep the red off of her face as Iroh walks away.

~=~

“Who would have thought, after all these years, I’d return to the scene of my greatest military disgrace…” Iroh’s ominous words turn to a goofy grin, “As a tourist!”

Zuko sighs. He knows his Uncle means well, but…Zuko’s got things to work out. He feels upset that Katara would be willing to risk herself like that, just for him. He doesn’t even want Uncle doing it, but…it also feels nice. There was comfort in the idea that he and Katara would be traveling together, making their own path and finding their way to the city ahead of them. There’s some piece of him that would have wanted something like that…

“We’re not tourists,” Zuko says, “we’re refugees.” Zuko lifts a bowl of “food” to his lips, and he hesitates to call it that.

That’s all we are. Refugees. We may be traveling with the Avatar, but who knows how this will end? No one will trust the Fire Nation again, Uncle and I are only useful so long as we can aid in the war. When it ends…

Zuko sputters as soon as he drinks, spitting out the slop and breaking his train of thought.

“Ugh…the food was better when we were sleeping in the dirt.” Zuko scowls.

“Ain’t that the truth?” a strangely familiar voice says, and Zuko turns to see a young man about his age walk forward with two people behind him. “My name’s Jet, and these are my Freedom Fighters: Smellerbee and Longshot.”

Zuko narrows his eyes. He remembers these people now…they were the ones responsible for the flood he stopped. But if they’re insurgents, what are they doing here?

“Hello.” Zuko says neutrally.

“Here’s the deal,” Jet smiles, “I hear the Captain’s eating like a King while the refugees have to feed off his scraps. Doesn't seem fair, does it?”

“What sort of King is he eating like?” Iroh asks, curiously.

“The fat, happy kind.” Jet scoffs, and Iroh drools. “So, you wanna help us “liberate” some food?” he asks Zuko.

Zuko looks down at the bowl in his hand. A righteous flame burns within his soul at the idea that so many people will be eating slop like this when there’s better food on the ship…including Than and Ying. Ying is pregnant, she needs proper food for her baby.

“I’m in,” Zuko tosses the bowl of rotten food aside.

~=~

Suki can’t deny that things seem to have changed since the last time she saw this group. Zuko isn’t wearing the crown anymore…she’s not sure if he even still has it.

He wouldn’t have lost it, would he? Suki thinks to herself worriedly. They seem to know who he is now…but do they know everything?

“There are so many sad people here…” Ying frowns, sitting down while Than comforts her. “While we’re celebrating a new chance, some people are treating this as a last resort. And with this food…so many people have lost hope.”

“The monks used to say that hope was just a distraction…” Aang mutters, and Katara frowns.

“What are you talking about?” she asks him.

“Hope didn’t get us on this boat, and hope isn’t going to help us find Appa,” Aang says. “We just need to focus on what we’re doing now…”

Katara sighs. “If you say so…”

Suki frowns and looks out across the ocean.

Rumors say the Fire Nation is working on something at the Western Lake… she thinks to herself. Something they don’t want anyone to see. I hope they can handle it…but they seem so divided right now.

“Hey, Suki!” Sokka comes over, and Suki smiles warmly. The sun has begun to set by now.

“Hello, Sokka.” she smiles.

“Hey, uh, why don’t we sit with the others? Away from the edge of the boat?” Sokka chuckles nervously, and Suki arches an eyebrow.

“O…kay?” Suki follows him. He didn’t seem this cautious the last time I saw him…

“Suki, you should sit over here! Take a break from all the guard stuff!” Sokka sets up a space for her to sit down.

“Alright, alright! Stop worrying.” Suki says and approaches.

“You’re right, you’re right, you’re perfectly capable of taking care of yours- WAIT!” Sokka exclaims as Suki is about to sit down, and she stands up in surprise. “Oh, nevermind, I thought I saw a spider…you’re fine!”

Suki frowns and sighs. What happened to you…?

~=~

Katara frowns to herself. Where is Zuko? It’s already getting late. She walks out to the main deck, and looks up to see Aang sitting on top of the boat. Katara reaches out to the ocean and bends some water up to create a few frozen platforms for her to climb up to the top of the boat to join Aang before returning the water to the sea.

“You know, it’s okay to miss Appa,” Katara says and sits next to Aang. When he doesn’t respond, she continues, “What’s going on with you? In the desert, all you cared about was finding Appa, and now it’s like you don’t care about him at all.”

