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Chapter Text

Ryuko POV

Water. Earth. Fire. Air. Four elements. Four bending styles. Four Nations. That is how this world is ruled.

Water. Earth. Fire. Air. Each is a place that has formed its way of living and culture. Each place has survived and thrived off its benders.

And for many, bending one of these elements is a gift given by the spirits who have long left these lands. A community. A place of acceptance. At least, that’s how I thought it was. 

Far too young, I realized I would not be accepted. 

Far too young, I realized what would happen if I was revealed. 

Far too young, I realized my bending is a curse. A curse that has caused too much suffering to me and my loved ones. 

Excerpt from Journal 9

Over seven feet tall, the snow wall of the Southern Water Tribe loomed over my short figure. My dark brown hair whipped around as I stared at the barrier. When I left three years ago, it was clear I might not be welcome back. I closed my dual-colored eyes and took a deep breath.

No. I would not run. Not after the bright blue light that had exploded yesterday and the excess spiritual energy you felt yesterday.

I opened my eyes and gazed off in the direction of the blue light. Something happened yesterday. Something big.

At the time, I had been on my boat, The Dragon's Spirit, meditating in my cabin. I had always been extra sensitive to spiritual energy than many of my bending counterparts, sensing it where most didn't. However, my bending rarely reacted and never had it to this degree.

When the blue light exploded, my eyes had flown open, tearing from the sheer amount of pain I was in. My body felt as if it was burning from the inside, yet my fingers were so ice-cold, they were numb.

Huge waves crashed upon my ship, and the candles I was focusing on were burning so fast it was threatening to burn through the table. Water from a nearby basin exploded, pelting me with small ice droplets.

And then, as quick as it came, it was gone.

By the time I was able to scramble up and see through the window, the light had disappeared, and the waves subsided.

The cold wind laced with stinging snowflakes nipped my nose and bare fingers. I raised my hand to my face, my brown skin glinting in the sun. Heat bloomed in my chest, pushing warmth to every corner of my body. I watched as the snowflakes that had once rested on my cold hands melted, forming small rivulets that dripped onto the snow.

I stepped forward, my hand raised, rivulets streaming under the cuff of my blue shirt, as the snow wall parted under my fingertips. And before I could hesitate, I stepped through, the wall closing behind me.

The village was in a small crowd when I found myself close enough to properly observe them. It was unusual, to say the least. Usually, the adults and kids would be finishing up their morning chores.

Instead, they were crowded in the center watching my youngest cousin Katara, introducing a young boy.

I scanned the crowd and the semi-circle of tents to see who was still there. Surprisingly, and suspiciously, none of the men were here. The only "man" I could find was my other cousin, Sokka. He was leaning against a tent, polishing his boomerang. Sokka looked up, lazily scanning the village his eyes soon landing on me. His blue eyes go wide with shock as he processes who he's seeing.

"Ryuko?" Sokka says, alerting the others. Katara whipped herself around, her blue eyes wide.

"Ryuko!" he yelled, jumping up. He rushed forward, arms wide as if to hug me. I take a step back when he gets close, gripping the brown leather strap of my bag.

"Ryko what are you doing here?" he asked, giving me a tight smile and dropping his arms.

"He's right," Katara snaps as she approached. "What are you doing here?" I avoided her accusing blue eyes, and that conversation, by looking at the boy behind her. Our eyes meet, and he shyly smiled and waved.

The boy looked quite young with his round face and soft grey eyes, despite being a couple of inches taller than me. His clothing was more than strange for this weather, a matching yellow shirt, and pants, with an orange smock over top.

I narrowed my eyes when I took in the blue arrow on his bald head. A tingling of recognition went through my brain.

He looks around at everyone's scrutinizing gazes, a little self-conscious.

"Uh, why are they all looking at me like that? Did Appa sneeze on me?" he said, searching his clothing. I crinkled my nose. Who's Appa?

My grandmother, Gran-Gran, stepped out of the lineup, her grey hair sparkling in the late morning sun. "Well, no one has seen an airbender in a hundred years. We thought they were extinct until my granddaughter and grandson found you."

"Extinct?" the boy exclaimed in disbelief. I nodded my head numbly. Where had I seen this boy before?

I had spent much of my childhood studying the Air Temples with my Dad, and not once did we find any evidence that any airbenders had survived. Of course, his family may have escaped the genocide a hundred years ago, but that didn't explain his traditional airbender garb or his tattoo. A tattoo is not only hard to get but gathers much attention.

Katara interrupted my thinking when she gestured to Gran-Gran. "Aang, this is my grandmother."

"Call me Gran-Gran," she said, a dull look on her face.

Out of the corner of my eyes, I noticed Sokka's restless gaze on the young boy's staff. I took a step out of Sokka's warpath as he snatched the staff.

"What is this, a weapon? You can't stab anything with this!" He said, waving the staff around as if he were stabbing somebody.

"Not all weapons are meant to kill, Sokka," I said, stepping next to him. "Though that doesn't mean you couldn't do any damage with it," I mumbled to myself. Sokka scoffed and rolled his eyes.

The Boy used an air current to snatch his staff back. "It's not for stabbing! It's for airbending." He opened up the staff revealing two wings. I held in my laugh as I watched Sokka duck and cover his head.

"Magic trick! Do it again!" a little girl asked, amazed.

"Not magic, airbending," Aang said, moving the glider around him. "It lets me control the air currents around my glider and fly." Sokka looked skeptical and crossed his arms.

"You know, last time I checked, humans can't fly," he said. I elbowed him in the stomach, making him double over in pain. I could feel Katara's cold gaze pricking the back of my head. I match her gaze with my own. It only took a few seconds before she turned away, muttering.

"Check again!" I turned back, watching Aang jump into the air. The village and I stared in wonder as we watch him glide through the village.

I watched as he looked down at everyone with a smile, not paying attention to where he was flying. He crashed into a watchtower, tumbling to the ground. Sokka exclaimed about his watchtower and Katara goes to help The Boy out.

A small smile slipped past my facade as I watched my cousins fuss over The Boy and the watchtower. It was nice knowing they could still smile. Nice knowing they were living well. I slipped into the background, not wanting to disrupt their happy atmosphere.

"Ryuko," someone called from behind. My head turned to see my grandmother shuffling towards me.

"Gran-Gran," I said when she approached me. "It's, uh, it's nice to see you." I glanced away, not wanting to meet my grandmother's disappointed eyes.

"My dear," she said taking my hands. "I'm not mad." My blue and gold eyes widened and met her stare.

"But, but," I sputtered. How could she not be mad?

"Now, now." She patted my cheek with her gloved hand. "We can talk later, go set up your tent, you know where we keep the extras." I give her the widest smile I can at that moment and turn to set up my tent.

Zuko POV

"Again," Uncle Iroh said sternly. I faced off against the two Fire Nation soldiers that I had for most of the day.

I blasted two fireballs at them, which they deflected with ease. I grunted as I shift my weight, crouching under the right's flame. Using that momentum, I jumped, missing the flame aimed at my feet. I spun, showering the right with my flames. I landed, feet apart poised for another attack when I hear my Uncle sigh.

"No!" I lowered my arms and looked at my Uncle, wondering what I did wrong this time.

"Power in firebending comes from the breath." He moved his hands to emphasize a breathing motion. "Not the muscles. The breath becomes energy in the body. The energy extends past your limbs and becomes fire!" He extended his left hand, directing a fire blast at me, evaporating before it could scorch me. "Get it right this time."