“You saw what I did out there.” Aang frowns. “I was so angry about losing Appa that I couldn’t control myself. I hated feeling like that.”

“But now you're not letting yourself feel anything. I know sometimes it hurts more to hope and it hurts more to care. But you have to promise me that you won't stop caring.” Katara says and reaches to give him a hug, but he shies away.

“Thank you for your concern, Katara,” he says and hops down. Katara sighs.

He’s just a kid, she thinks to herself. He has all the power in the world, but he’s only twelve years old. He once told her that the Avatar isn’t supposed to know they’re the Avatar until they turn sixteen. Katara can see why- all this pressure, all their weight of the world, it can break anyone…but at the very least, a sixteen-year-old could be at that sweet spot of an age where they know who they are but they’re trying to find themself. Introducing it too late in life to a person can cause an identity crisis, and introducing it too early can hurt their identity.

That’s what’s happened to Aang. He’s twelve years old, the Avatar, and the Last Airbender…and right now, that’s all he is. Now that he’s lost Appa, his strongest tangible connection to his past, he’s falling into any other way he can to connect with his culture, and he’s shutting everyone out.

I don’t know what to do for him… Katara sighs and lays back on the roof. I’ve been trying to take care of him for so long. I found him, I’ve always felt like he’s been my responsibility. Aang needs someone in his life capable of taking care of him…can I really keep being that for him?

~=~

Sokka is having a pretty shitty night. He’s been trying to look after Suki, but…she doesn’t need him to look after her. She’s capable, probably more capable in a fight than Yue was…she’s determined to take care of herself, and called Sokka out for being overprotective. He told her a little about Yue, and she told him that she cared about him. But he just…he couldn’t kiss her. Not when the moon is out, not when she’s right there.

It’s just… so hard to keep trying to hold people in his heart.

~=~

Katara rejoins the sitting group, and sees some commotion. It looks like food is getting passed out, real food!

“What happened?” Katara asks.

“Sparky made some friends, and they stole this from the captain! That jerk’s been holding out on us.” Toph happily eats her food, and Katara smiles.

Look at that…all of us moping, and Zuko’s still putting in some work. Katara smiles.

“Where is he?” Katara asks, and Toph points directly where he is. It’s probably still tough for her to see on a wooden boat, but she’s making do.

Katara walks forward with a smile…but her smile falls from her face when she sees who he’s with.

“Alright, everyone, there’s enough for every-” Jet grins, then he freezes when he sees her. “Katara?”

Chapter Text

Zuko is well aware that Katara is a powerful woman whose heart drives her righteous actions. He knows that Jet tricked her and the Avatar…though he wasn’t certain until now just how much it hurt her. Mere moments after Jet spoke Katara’s name, water flows from the sea and pins Jet to a wall, freezing him in place! Smellerbee and Longshot flinch at the display of power.

“Urk-!” Jet grunts. “Wow, uh…you’ve gotten stronger.” He says, unable to move anything below the neck, which is now frozen solid.

“I’ve had a lot of practice freezing jerks in place since the last time we met.” Katara scowls.

“Katara, stop!” Zuko takes her arm. “He didn’t do anything wrong.”

“He nearly drowned an entire village!” Katara hisses. “Whatever you’re here for, Jet…”

“Katara, I’ve changed, I promise!” Jet says.

“He’s telling the truth!” Smellerbee says. “Longshot and I are the only ones still sticking with him. We all know we crossed a line!”

“We’re just going to Ba Sing Se to lay low, I promise!” Jet says.

“What’s going on back here-” Sokka walks up with Aang. “Jet?!”

“Katara, let him go.” Zuko encourages. “If you want to be mad at anyone for stealing the food, be mad at me-”

“I’m not mad about the food,” Katara huffs. “This was a good thing. I won’t blame you for feeding people…” she glares at Jet. “I just don’t trust you.” she moves her hand, and the water melts off of Jet, freeing him.

“Thank you, Katara.” Jet smiles. “If there’s anything I can do to show you I’ve changed...Lee’s a great man, I can see why he’s traveling with you-”

“Stop.” Katara says coldly. “I don’t care what you do from here, so long as you leave us alone. All of us. I don’t ever want to see you near Lee again. Understood?”

Jet gulps and nods. “Understood.”

Katara turns and walks away, and Zuko joins her.

“I think he just wants a second chance, Katara,” Zuko says. “That’s why he’s going to Ba Sing Se. My Uncle says that seeking such a thing can be noble…”

“I’m glad your Uncle can see the good in people,” Katara frowns, “but it’s not so easy for me. Jet…he was so nice, he made me feel important. He got my talking about my Mother, and tried to use that against me! He tricked me, and…” tears gather in her eyes. “It was my bending that made the flood as devastating as it was. If you hadn’t stopped it…how much blood would be on my hands?”

Zuko frowns and puts his arm around Katara. She leans into him and sobs into his chest.

“It’s all just so hard…” Katara whimpers. “Being the responsible one, being the bigger person…it’s so tiring. I don’t even bother pretending when I’m alone…I’ve thrown people around with my waterbending when Sokka and Aang aren’t looking to get information. I’ve got this hate in me, and I hate that I have it, but I just… have to let it out sometimes.”

“Everyone has that,” Zuko assures her. “Believe me, I know what that’s like. I was consumed by rage when I was banished…I blamed everything wrong in my life on the Avatar. I thought that if I could capture him, everything would get better. I scoured the world in a horrible fury…I don’t think you would have liked the person I was during that first year.”

“How did you move past it?” Katara asks.

Zuko clenches a fist. “I didn’t,” he says, “I just know where to point that anger now.”

Katara can’t help but laugh. “I…don’t even know who to point it at anymore. For a time, I thought it would be easy to be angry at the Fire Nation itself. But then I saw you, and the Jasmine Dragon.” she sighs. “It was easy to forget you were Fire Nation, even when I saw you bending. You’d never wronged us. Never wronged me.” she shudders. “I feel so selfish for these feelings…”

“Being angry isn’t selfish,” Zuko assures her. “Anger won’t go away, no matter what you do. Even with the best meditative techniques, letting go of anger isn’t as easy as people like the Avatar or my Uncle might think…the Avatar might be realizing that now.”

“Then what do I do?” Katara asks.

“I don’t know,” Zuko takes her hands, “but how about for now, I’ll lead you to the parts of the Fire Nation that we can both be mad at?”

Katara laughs again. “I like the sound of that.”

Zuko purses his lips. “Katara…I just want you to know. After the eclipse, I…” he hesitates.

“Yes, Zuko?” she asks.

“It’s nothing. It’s getting late…” Zuko says and pulls away from her. His hands already feel so empty without her.

“Right, goodnight…Lee.” Katara bids.

~=~

The next day, Zuko wishes to sleep in, but is instead awakened by an unfortunate sound.

“The baby’s coming!”

Not even a day of peace. He sighs to himself.

There are no Doctors on the boat. Such skills would be needed in the Earth Kingdom’s Army, so all this boat has is apparently Katara. When Zuko steps onto the main deck, he can hear the sounds of glee and triumph across the boat. Apparently, it’s a girl.

Zuko joins the group to see Ying holding her baby.

“What should we name her?” Than wonders.

“I want our daughter’s name to be unique,” Ying smiles, “I want it to mean something.”

Aang wipes tears from his eyes. “I’ve been going through a really hard time lately. But to be honest, seeing new life in this world…you’ve made me hopeful again.”

“I know what I want to name our baby now.” Ying smiles. “Hope.”

“That’s a perfect name! Hope.” Than smiles fondly.

Aang sighs and turns toward his friends. “I thought I was trying to be strong,” he confesses. “But really, I was just running away from my feelings. Seeing this family together, so full of happiness and love, it’s reminded me how I feel about Appa…and how I feel about all of you.”

Katara smiles and hugs Aang, and the group joins in. Iroh chuckles and drags Zuko in to join the hug, and he sighs.

“Oh, don’t be such a grump,” Katara smiles. “We’re gonna be sticking together on this, right?”

Zuko smiles a little. “Right.”

~=~

The boat is docking in the harbor, and the people are starting to get off. Aang stands with his glider.

“I promise, I’ll find Appa as fast as I can,” Aang swears. “I just really need to do this.”

“We’ll see you in the big city!” Sokka smiles.

“You’ll find him, Aang.” Katara smiles.

Aang and Momo fly off, and Katara sighs.

“I can’t help but worry about him…” Katara frowns.

“He’ll be alright,” Zuko puts his hand on her shoulder, “but we have our own complications ahead. There’s no guarantee we won’t be seen the same as any other group of refugees. We need to be ready for whatever the city will throw at us.”

“And we will,” Katara smiles. “All of us, together.”