I grit my teeth and stalked forward. "Enough! I've been drilling this sequence all day. Teach me the next set! I'm more than ready!"

"No, you are impatient. You have yet to master your basics," Uncle sat back in his chair and yelled an order. "Drill it again!"

I turned around and send a fiery kick toward one of the unfortunate soldiers. He attempted to block but is thrown back by my power.

"The sages tell us that the Avatar is the last airbender," I stalked closer to my Uncle, anger barely suppressed. "He must be over a hundred years old by now. He's had a century to master the four elements! I'll need more than basic firebending to defeat him. You will teach me the advanced set!" I finished off the last statement yelling, refusing to break my Uncle's stare.

"Very well," he said before his face morphed into one of delight, "but first, I must finish my roast duck."
I watched in dismay as he sat down and started munching on the meat. I rolled my eyes and whipped around, stalking off to my office.

Ryuko POV

"Now men, it's important that you show no fear when you face a firebender. In the Water Tribe, we fight to the last man standing! For without courage, how can we call ourselves men?" Sokka yelled at the six uninterested little boys. I rolled my eyes from behind him, a snowball bouncing in my hand. It seemed Sokka needed a reminder of our childhood.

I caught the snowball one last time before I launched it at his head.

He whipped around yelling, "Who did that," whilst waving his club, only to have a snowball to the face. Using the distraction, I hit his wrist, making him let go of the club, and swept him off his feet.

"I'm offended Sokka," I said, holding the club to his throat. "Seems you've forgotten who won our fights when we were younger."

Sokka scoffed and smacked the club away. "I've gotten better. No way you could beat me now." He stood up and brushed off the snow that clung to him.

A loud smack made Sokka look up his smirk falling. "Want to test out that theory?" My eyes were narrowed and his club bounced in my hand.

"I gotta pee!" a kid yelled promptly breaking the threatening atmosphere.

"Listen! Until your fathers return from the War, they're counting on you to be the men of this tribe, and that means no potty breaks!" Sokka yelled angrily, pushing me aside. I didn't bother to scold him for pushing me, staring at him in shock. What did he mean, "Until your fathers return from war?" I knew the men weren't here but I figured it was a hunting trip, not... I shook my head not even daring to think of that. Uncle Hakoda was fine and Sokka and Katara would never end up like me.

"But I really gotta go!" the little kid said again.

Sokka sighed. "Okay, who else has to go?" Every kid raised their hands. He facepalmed and waved them off.

Out the corner of my eyes, I see Katara running down, her brows knit together.

"Have you seen Aang? Gran-Gran said he disappeared over an hour ago," she asked. Sokka and I both shake our heads when we hear a loud voice behind us.

"Wow! Everything freezes in there!" I bit back an amused smile, watching the kids laugh and smile with The Boy.

A frustrated grunt comes from next to me, and I turned towards Sokka, an eyebrow raised. He angrily pointed at The Boy. "Katara, get him out of here! This lesson is for warriors only!" Sokka turned and walked away. I bend down and prepared another snowball.

Clearly, while I was gone, he stopped respecting women.

Just before I launched it, we all heard loud cheering from behind. When I turned around, the snowball dropped from my hand and my jaw went slack. Behind me was a six-legged creature with brown arrows, having kids slide down its tail. And if my Air Nomad culture was correct, said six-legged creature was a sky-bison, a supposedly extinct creature.

I rushed forward, eyes wide and wondrous like a child in a bakery. Dodging the children sledding off its tail, I slowed down once reaching its head.

"Hello," I whispered, holding my hand out. The sky bison stretched its neck, sniffing my hand. My smile only got wider, the joy of seeing one of my parent's biggest dreams.

When I was younger, my parents had brought me to the Air Temples to study whatever was left of their culture. Not many scrolls were left in the eerie and scorched library, but there were still a few left about their culture. In some of those scrolls, they described large thunderous creatures that could fly in the sky. Some of the scrolls said that some sky bisons mirrored their airbenders.

Tears crept into my eyes remembering those times. In the temples, when it was just me and my parents, it was the only time we could truly ever be ourselves. No worry of war, no secrets kept for safety, no hiding what I could do.

I blinked away the tears when I felt a wet nose against my hand. I couldn't help but laugh as I pet the sky bison's snout. My smile was so wide that my cheeks hurt as the sky bison nestled into my hand.

It had been a while since I'd smiled.

Unfortunately, my cousin's incessant yelling ruined the mood.

"Stop! Stop it right now!" Sokka yelled, ruining the joyful mood.

"Calm down Sokka," I yelled. "Let them have fun, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." Sokka stormed up to me, his face red with anger.

"What's wrong with you Ryuko? We don't have time for fun and games with the War going on!" Immediately my face crumbled back to cold and angry. I took a few steps back from the beautiful creature, my breath shaky.

"I am not one you need to remind of the War, Sokka," I whispered, meeting his eyes, "I have seen more of this war than you could imagine and it will wipe the brightest smile off anyone's face," I stared back at the children for a moment. Most of them huddled together, their precious smiles gone.

I straightened my shoulders, and walked past them, stopping at Sokka's side. "Let them be children, Sokka. Let them keep their smiles before there's nothing left to smile for."

"Gran-Gran," I said, poking my head into her tent. It was a simple place. A cot on the right and a small table on the left. She looked up from her sewing project, a small smile on her brown skin.

"Ryuko, please, come in before you freeze," I pull my black cloak tighter as a shiver shoots through me. I stepped through the tent, letting the flap close behind me.

An easy smirk slipped on my face, "What, think I can't take the cold anymore?"

"You've been traveling the Earth Kingdom for three years, of course, you can't take the cold anymore," she shot back. My smile grew a bit wider. It was weird how easy Gran-Gran and I fell back into our old banter. She had always said my mouth would get me into trouble and often called me her little spitfire. (Pun intended.)

Gran-Gran set aside her project, giving me her full attention. "Now I'm sure you have questions, ask them now while I have time."

"Straight to the point as always," I muttered, digging through the small satchel around my waist. "Here," I pull out a small bag. "I remembered these were your favorite tea leaves." She stands up gently taking them from my hands.

"How lovely, thank you. If you could start a fire for the tea I would love it." I took the tea leaves back and gave her a playful glare. She had always made me use my bending around her, refusing to let me hide it away.

I set the kettle above a small pile of kindling and wood. Once it's set up, I set my right hand out and for a moment stared at it. It had been a long time since I'd used my bending like this in front of people. I took a deep breath, letting the heat course through my body on the exhale. I brought it forward and lit the kindling and wood on fire.

Lighting the kindling brought forward both pleasant and unpleasant memories. I remembered learning the basics of firebending just like this.

I was around five when they'd let me graduate to actually lighting things on fire. My parents would have me sit in front of a kettle, and have me boil water to an exact temperature. It was to exercise control and patience, two of the most important things in firebending.

But with the pleasant memories came ones that made me want to throw up.

Flashes of fire and screaming filled my mind. Smoke filled my nostrils and my left arm started to burn, the pain slithering from my palm to my shoulder.

I ignored the signs and took a deep breath, not wanting to have an attack in front of Gran-Gran. All it would do was unnecessarily worry her.

Instead, I asked her the question that had been gnawing at me since Sokka's offhand comment.

"Gran-Gran," I started, turning around to face her, "Where are Uncle Hakoda and the men?"

"They left to fight in the war," she said calmly, shuffling around her bed.

"Why?" I asked, keeping my balled fists behind me.

"He wanted a better life for you kids and thought helping to end the war against the Fire Nation was the best way to do that."