~=~

Suki sighs and approaches Sokka out of earshot. “Sokka, it’s been really great seeing you again.”

“Whoa, hold on!” Sokka frowns. “Why does it sound like you’re saying goodbye?”

“I came along because I wanted to catch up,” Suki sighs, “but the Kyoshi Warriors are split over multiple boats. I need to go back.” she frowns. “Listen, I’m really sorry about last night. We were talking, and saying things, and I just…got carried away and before I knew it-” Suki’s breath hitches when Sokka interrupts her with a kiss.

“You talk too much,” Sokka quips, and the two go back into a deeper kiss.

“Well! That was great.” Suki smiles when they pull apart.

“Are you sure you can’t come with?” Sokka asks.

“I’ll be fine,” Suki says, “and so will you! You’ve got Zuko, er, Lee with you now, so that’s good.”

“Yeah, what exactly is your past by the way?” Sokka asks. “You guys seemed pretty friendly on Kyoshi Island, and I just wanna be sure I don’t bring up old memories with him or anyth-”

“Stop talking.” Suki puts her hand on his mouth. “Zuko and I have never had a thing. That’s…gross, honestly, and kinda inappropriate.”

Sokka arches an eyebrow. “Inappropriate how?”

“I mean…” Suki shrugs. “We’re… kinda cousins? In a spirit-y way?”

“...what the heck does that mean?!” Sokka exclaims. “Have you had firebender in your this whole time!”

“No- well, yes.” Suki admits. “But that’s not exactly why.” she sighs. “Look, I have to go. I promise to tell you the story another time!” she heads off.

“Wha- but-” Sokka stammers.

Suki blows him a kiss, and Sokka sighs.

I will never understand girls…

~=~

In the train station, Zuko and Iroh are sitting alone. Katara and Sokka went off to organize a train, and Toph went with them to try and use some Beifong influence to get them as deep into the city as possible. And in the meantime, Uncle is complaining about the cold tea being served…

“Lee,” Jet says, having walked up to him. “Could we talk for a second?”

Zuko reluctantly stands up, walking a few feet away from Iroh’s sitting spot.

“You know, as soon as I saw your scar, I knew who you were,” Jet smiles, and Zuko hides any reaction. “You’re an outcast, like me. And we outcasts have to stick together. We have to watch each other’s backs, ‘cause no one else will.”

“I’m not sure Katara entirely agrees with that,” Zuko says.

“Katara means well,” Jet nods, “and I’m sure she’s said a lot. I was a crummy guy, I admit it. But we made a good team last night. You and I have a much better chance of making it in the city if we stick together. You wanna join the Freedom Fighters?”

“Thanks, but I don’t think you want me in your gang.” Zuko says. “You don’t know anything about me.”

“I know you didn’t get that scar from a waterbender,” Jet says, “and I know it hasn’t slowed you down. Look, at the very least know that if you need us, we’ll be there.”

“No, thanks.” Zuko turns and walks away, and Jet sighs.

“Have it your way…” Jet mutters, but then both Jet and Zuko notice how Iroh is enjoying a steaming hot cup of tea. Zuko hesitates, but sits down calmly next to Iroh until Jet slinks away.

“What are you doing, firebending your tea?” Zuko asks through gritted teeth. “We’re in the middle of a crowded station!”

“How else am I supposed to practice your signature technique?” Iroh smiles innocently, and Zuko sighs.

This could be bad…

~=~

Jet seethes as he boards a train, joined by Smellerbee and Longshot.

“Jet, relax!” Smellerbee says. “So the old guy had some hot tea. Big deal!”

“He heated it himself!” Jet glowers. “Those guys are firebenders!”

“Don’t you think the Avatar and his friends would know that?” Smellerbee asks.

“I’ve been around Firebenders for years, and even I didn’t realize.” Jet huffs. “I tricked Aang and Katara once, and I’ve regretted it ever since. They’re powerful, but naive. I’m not going to let some firebending scum trick them at the Earth Kingdom’s risk…those two are going down.”

Chapter Text

Aang flies up to the peak of the outer wall, ready to move forward and start searching for Appa…but he gawks when he sees the metallic pack of monsters heading directly for Ba Sing Se!

“Looks like Appa’s gonna have to wait, Momo…” Aang says, and the lemur chitters worriedly.

Aang won’t be able to find his friends normally, they would have boarded the train by now…he needs to find someone in charge and enlist their help that way.