"Of course he did," I gritted my teeth and turned around. "Just leave his tribe and children alone with no form of protection, absolutely wonderful," I poured the tea whilst silently fuming at my uncle. How could he leave Sokka and Katara alone like that? What if something happened? What if he died?

A gloved hand rested on my shoulder making me jump and spill some tea.

I sat the ceramic kettle down forcefully, mumbling, "Sorry."

Gran-Gran said nothing and wrapped her arms around my shoulders. I leaned my head against her shoulder taking deep breaths. After a few minutes of her holding me, she lets go.

"It's important to feel your emotions Ryuko, even if they're painful." She handed me something covered in fabric. "I found the courage to look through my daughters' things and I found this." I took it, slipping out a scroll. The paper looked yellowed and the seal was broken, indicating it had been opened before.

"Wait," I whispered, brushing my hand over the seal. It was red, with a flame stamped on. It reminded me of the seals from the letters my father used to give my mom before he... I hurriedly open it, thinking that it might've been a final letter to my mom. By the time I finish skimming it, however, I realize how sorely wrong I was.

"Is this real?" I asked gravely, crumpling it slightly. Snow blew around the tent, my hair rising ever so slightly.

"Unfortunately," Gran-Gran nods solemnly. My face contorts and my breathing gets shallow.

"So, this person was responsible," I didn't manage to say anything else before we heard a large explosion.

Zuko POV

I watched the Avatar jump off the old Fire Nation ship from my telescope.

"The last airbender," I whispered to myself, a smile making its way on my face. "Quite agile for his old age." I whipped around pointing at one of my soldiers. "Wake my Uncle," I exclaimed. "Tell him I found the Avatar."

I looked back through my scope to see where they were headed. "As well as his hiding place." I smiled determinedly, ready to get my honor back.

Chapter Text

Ryuko POV

My mom used to say, "It's not the place that makes the home, it's the people." Well, mom, you're gone now, and so is dad. How can I call any place home, when everywhere I'm reminded of you? How can I call anyplace home, when you're no longer here?

Excerpt from Journal 10

    The children cheered and rushed forward to meet Katara and Aang, excited to see them. I ran forward, stopping next to Sokka, relieved to see they were okay. One look at Sokka however, showed things were not going to be okay.

    "I knew it!" Sokka yelled, "You signaled the Fire Navy with that flare! You're leading them straight to us, aren't you?" I furrowed my eyebrows at my cousin.

    "Aang didn't do anything! It was an accident," Katara protested, glaring at her brother.

    "Yeah. We were on the ship and there was this booby trap, and, well," Aang scratched his head, looking down sheepishly, "we booby-ed right into it."

    "Katara, you shouldn't have gone on that ship! Now we could all be in danger!" Gran-Gran approached worriedly.

    "Don't blame Katara. I brought her there. It's my fault." Aang looked down and fiddled with his staff.    

"Aha! The traitor confesses! Warriors, away from the enemy. The foreigner is banished from our village." As the children walked away from Aang and Katara, I shot Sokka an incredulous look.

"Sokka, he's just a kid. We should calm down before we make any decisions-"

"There is no we, Ryuko. You're never here, meaning I'm in charge!" I recoiled, not sure if it was from shock or his club shoved at my face.

"Gran-Gran?" I turned my head in her direction, hoping to plead with her. Gran-Gran turned away, refusing to meet my eyes.

My heart crumbled ever so little.

I scanned the rest of the little crowd, hoping someone would meet my eyes, hoping someone would take my side. Hoping someone would see how wrong this is. Instead, everyone refused to meet my eyes.

"I see," I said, my voice nothing but a whisper lost in the wind. The hair from my ponytail shielded my face, as I stepped back enough that Sokka's club was no longer at my neck.

I had come to terms long before this that I wouldn't be considered a part of this tribe. And it was understandable. My heterochromatic eyes were strange, and I spent most of my childhood learning more about Earth and Air cultures than my own. After my mother's death, I only came by once three years ago, not able to handle the reminders.

I blinked quickly, forcing back any tears that crawled into my eyes. Before lifting my head I took a deep breath and let a grimace settle on my face.

"Fine," I snarled. I stalked away, brushing my shoulder against Sokka's violently, only to stop midway through the crowd.

My voice boomed, "I hope you all realize you're about to let a child wander around our war-torn world." I turned in a circle, meeting every adult in the eyes. "Hope you all feel proud." I left, sweeping past the gaping crowd, not bothering to look back.

"Ryuko, what are you doing? We have to prepare for the Fire Nation." I ignored Sokka's cries, shoving the last bit of my things deep into my satchel. "Wait, are you leaving?" Sokka's breath hitches.

"Why, are you going to order me to stay since 'you're in charge?'" I answered coldly, facing him. Sokka blinks slowly before his black, white, and gray warpaint contorted in anger.

"How could you?" He shoved a finger at my chest. "The Fire Nation could be here any minute and you're going to abandon us again just because you're angry?" Sokka's voice echoed around us and a finger was shoved at my chest.

"How dare you," I murmured. I took his wrist from my chest and twisted it, making him whimper.

"Is that what you think of me?" I asked, shoving him away. I started to pace, tugging on one of my four braids.  "You think I would leave the tribe to fight just because I was angry?" I laughed bitterly, coming to a stop in front of Sokka. He looked like a small child being shamed, his eyes looked down, and his feet went inward.

"I realize I'm not that great of a cousin, but do you really think I would leave the tribe when the Fire Nation may be coming?" I hated the way my voice pitched higher. "Do you think so lowly of me?" My voice cracks as I yell. I ran my hands down my face, hoping that I could rub away my feelings.

Sokka tentatively took a step forward, his anger seemed to have dissipated.

"I–" The ground rumbled, interrupting whatever Sokka was going to say.

"They're here," he whispered before rushing out. I cursed, following behind after grabbing my cloak and broadswords.

    I watched in horror at the chaos. Everyone was running around, gathering children and important items. The ground was shaking and splitting the ice as the large black ship broke through the misty fog.

    I stood, frozen. I couldn't move even if I wanted to. My eyes blurred remembering the last raid.

    Remembering the screams.

    Remembering the cold red eyes.

    Remembering my screams.

    Remembering my mother's last words

    My eyes tore away from the looming ship when I heard a mother scream. A crack formed along the ice headed toward a fallen child. I dived forward, scooping the child into my chest. We rolled away just before the crack could reach us. I jumped up and shoved the child into the mother's arms.

    I stared at my hands, a distinct thumb-shaped burn on my left palm. I clenched my fists and shook my head. Now was not the time to panic. I had to help my tribe.

    "Sokka, get out of the way!" I heard Katara scream hysterically. I turned my head, eyes widening when I saw Sokka on top of the snow wall. The black ship showed no signs of slowing as it plowed into the wall.

    I moved my hands forward, taking control of the snow under Sokka's feet. As the wall split apart, I swept my arms downward. The snow followed my command, bending itself to create a steep slope, safe enough to grant Sokka a safe descent.

    When I knew Sokka was safe, I dropped my arms and exhaled, my cloud of breath dissipating into the air. I saved him, he's safe. I'm not losing another family member. It's then I realized what I did to save him. My eyes scanned the village, my chest constricting. What if someone saw?

    I caught Gran-Gran's eyes. My pounding heart slowed a little as I ran to her.

    "Gran-Gran, come on," I put my hands on her shoulders and ushered us into her tent.

    I rubbed my hands down my face, grappling with what I had just done. I just waterbended in the middle of the village. Sure it was a dire need but what if somebody saw. 

"Did anybody see?" I whispered, a cold heat settling on my skin. I held my breath, dreading her answer.

"No," she said, somewhat sad. I dropped my hands. Good. My secrets were still mine.

But, while my secret still being mine should have made the weight on my shoulders lighter, all I felt was a heaviness in my heart.

I shook my head, now was not the time for sentimentalities. My secrets were safe and nobody was hurt, that's all that mattered. I peeked through the tent flap. Villagers were leaving their tents in curiosity of the large vessel. I bit the inside of my cheek. I knew what I had to do but I wasn't sure if Gran-Gran would like it.

"Gran-Gran, I-"

"Go," she stated. I whipped my head around, my jaw slightly open.

"Are you sure?" I questioned.

She nodded her head. A small smile crept over my face.

"I love you Gran-Gran," I said before slipping out of the tent and in the opposite direction of the crowd.

Zuko POV

The whirring of the walkway filled my ears as I watched it fall, crashing into the snow. Steam clouded my vision as I staked down, with two of my soldiers behind me. When we broke through the mist, a huddled village at the end, their faces are drawn together in fear.

Before we walked far, a loud war cry was heard from one of the villagers. My scowl deepened when the villager came roaring forward, the club at the ready.

The peasant swung his weapon at me. With just one kick, I launched the club out of his hand. Then I kicked him into a nearby snow pile.

I continued down, more soldiers spilling out behind me. Once reaching the bottom I scanned the village. All I saw were some women and children, not a single old man. Or any man other than the pathetic one stuck in the snow. It struck me as strange but I cared very little; all this did was make my job easier.

"Where are you hiding him?" I yelled angrily. Nobody spoke. Annoyance simmered under my skin.

I grabbed hold of the only old woman, shaking her. "He'd be about this age, master of all elements?" Nobody spoke, huddling even closer to each other. I shoved the old woman into the crowd, a water tribe girl catching her.

"I know you're hiding him!" I yelled, sending an arc of fire at them. Before it could hit them a large ice shield erupted from the ground.

I took a step back in surprise, baffled by the sudden wall. The soldier's behind me raised their weapons and I looked up. This time, I took a step back out of fear, rather than surprise.

On top of the wall, a creature with the face of a dragon watched us. It was crouched on the wall and it seemed to be meeting my eyes. It wasn't until the creature tilted its head and a brown braid slipped past its shoulder. This wasn't a creature. It was a human.

The mask they wore resembled a red dragon with lines of gold painted on, and small horns on either side. It looked much like my mother's old theater masks, but older. Hundreds of years older.

I clenched my fists when I remembered my mother. She left, why was I taking any time to reminisce about her?

My fist raised, and I shot a ball of fire. The person nimbly dodged, jumping off the barricade. They landed in a crouch as if the drop was nothing. It reminded me of the swan cats that used to hang around the palace. Nimble and graceful, always landing on their feet.

The barricade had come down, leaving shell-shocked villagers. The person in front of me raised from their crouched position and I had the urge to laugh. This person was barely my height! He seemed to be shorter than my two sisters. I barely held in my laugh but my soldiers were not as disciplined. I could hear their snickers and chuckles, whispering about how this small child could ever beat them.

    A sudden chill was brought to the air. The person stood, his chin raised defiantly at my soldiers. I could feel his glare through the mask, piercing me with greater accuracy than the yu-yan archers. It felt that just by staring, this person could tell my wants, desires, secrets, and my insecurities. I didn't like it. I didn't like it one bit.

    I balled my fists. "Get him." Half of the soldiers ran forward, with their spears at the ready. One threw a fireball and the masked person dived to the left, away from the villagers.

    I watched as this person practically danced with my soldiers, ducking, jumping, crouching, and dodging, always staying out of reach.

    A crunch of snow was heard behind me, distracting me from the masked person. When the person got close I ducked, sliding my foot back. Using my arm as leverage I used the combined forces and threw the person over my back. He flew over me, but landed in a roll, missing the fireball I sent. The village boy sent a boomerang that barely missed my nose.

    One of the children yelled, "Show no fear!" and threw a spear at the boy. He caught it and ran forward. I braced my arms forward, breaking the spear before it could touch me. I ripped the remaining spear in his hand and poked him in the head. He fell and I broke the leftover spear in half. The next second the boomerang returned, crashing into the back of my head.

    I growled and fixed my helmet, staring at the boy cowering on the ground. My hands clenched, creating fire daggers. Just as I was going to attack, something crashed into my feet making me fly through the air. I landed face down in the snow, my helmet falling on my butt. I could hear the cheers as I stood up, enraged at who had caught me off guard. When I turned though, my breath caught.

Standing before me was the Avatar.

Red Spirit

    The soldiers were pathetic. Their fighting forms resembled those of toddlers learning to walk. They held their spears so tightly their knuckles turned white. Not to mention their firebending forms resembled that of small school children. If this was how the Fire Nation was training its soldiers it's a wonder how they've managed to tear this world apart.

    Out of the corner of my eye, a fire punch was thrown. I ducked, slamming my hands against the ground. A pillar of ice emerged from the ground at an angle and effectively hit the soldier in the face. I quickly stood manipulating the pillar back to the ground.

I stepped sideways as a spear narrowly missed my mask. I grabbed the spear and pulled it forward. It was so tight in the soldier's hands, that he stumbled with it. I quickly let go and hit the pressure points on that arm making it go limp.

The final soldier went for a punch. I dodged, and he went for a kick. From there it was a game of cat and mouse. The soldier tried to hit, kick, and punch, using everything in his arsenal, but he missed every time. Finally, he managed to hit me and I skidded back, dropping the X position my arms were in for defense. I watched the soldier carefully, waiting for his next move. His eyes flickered side to side and a small smile graced his foul mouth. My own eyes flickered and I noticed the other two soldiers were up.

"Well," the soldier in front of me said. "You should give up. You're surrounded." I narrowed my eyes and then spotted something from behind the stupid soldier. The prince was flying? Then I saw the familiar yet odd clothing of Aang.

I laughed. I stared straight into the eyes of the soldier and straightened my back and shoulders. gave him my own smile, even though he couldn't see it through my red and gold mask.

"Bring it," I said. And he did. Bright orange flurries of fire flew at me. I let it surround me, carefully managing the fire so it only looked like it smothered me. The ground beneath me opened up, dropping me into darkness.

Chapter Text

Red Spirit POV

The Red Spirit has been around for hundreds of years. They first appeared in Avatar Kyoshi's, joining her motley crew. Out of all the crew, most people only knew two things.

They bent air and earth.

They wore a blood-red dragon mask with gold detailing and black clothes that marked no nation.

No one's ever unmasked the Red Spirit, and those who have tried were never heard from again. Since Avatar Kyoshi's era, they've mysteriously appeared and disappeared   leaving nothing but the people's fading memories.

"If I go with you, will you promise to leave everyone alone?" The young avatar asked.

I burst from the snowy ground, blocking the prince's fire. A scowl rested heavily on his face, making his scar far more prominent. He launched another wave of fire that I redirected towards him. While he was distracted I raised the snow to create a moving, circular dome covering myself and the Avatar.

After making sure we were secure, I turned to the Avatar. He was young, with a blue arrow on his forehead and traditional Airbender garb I used to see in the few unburned scrolls left. The Avatar leaned against his staff, watching with fear and... I wasn't sure but this was no time to analyze the young Avatar's feelings.

"What are you thinking, Avatar? You can not hand yourself over to the Fire Nation. It would spell disaster for the remaining nations," I stated calmly. He shook his head and observed me.