~=~

Within the War Drill, Azula sits patiently. Mai and Ty Lee sit at either side of her, and War Minister Qin addresses her.

“This drill is a feat of scientific ingenuity and raw destructive power,” Qin reports. “Once it tunnels through the wall, our troops will storm their city. The Earth Kingdom will finally fall, and you can claim Ba Sing Se in the name of your father. Nothing can stop us!”

Hmm…Zuzu and the Avatar have been quiet. There have been no major moves against any Fire Nation operation since they joined forces against me, perhaps permanently. Azula thinks to herself. You’re craftier than I left you, brother. You have new techniques, new allies, a new mindset…even getting under your skin seems to be harder. What are you planning…?

“Hmm, what about those muscley guys down there?” Ty Lee observes through a periscope. Qin smacks it away from her.

“Please! The drill’s metal shell is impervious to any earthbender attack.” Qin scoffs.

“Oh, I’m sure it is, War Minister Qin. But just to be on the safe side…” Azula smiles. “Mai, Ty Lee, take the earthbenders out!”

“Finally, something to do.” Mai stands up.

“Ooh, I’ve been hoping to stretch my legs!” Ty Lee giggles.

“Yes, aren’t I just generous?” Azula chuckles.

~=~

It was pretty easy to get someone’s attention. Now, Aang just needs to find someone in charge and have them find his friends! Something this big will need everyone on deck.

“It is an honor to welcome you to the Outer Wall, young Avatar,” General Sung greets happily, “but your help is not needed.”

“Not needed?!” Aang exclaims.

“Not needed.” Sung calmly confirms. “I have the situation under control. I assure you, the Fire Nation cannot penetrate this wall. Many have tried to break through it, but none have succeeded. That is why the city is named Ba Sing Se. It's the "Impenetrable City". They don't call it Na Sing Se!” he laughs, and then turns serious. “That means "penetrable city."”

“Um…right…” Aang frowns. “But I really think we should find my friends! They can help with the drill.”

“Worry not, Avatar,” Sung says. “To stop the drill, I’ve sent an elite platoon of earthbenders called the Terra Team. Care to watch?”

And they watch…watch as Aang’s worries are realized when those two girls with Azula emerge from the drill and take out the entire Terra Team by themselves in a flurry of acrobatics and knives. General Sung’s attitude has immediately shifted.

“We’re doomed!” Sung flails his arms in disarray.

“Maybe now we can find my friends?” Aang asks.

“Y…yes, that may be best.” Sung nods.

~=~

Zuko and the others are sitting on a train on the way to the Upper Ring. Toph is leaning back with a confident smile on her face.

“I gotta admit, throwing your family’s name around has been pretty useful so far,” Sokka says to her.

“I hope we will get the chance to see more of the city,” Iroh smiles. “I want to explore the lower rings.”

“I’m sure we’ll have some time, Uncle,” Zuko says. “Once we get the information to the Earth King, we’ll have time in between planning to see the sights of the city.”

“Zuko’s right,” Sokka nods. “There’s supposed to be some kind of guide when we arrive in the Upper Ring.”

In the distance, they all hear a resonating BOOM.

“What the…?” Katara looks out the window, but frowns, not seeing any signs of an explosion. “That was loud…what was it?”

“Whatever it is, I doubt it’s good.” Zuko frowns.

Just as the train reaches the station and the doors open, Earth Kingdom soldiers stand waiting.

“Are you the Avatar’s companions?” one soldier asks as the group gets up.

“Who’s asking?” Toph crosses her arms.

“The Avatar requests your aid at the Outer Ring,” the soldier reports, “a situation has risen that requires his intervention.”

“What kind of situation?” Sokka asks.

~=~

“A drill?!” Sokka exclaims, staring down the wall at the marvel of destructive metal.

“I’m pretty sure Azula is on it, too. I saw those girls that fought with her.” Aang explains.

“They’ve been chi blocked, all right…” Katara says as she heals the members of the Terra Team.

“Mai and Ty Lee…” Zuko frowns. “Each of those three is dangerous on their own, and united, they’re nearly unstoppable.”

“I remember the first time we fought Ty Lee,” Katara frowns. “She doesn’t look dangerous, but she knows the human body and its weak points. It's like she takes you down from the inside.”

Sokka’s eyes light up. “Oh! That’s it!” he grins. “I’ve got a plan!”

~=~

Aang, Katara, Sokka, Toph, and Zuko crouch in one of the Terran Team’s trenches.