"If I don't go, the people here could get hurt in a fight," the young Avatar said solemnly.

We watched each other for a moment, the Avatar scouring my blood-red dragon mask. I scoured his face myself. His shoulders were hunched like he was carrying the world, but his gray eyes were bright with hope.

I tilted my head, trying to remember the last time my own eyes sparkled like that. I shook my head slightly. There was no use remembering the childhood I no longer had. No use remembering when everything was now painted with grief.

I gave the Avatar a nod, returning his unnerving gaze. "I have no wish for the people in this village to be hurt more than they already have. I will trust you, young Avatar." With the flick of my wrist, the snow collapsed in on itself.

And when the snow finally settled, I was gone.

The ship had set sail to the icy waters almost immediately after the Avatar was on deck. After it had left I watched the village from the outskirts. Two of the village kids, Sokka and Katara, had taken the Avatar's bison and left with an old map. Shortly after they left I made my way to the ship, skirting across the water. Since then I've been hanging on an anchor chain waiting for the right moment to strike.

And when I heard yelling a small smile grew under my mask.

I skillfully climbed up the chain and pulled myself into a handstand when I grabbed the railing. Making momentum, I flipped forward and sent a fire blast from my feet at two soldiers. I landed on my feet and ducked down, missing a spear aimed for my head. Taking water from the ocean, I slammed my hands against the metal of the ship, spreading a thin layer of ice under their feet. Pain laced through my left arm but I ignored it with a smug smile, watching the soldiers fumble. I made two small ice chunks in my hand and threw them at each of the two soldiers' temples, effectively knocking them out.

The ice on the metal floor of the ship slowly turns to water and returns to the ocean as I survey my damage.

Four lousy, barely trained soldiers knocked out cold and I didn't even break a sweat. How strange coming from a nation known for violence.

I sighed and looked toward the sky. It was blue, with few clouds in sight. It's strange how something as beautiful as this could bring such misery.

A sound came from my left and I watched as the Avatar jumped from the upper deck. The Avatar cheered but it was short-lived. The prince jumped and grabbed the Avatar's ankle pulling them down to the main deck. They crashed onto the deck and I would have thought they were passed out if it wasn't for the prince's angry growl.

The Avatar stands up and I watch from the sidelines ready to intervene when necessary. Above I heard an animal roar and I looked up. The sky bison, Katara, and Sokka were finally here.

Unfortunately, I ignored the prince's and Avatar's fight because of the distraction until I heard a yell. I ran to the railing just in time to see a splash. Anger coursed through my blood as I gripped the rail. The hairs on the back of my neck raise. I ducked, an orange flame flying over my head.

I spun, both hands already sending two fireballs towards the prince. The prince almost sent one my way but stopped, staring wide-eyed behind me. A shadow fell over me and I turned as the Avatar landed with glowing white eyes and arrow.

"The Avatar State," I whispered to myself.

The Avatar brings his hands over his head, turning the water into a protective circle, and pushed everyone back. I parted the water for myself as I watched the prince fall off the ship. The Avatar's eyes and arrow dulled to their natural color and he collapsed.

The sky bison landed and the two kids slid out of the saddle. Katara immediately ran to him. I approached standing over the three kids. They all looked up open-mouthed. Katara tightened her hold on the Avatar and drew him closer.

I cocked my head to the side. "You have no worries, I am not here to harm the Avatar. I am here to protect him when needed."

Sokka snorted and stood up, towering over me by several inches. "Please, you're tiny, what could you do? Kick my shins?" He started laughing. My mouth tightened and I flicked my wrist. Tiny ice pebbles assaulted him, one barely missing his eye.

"That was just a party trick for children, let's not find out my party tricks for misogynistic, know-it-all teen boys." I brushed past him to grab the Avatar's staff. When I picked it up the end was grabbed by the prince. I knocked him hard three times in the head, making him let go.

I ran back, flicking the ice I assumed Katara had accidentally sent to his feet. Tossing the staff to the Sokka once he was on the bison, I shot the water to two of the soldiers heading our way. Katara copied my move and successfully stopped one soldier.

I gave her a proud nod before grabbing her arm and hauling us onto the bison.

"Yip, yip. Yip, yip," Sokka yelled, holding the reins tightly. I took a spot at the edge of the bison's saddle, waiting for retaliation.

The prince and an old man make the moves for a synchronized fire attack. Sokka and Katara gasped in horror as the huge fire blast came toward us. I stood calmly as I jumped over the saddle grabbing my dual broadswords off my back.

"Wait!" The Avatar yelled. "Who are you?" I gripped my swords. So many answers to that simple question. Who am I?

I turned, gave a smirk under my mask, and answered as the person I was at that moment. "The Red Spirit."

I charged forward, jumping off the bison. I cut down the fire blast, redirecting it into the snowy cliff. Snow tumbles down the cliff in waves, crashing onto the prince's ship. I slid down the avalanche, sliding my broadswords back into their sheath. I ran to the railing ready to leave this ship. As I stood on the railing a fireball barely missed my head.

I turned back, the prince panting like a wild platypus bear.

"There's nowhere for you to go," he said as more soldiers circled. "All that's there is ice-cold water."

A feral smile had spread across my face. "Exactly."

With the raise of my hands, a large wave crashed upon the ship.

Zuko POV

I stood up from being barreled by water for the third time. My fists were clenched as I stalked towards the railing. Everything today had failed. I let the Avatar slip through my hands, had my ship destroyed, and let a strange man disappear on me multiple times. I gripped the rail and hung my head. I failed.

"Good news for the Fire Lord. The Fire Nation's greatest threat is just a little kid," Uncle Iroh said calmly beside me. I grit my teeth and raised my head.

"Maybe, but his friend did this," I waved toward the snow-covered ship. "And if the Avatar's friend can do this, think about what the Avatar could do. I won't underestimate him again."

I turned back to my soldiers. "Dig the ship out and follow them!" I yelled. A few soldiers stared at me as they tried to melt their friends out of their ice encasings. My cheeks tint in embarrassment. "As soon as you're done with that."

Uncle let out a hefty sigh. I rolled my eyes. "What, Uncle?" I asked. I didn't need him interrupting me later so it was best to get it out of him now.

"Well–" he started, "–the mask is familiar to me. I remember seeing it while trying to conquer Ba Sing Se. They call the mask wearer, the Red Spirit. They often slunk into our camps and stole our food, water, and killed entire battalions. I'm still not sure how they did so," Uncle looked somber as he stared at the water.

I stared open-mouthed at my uncle. "Are you saying that's the man we just fought against?" Uncle let out a deep belly laugh.

"No, no, Zuko," he said between laughs. "The Red Spirit from six years ago was much older than the one we just saw. Plus," he gave me back a few pats and a sly smile. "The person we just fought was no man." Everything in my brain stopped working.

"What?!"

Chapter Text

Ryuko POV

Dear Crown Prince Iroh,

Three years ago Admiral Chiman was sent to Omashu as a university student. Admiral Chiman was ordered to become a direct student of the king. He has done so and given us trade routes, secrets, and people in close quarters with the king.

However, I regret to inform you we have evidence of betrayal. Disclosed in this letter are documents he's sent us of trade routes that were either false or the merchants were warned of our arrival. As well as some rumors he's been convoluting with a water tribe peasant. There have also been signs of him withdrawing from his fellow soldiers. He may be attempting to desert his post.

But I, as well as many of the soldiers, that he is attempting to desert his post. I send this with a heavy heart for my fellow soldier and I understand the repercussions if this is untrue.

Fellow soldier,

Zhao

I laid the letter flat on my table so I wouldn't accidentally set it on fire. I walked out of my cabin and onto the main deck.

Zhao. Iroh. Anger curdled through my body at the thought of the name. He was the reason I never met my father. The reason why he died months before I was born. Why I never got the chance to practice true, cultural firebending moves.

Steam raised from my clenched fists. I closed my eyes and unclenched my fists. Breathe.

This wasn't any time to lose control, I finally had names. Names for the people responsible for my father's death. Names for making a little girl lose a father she never even got to meet.

My eyes moved to the moon. The white crescent against the black backdrop of night, I made a promise I would hold close.

"Mom," I said. "Father, Dad. I will avenge you, even if it kills me."

I swept off the main deck and back into my cabin. Breaking into a Commander's harbor to kill him required planning.

Zuko POV

"Uncle, I want the repairs made as quickly as possible. I don't want to stay too long and risk losing his trail," we walked down the walkway. We stopped by a nearby Fire Nation port to do repairs on the ship after it was destroyed by the Avatar and his pesky friend.

"You mean the Avatar?" Uncle said disinterestedly. I turned sharply.

"Don't mention his name on these docks! Once word gets out that he's alive, every firebender will be out looking for him, and I don't want anyone getting in the way!" I whisper-yelled.

"Getting in the way of what," Uncle and I both stiffened and I looked behind me. "Prince Zuko?"

I stood straight and scowled in his direction. "Captain Zhao."

"It's commander now. And-" Zhao bows slightly "-General Iroh. Great hero of our nation."

Uncle copied Zhao's bow. "Retired general."

"The Fire Lord's brother and son are welcome guests anytime. What brings you to my harbor?" Zhao said, smirking.

I gritted my teeth. We had to be careful with Zhao, he was cunning.

"Our ship is being repaired," Uncle said, sweeping his arm back at our ship.

"That's quite a bit of damage," Zhao said, questioningly. Shit, Uncle and I never came up with a cover plan.

"Yes," I started holding up a finger. "You wouldn't believe what happened," I glanced at my uncle. "Uncle! Tell Commander Zhao what happened."

Uncle's eyes widened. "Yes. I will do that," Uncle happily raises his hand. "It was incredible!" He exclaimed. Out of the corner of his mouth, he whispered to me, "What? Did we crash or something?"

I sucked in a small breath. "Yes! Right into ... an Earth Kingdom ship!"

"Really?" he said, disbelief coloring his tone. "You must regale me with all of the thrilling details." Zhao was so close to my face I could smell his breath. "Join me for a drink?" He smelled like fish. Disgusting rotten fish.

I averted my gaze. "Sorry, but we have to go." I started to stalk off but Uncle placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Prince Zuko, show Commander Zhao your respect." He removed his hand from my shoulder and responded to Zhao. "We would be honored to join you. Do you have any ginseng tea? It's my favorite."

I grunted as I watched them walk off. Zhao was suspicious of us and it didn't help that he never liked me. I growled and sent a small arc of fire from my hands before stomping after them.

Ryuko POV

Many people would consider trying to sneak into a harbor filled with Fire Nation soldiers stupid. I know my parents would but they were dead, and I was left alone with nothing but anger and vengeance in my heart. What did they expect?

I sneaked past the merchant stalls and towards the soldiers' encampment. For now, it was only recon, tonight I would go in for the kill.

I skirted around the tents, quiet as a mouse. Two soldiers' voices came from the left and I hid in between two to keep from being spotted. For an important harbor, the security of this place is terrible.

"So a twelve-year-old boy bested you and your firebenders. You're more pathetic than I thought." I stilled. Twelve-year-old boy besting fire benders?

I slinked closer to the front of the tent hoping the words here were clearer.

I missed a few words but I was able to catch the end.

"-it will not happen again!." My brows furrowed. Only one person has discovered the Avatar other than my cousins.

"No, it will not. Because you won't have a second chance." A chill went down my spine.

The crunch of dirt ahead alerted me someone was coming. I shrank further into the shadows.

"Commander Zhao, I've been hunting the Avatar for two years and I-" I recognized Prince Zuko's. So my theories were correct.

"And you failed! Capturing the Avatar is too important to leave in a teenager's hands. He's mine now." My breathing stops. No. Zhao was an Admiral; he had fleets and fleets of soldiers at his command. A measly prince I, we, could handle, but Zhao? I clenched my fists. My revenge would have to wait, I had to warn the Avatar and my cousins.

I stepped backward not realizing a rock was right there and yelped as I fell back. Within seconds two soldiers were in front of me, spears at the ready.

Shit.

Zuko POV

I watched in shock as two soldiers hauled a girl in. She had a scowl on her face as she tried to shake their arms off her.

"Get your hands off me, I have a spear to my back and I'm surrounded by fire benders. Where do you think I'm going to go?" The two soldiers looked at Zhao and he nodded his head. The soldiers removed their hands and she rubbed her shoulders.

"Brutes," she muttered quite loudly under her breath. When she finally looked at the other people in the tent I sucked in a breath.

She had smooth brown skin with a few freckles from weeks spent in the sun. Her long brown hair was in a ponytail with four curious small braids with different colored strings and her clothes were unlike most I've seen. Black pants, a blue long-sleeve shirt, and a black cloak. Possibly the most interesting thing about her was her eyes. Her right eye reminded me of the deep blue ocean and her left was a curious red gold that resembled flames.

Uncle made a quiet sound next to me and I looked over. His face was drawn together and he turned a bit pale, almost as if he'd seen a ghost.

"Who are you and what are you doing slinking around my harbor," Zhao threatened. She looked out the corner of her eyes as if his words were anything but threatening. Her eyes then flitted to mine then Uncle's in such a calculating way it sent chills down my back. Within a second, however, a bright smile appeared and she strolled forward.

"Prince Zuko, General Iroh," She bowed when she came in front of us. "I apologize for taking so long, the market was incredibly busy and I got hopelessly lost. Thankfully these two kind soldiers found me and manhandled me back." She sent them a beaming smile that unsettled the two soldiers.

Zhai narrowed his eyes. "Oh really?" His eyes connected with each of ours.

"Yep," she said brightly. She flung her arm around my shoulder and pulled me down to her very short height. I attempted to brush her arm off but her hand dug into my shoulder.

"Play along, Princey. Names Ateera," she whispered. While her smile was bright, her eyes were downright murderous as she looked between Zhao and me. Goosebumps raised on my arms.

I cleared my throat. Better to play along for now. "Um yes," I stuttered. Ateera claws dug deeper. I could feel them despite all my layers. "Ateera was gathering supplies, isn't that right Uncle?" I glared at Uncle hard. He was staring at her, even paler than before.

"Yes, yes that is correct," Uncle stated, with little conviction. I fought the urge to groan. Thankfully, the ruse seemed to pay off.

"Hm. Fine." Zhao turned to the soldiers before leaving. "Keep them here."

I ripped away from Ateera and kicked the table, splitting it in two. Damn it. Now that Zhao knew the Avatar was still alive I'd have to work even harder to get him. I started pacing ignoring my Uncle when he requested more tea and the unnerving gaze of Ateera. Her smile dropped the moment Zhao left, leaving nothing but a heavy scowl.

I stalked up to her. "You," I muttered, jabbing my finger at her chest. Before I could say anything else, she grabbed my finger and bent it backward.