“I wish Iroh could have joined us…” Aang frowns.

“We can’t risk any of the Generals recognizing him. Not until we’re sure they trust us.” Zuko explains. “For now, he’s settling into the house that’s been organized for us.”

“Iroh or not, we got a job to do!” Toph says. “Once I whip up some cover, none of you will be able to see. So stay close to me.” She raises a dust cloud, and the group begins to advance toward the drill.

~=~

Azula narrows her eyes as Ty Lee notices a strange dust cloud, and the War Minister dismisses it as nothing…

Stealth isn’t the typical earthbender style. She taps her fingers onto her metallic armrest. It’s you, isn’t it Zuzu? I could send Ty Lee and Mai out again to intercept… She smiles. But I’ve drawn you in enough. Come forward…let’s see how powerful you think you are.

~=~

Team Avatar infiltrates the drill, with Toph left behind, and Zuko keeps a hand at the swords on his waist.

“I need a plan of this machine, some schematics that show what the inside looks like.” Sokka explains. “Then, we can find its weak points.”

“Where are we going to get something like that?” Aang asks, and Sokka cuts off a steam valve! “What are you doing?! Someone’s gonna hear us!”

“That’s the idea!” Sokka remarks. “A machine this big needs engineers to run it! And when something breaks…”

“They come to fix it!” Katara smiles.

The plan works perfectly, and when an engineer appears, Katara subdues him by drawing water from the steam around him and freezing it.

“This’ll work!” Sokka smiles as he looks over the schematics.

“We need to hurry,” Zuko says. “The Drill has already hit the wall, so we have no time to waste!”

“It looks like the drill is made up of two main structures. There's the inner mechanism where we are now and the outer shell.” Sokka explains. “The inner part and the outer part are connected by these braces. If we cut through them, the entire thing will collapse! But can we really do enough damage in time…?”

“You three figure that out,” Zuko instructs, “I’ll cause some damage here.”

“What kinda damage can you cause in here?” Sokka asks.

Zuko places his hand on a pipe and focuses his heatbending, forcing the steam to absorb even more heat! Along the line, screws start to fly out as the steam expands and leaks out of the pipes, and creaking and groaning noises start to emerge from the inner mechanism!

“I take back my question. Keep it up!” Sokka says, and the trio heads into the outer shell.

~=~

“War Minister, an engineer was ambushed! His schematics were stolen!” “War Minister, a brace on the starboard side has been cut clean through! It’s sabotage, sir!” “War Minister, the steam pipes are breaking apart! The drill’s rotation is slowing down!” “War Minister, an Earthbender has been throwing rocks into the slowed drill- it’s getting jammed!”

The War Minister panics, and Azula hums to herself. In less than an hour, you’ve thrown my entire plan into disarray. You’ve created a perfect storm, Zuzu…I’m almost impressed. Let’s see if you can stick the landing.

Azula stands up from her seat. “Let’s go, ladies!” she orders.

~=~

Aang works with Katara to continue cutting the braces.

“Good work, Team Avatar!” Sokka encourages. “Now Aang just needs to…” his eyes widen. “DUCK!” he shouts, and ducks in time to avoid being impacted by blue fire!

Azula unleashes a barrage, and a burning shape leaps up and blocks, brandishing his swords. Zuko stands with Katara, Aang, and Sokka, standing against Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee.

“Wow, Azula, you were right!” Ty Lee says. “Zuko and the Avatar are here!” she smiles firtaciously at Sokka. “And friends…”

The three girls go forward, and the team fights back! Aang uses his airbending to keep Ty Lee at bay when she comes for him, and they all flee through the halls!

“Guys, get out of here!” Aang encourages. “I know what I need to do!”

“You’ll need this more than me!” Katara passes Aang her waterskin.

“Be careful!” Zuko tells Aang, and he leaves with Sokka and Katara.

===

Zuko, Sokka, and Katara find the slurry pipeline.

“Go,” Zuko draws his swords. “I’ll hold them off!” he says while Sokka and Katara flee into the pipeline! Mai and Ty Lee approach, and Mai throws her knives, and Zuko deflects them!

“I still can’t believe it, even though I’m seeing it with my own eyes.” Mai huffs.

“Yeah, I almost didn’t recognize you, Zuko!” Ty Lee chirps. “What with the haircut and the scar…your eyes are a dead giveaway, though!”

“You’ve turned against the Fire Nation,” Mai frowns. “Or is some latent Ozai finally waking up in you, and this is all some scheme to conquer your homeland?”