"I don't like this any more than you do. Now shut up, we have an audience," she said, quietly enough I was the only one who heard. She let go of my finger before smiling and waving at the two soldiers watching us. Ateera then brushed past me, to sit across from Uncle.

I seethed, steam coming from my nose. Wonderful, just wonderful.

Ryuko POV

Watching Prince Zuko pace gave me a headache. His horrid ponytail swished as he went back and forth.

"Will you stop," I seethed. "You're giving me a headache. Have some tea and calm down." I turned back to my cup of tea and ignored his glare as he sat across from me.

My plans were ruined. With Zhao most likely setting off tonight it would be almost impossible. I needed to warn the Avatar. But how? I drummed my fingers on the new table that we'd been given. First, he'd probably visit one of the Air Temples. And if I remembered correctly, based on the ocean's patterns, Aang was most likely from the Southern Air Temple. Charting the course in my head, plus the speed of the sky-bison, they were most likely there right now. And from what I remember... They wouldn't be staying long.

Someone grabbed my wrist. Immediately I twisted my hand so I took theirs and slammed it into the table. A yelp of pain brought me back to my senses. I let go of Zuko's wrist and tucked my hands under the table. He somehow scowled even harder, something I didn't think could happen.

"Would you stop drumming your fingers? You're giving me a headache," he said, rubbing his wrist. I rolled my eyes knowing he was mocking me.

"Really? I deeply apologize your highness. Wouldn't want to give you a headache now would we?" I fake pouted and cackled when his one eyebrow twitched.

He got up and slammed his hands on the table. "Watch your mouth peasant." Then, quieter so the soldiers couldn't hear. "I could tell them the truth right now. Do you want that?" I grew curious at what he could get from letting me stay here. He gained nothing from this. When I stayed silent he smirked, thinking he had won.

I met his eyes head-on. The ones that sparked challenge and determination. I picked up my tea, smiling over the edge as I sipped. "Then do it."

I watched his face twist as if he hadn't expected me to return his challenge. Before he could do anything his uncle, General Iroh put a hand on his shoulder. Whatever look General Iroh gave him was one I wasn't privy to, but it was enough to get him to sit down quietly.

I used the quiet to study General Iroh. He was old. Long gray hair, half up in a bun, the signature style for older men in the Fire Nation. He drank his tea the way my Dad used to, with the same respect you would give to the spirits. Though, of course, it was so much more elegant than my dad ever could.

Anger curdled in my stomach at seeing him, right next to me, sipping his tea so peacefully. It would be so easy to take my knife and plunge it into his neck. It would be done so fast no one would have a chance to blink. I'd kill his nephew, then the two soldiers, and flee. Their deaths would be so quick.

Iroh turned his head, his eyes meeting mine. It was as if he sensed my thoughts of his murder. They were dark gold, almost brown, and had that firebending spark I often saw in my own. Looking into his eyes though I almost felt my resolve crumble. There was a fatherly look there, one I remembered in my dad when he held me or told me stories. In Iroh's eyes, there was guilt as well. Guilt for... I looked away. No. I would not let my resolve crumble. I refused. He's part of the reason why I never got the chance to meet my Father. Why I'm separated from half my culture.

I took a breath and had another sip of tea. Ginseng. I fought the urge to scowl. I preferred white jasmine.

The tent flap opened, revealing Zhao, another source of my anger.

"My search party is ready. Once I'm out to sea, my guards will escort you back to your ship and you'll be free to go," Zhao got close to Zuko's face.

"Why? Are you worried I'm going to try and stop you?" Zuko snarled back. I fought the urge to sigh. Or laugh. Or murder every person in this room and solve all my problems at once.

Zhao laughed. "You? Stop me? Impossible." My fingers curled under the table. I was leaning towards option three.

Zuko jumped up. "Don't underestimate me, Zhao! I will capture the Avatar before you!" Zuko yelled his scar and brow knitting together in anger.

"Prince Zuko, that's enough," Iroh said sternly. Both of them ignore Iroh.

"You can't compete with me. I have hundreds of warships under my command and you? You're just a banished prince. No home, no allies. Your own father doesn't even want you," Zhao gloated.

"You're wrong!" Zuko yelled. "Once I deliver the Avatar to my father, he will welcome me home with honor, and restore my rightful place on the throne!"

"If your father really wanted you home, he would have let you return by now, Avatar or no Avatar. But in his eyes, you are a failure and a disgrace to the Fire Nation." My hand gripped the handle of my knife. I knew little of what happened to Zuko three years ago but I couldn't help but have a little sympathy. It's no fun having someone poke at old wounds.

"That's not true," Zuko said.

"You have the scar to prove it." I fought the urge to get up and give Zhao his own scar just so he realizes what it's like. I felt my left arm tingle, a reminder of that day six years ago. Fortunately, I was able to control my urge. Zuko however, does not show the same restraint.

"Maybe you'd like one to match!" His chair fell back as he got up, getting in Zhao's face.

The sick fuck smiles as if he won something.

"Is that a challenge?" He responded mockingly.

Zuko nods. "An Agni Kai. At sunset." My eyes widen

"Very well," Zhao straightens himself. "It's a shame your father won't be here to watch me humiliate you. I guess your uncle and friend will do." He turned and left my eyes burning into his back.

"Prince Zuko, have you forgotten what happened last time you dueled a master?" Iroh said concern lacing his voice. I looked between the two, clearly missing something.

"I will never forget." Zuko's tone sent shivers down my spine with how familiar it was. Anger, sadness, and most of all, grief, are emotions I am all too familiar with.

"Well," I said, gulping down my tea. "This is going to be interesting."

Zuko POV

"Remember your firebending basics, Prince Zuko. They are your greatest weapons." My uncle reminded me. I stared off to the side at Ateera. She studied me with calculating eyes. It felt like she was dissecting me, able to see every part of me. Every secret, want, desire, and insecurity. It was familiar in a way I couldn't place.

"I refuse to let him win," I said standing up. Now was not the time to pay attention to how strange Ateera is.

I shrugged off the special shoulder garment and watched Zhao do the same.

"This will be over quickly," Zhao whispered confidently. We readied into our positions. The gong went off, signaling the start.

I shot fireballs at Zhao but he easily dodged. I panted out of breath before continuing to try knocking him off his feet. He dodged each one.

"Basics, Zuko. Break his root." My uncle yelled.

Zhao started a barrage of attacks, each one knocking me off balance until I fell.

He jumped, landing above me. I watched as he sent a fireball not knowing what to do.

Until I did.

I did a spinning air kick knocking him off his feet. I landed, my feet firm on the ground as I started a flurry of attacks aimed at his feet. I delivered one final kick knocking him off his feet altogether. I stood above him ready to send my final attack. I hesitated though.

"Do it!" he shouted. Why was I hesitating? I could finally make Zhao realize the shame, the disappointment, having your honor stripped away from you. To be reminded every day when you look in the mirror of what you lost and how desperate you are to get it back in any way.

Until I realized, I didn't want anyone to feel that way. Not even Zhao.

I yelled and shot the flame, black smoke emerging from the charred ground.

"That's it?" He questioned. "Your father raised a coward."

"Next time you get in my way, I promise, I won't hold back." I turned back. I was unsure of how I completely felt, but for the first time in three years, I was proud of myself.

I heard a yell after a few steps and turned back surprised at what I saw.

Ateera had Zhao's foot in her hand blocking his attack. She pushed him down, making him slide a few feet back.

"Pathetic," she said quietly, turning away.

Zhao raged. "What did you say?"