“I’m not a warlord, Mai,” Zuko frowns. “You two don’t have to do this…”

“Yes, we do.” Mai draws her knives.

“I’m not letting you get to them.” Zuko growls.

Mai and Ty Lee rush forward, and Zuko dodges and deflects their attacks while letting loose from fire to keep the nonbenders at bay! He ducks and dodges away from Ty Lee’s strikes!

“Whoo! You’ve gotten spry!” Ty Lee giggles, standing on Zuko’s shoulders. “But Azula gave me an order!” she leaps off of him, and laughs as she dives down the slurry pipe!

“No!” Zuko rushes for her, but he can hear Mai throw some more knives, and he deflects them!

“Mai…” Zuko growls.

“It doesn’t have to be this way, Zuko,” Mai says. “Azula’s not as perfect as everyone thinks. If you say the right things, say the right prasies, she’ll reward you…I can keep you out of the Fire Nation. My family rules Omashu now, I could bring you there! You could be safe.”

“As a prisoner?” Zuko scoffs.

“If necessary.” Mai narrows her eyes.

“Then I’ll have to pass.” Zuko says, and swings his blades forward, creating an arc of fire! Mai leaps backward, realizing too late he wasn’t aiming for her! The pipe around them sunder, and the entire room fills with steam! Zuko bends the heat in the air, wrapping it around himself and expelling it into a single burst, creating a wave of heat that impacts Mai and sends her flying backward!

“What…was that…?” Mai groans from the ground.

“I’m a different man than the last time you saw me, Mai…” Zuko says, running past her, vanishing into the steam. “My new technique lets me wield heat without needing to burn anyone.”

===

Azula hears the entire drill creaking around her. More damage is being done, and the slurry is somehow being backed up.

Unfortunately for these fools, she doesn’t care about Ba Sing Se if it means she can take down the Avatar. He barely deflects her flames just as she blasts him! He calls for his little pet to fly away, and Azula approaches him with a smile. 

No Zuzu to save you now, Avatar…

She silently gets into a fighting position, and then blasts fire at him! He dodges and tries to counter, and when he tries to bend the water in his pouch at her, she sends out bursts of blue fire to slowly and steadily destroy the water! He’s been using it to harm the drill, so if it’s all gone, he’ll be helpless! She rushes toward him with every burst, and he’s soon out of water.

The Avatar takes advantage on the raining boulders and tries to bend them at her, but Azula is too fast. He creates a shield and sends smaller rocks, but Azula ducks and dodges while sending a powerful gout that destroys his barrier! He’s sent backward, and falls unconscious from the impact.

The drill groan and creaks, and Azula lifts the Avatar up and pins him to the wall. The drill is undoubtedly lost…but her mission is not. He barely wakes up as she conjures her flame in her hand.

We don’t need the Avatar alive… Azula smiles to herself. When Sozin’s comet comes, we’ll have the power to win the war. If this Avatar dies, the next will be a mere suckling baby by the time the war ends.

Before her blue fire can take him out, the groggy Avatar wraps the earth of the wall around his arm and blocks the strike! He then pushes her back, and he gets into a fighting position with his gauntlet of earth! Azula rushes at him, fire at the ready, but the drill begins to burst! Slurry shoots out in all directions, impacting both her and the Avatar! They impact each other as they slip, and fall off opposite sides of the drill! Azula slides and curses herself.

It’s too slippery…I won’t be stopped, I won’t!

Azula grits her teeth, and the heat around her focuses. The slurry dries up immediately, and she’s able to stop her descent. She slowly gets back on top of the drill, and she sees the Avatar descending to slam an earthen nail he’s put into the drill! She primes herself to shoot lightning at him, but she’s not fast enough! The entire drill crumbles, and the impact and wind blows Azula away! She cries out in rage!

The entire drill floods with slurry, destroying the machine and forcing the evacuation of everyone inside! The machine is lost, and Azula slides down to land effortlessly, reuniting with Mai and Ty Lee.

“Well, that was a bust…” Mai scoffs as the Avatar and his crew escape, Zuko included.

“Don’t be so sure, ladies…” Azula says. “We may have lost the drill and the Avatar, but I think we should keep our eyes on Ba Sing Se. After all…” she smirks, and all around her, the slurry hastily begins to harden as heat is pumped into it. “How else am I supposed to show Zuzu what I’ve learned?”