"I said pathetic." She whirled around. "Trying to cheat your way to victory. Ha!" She stalked forward until she was just above Zhao. "It's pathetic, cowardly, and disgraceful, you're a commander, not a petulant child, act like it." Ateera sent chills down my spine. I had never heard anybody pack so much anger in their voice.

She crouched down, getting close to his face. "Be lucky the prince took pity, most wouldn't." She stood back up dusting the dirt off her knees. "Thanks for the hospitality Commander Zhao. Let's not see each other again." She walked off and everyone stood still, not knowing what to do.

Uncle shook his head, first to break the silence. "Disgraceful. Even in exile, my nephew is more honorable than you." I looked at Uncle in shock. "Thanks again for the tea. It was delicious," he said walking away. I followed behind closely.

I didn't break the silence until we left the arena. "Did you really mean that, Uncle?" I asked.

He smiled slyly. "Of course. I told you ginseng tea is my favorite." I gave him a small smile. It felt nice that I still had a little honor, even if my uncle gives it.

I craned my neck looking around the harbor. "Where is she?" I mumbled. I wasn't sure why I was trying to find her, it would be a good thing if we never met again.

"We'll see her again, nephew. Just not today." I glared at my uncle and walked away, not responding.

Somehow, I had a strong feeling my uncle was right, we would be seeing Ateera again.

Chapter Text

TW: Panic attack

Zuko POV

The door to my room cracked open. I opened my eyes watching the four candles I was using for my meditation. “The only reason you should be interrupting me is if you have news about the Avatar,” I said calmly.

“Well, there is news, Prince Zuko,” he pushed the door open completely. “But you might not like it. Don't get too upset.”

“Uncle,” I said calmly. “You taught me that keeping a level head is a sign of a great leader. Now, whatever you have to say, I'm sure I can take it.”

“Okay then,” he hesitated before continuing. “We have no idea where he is.”

The candles erupted, and the flames touched the ceiling. “What!?”

Uncle pulled a fan from his sleeve and fanned himself. “You really should open a window in here.”

I snatched the map from Uncle. “Give me the map!” I unrolled it scanning the contents.

“Well, there have been multiple sightings of the Avatar, but he is impossible to track down,” Uncle said.

“How am I going to find him, Uncle?” Zigzags were everywhere, with no clear direction as to where he was headed next. “He is clearly a master of evasive maneuvering.”

Ryuko POV

Finding the Avatar’s path was quite easy once you put yourself in the mind of a 12-year-old who just wanted fun.

Most of his stops so far were just him wanting to do dumb dangerous stuff. Like riding the hopping llamas and hog monkeys. According to my map, his next stop would be where he’ll try to surf on the giant koi fish or the unagi. Hopefully the giant koi fish. I really don’t want Aang sent to an early grave. And, the island he’s going to is one I’m very familiar with, Kyoshi Island.

Docking The Dragon’s Spirit in Kyoshi’s harbor was nostalgic. Even though I stopped here just a few months ago, it would always be different without my parents.

Walking off the docks and into the merchant area, I noticed most people were running to Avatar Kyoshi’s statue.

I followed the crowd and forced my way to the front where I had to hold back from laughing. Sokka, Katara, and Aang were strapped to Avatar Kyoshi’s statue.

“How do we know you're not Fire Nation spies? Kyoshi stayed out of the war so far. And we intend to keep it that way!” Oyagi Kyoshi Island’s chief yells. When he said that I couldn’t help but laugh. Sokka, Katara, and Aang Fire Nation spies? They’d be some of the worst spies ever.

“Who’s laughing?” Oyagi scanned the crowd.

“Chief Oyagi,” I emerged from the crowd, wiping tears of laughter from my eyes. “I can promise you these three aren’t Fire Nation spies.”

“And how do you know this Ryuko?” Oyagi deflated at seeing me.

“Because these two-” I pointed to Sokka and Katara “- are my cousins.”

“Seriously?” Oyagi raised a brow. I shrugged my shoulders. Before I could properly respond Aang spoke up.

“This island is named for Kyoshi? I know Kyoshi!” Aang yelled loudly.

“Ha! How could you possibly know her?” Oyagi said humorlessly. He looked up to Avatar Kyoshi’s faded statue. “Avatar Kyoshi was born here four hundred years ago. She's been dead for centuries.”

“I know her because I'm the Avatar,” Aang said softly.

“That's impossible!” The head Kyoshi warrior said, disbelieving. “The last Avatar was an airbender who disappeared a hundred years ago.” Oyagi and the head warrior looked at me in confirmation. I shrugged my shoulders and looked toward Aang.

“Why don’t you show them Aang?”

Aang nodded and jumped higher than any non-bender ever could. He flipped and landed softly in the snow. It was silent before everyone erupted in cheers.

“It's true ... you are the Avatar!” Oyagi cheered.

“Now,” Aang pulled a few marbles from his pocket. “Check this out!” The marbles floated in the air spinning round in circles. I chuckled and watched the Kyoshi Warriors cut out my cousins.

“Ryuko,” a voice called behind me. I turned around to find the head Kyoshi Warrior glaring at me.

I mimicked her glare. “Suki.” We stared at each other for what felt like hours. Suki stalked forward, almost like she was hunting me. When she stood right in front of me, her glare melted into a smile.

“Ryuko!” Suki tackled me to the ground, both of us laughing. “I wasn’t expecting you for a few more weeks, what are you doing here?” I smiled at her and stood up brushing the dirt off my pants. I offered her my hand and helped her up.

“My cousins found the Avatar so I’m humbly offering my help.” Suki laughed her white and red face paint wrinkling.

“Humble? Please, the unagi is humbler than you.” I rolled my eyes, ignoring my best friend's comment.

“Whatever,” I faced my cousins and the Avatar and found their jaws practically on the floor.

Sokka stuttered, pointing at Suki. “You know her?” he questioned.

“Yeah,” I responded. For a moment everyone was silent as if expecting me to continue.

Suki cleared her throat. “We’ve known each other since we were five. Her parents used to be traders.” I stiffened at the mention of my parents. Suki discreetly squeezed my hand. I squeezed back, grateful for this small bit of comfort.

“Well then,” Oyagi said, approaching our group. “Let’s get all of you settled in for the night.” Oyagi led my cousins and the Avatar to the main inn. I breathed a sigh of relief.

Suki leaned over and whispered in my ear. “Are you okay?” I gave her a tight smile and nodded.

“I’m fine.” She frowned but nodded, knowing better than to push me.

“C’mon then, I have a ton of news to share with you,” she smiled and we followed the others. I smiled and followed close behind. Despite the memories and growing anxiety, it was nice to be somewhere so familiar.

The smell of charred fabric and flesh permeated the usually frigid air. I screamed as smoke drifted from their bodies.

“I love you, my ferocious little dragon.” She whispered lovingly over and over like a chant. Flames built around me, cutting off my mother’s blue eyes. And then, it was gone. Silent I turned, searching for my mother in the inky blackness.

I heard a voice and turned hoping it was Mother but it wasn’t. It was the soldier and he was laughing. More soldiers joined in and it was a chorus of laughter, one that's haunted me for so long. The chant starts again almost like it’s mocking me.

“I love you, my ferocious little dragon.”

“I love you, my ferocious little dragon.”

“I love you, my ferocious-”

I bolted up gasping for air, a sheen of sweat covering my body. I untangled myself from the sheets, almost tripping over them in the rush. After throwing on my clothes and tying up my hair I grabbed my dual dao swords and made my way into the woods.

The woods had always been strangely comforting to me. A place to hide where no one could find me. A place to hear your screams and secrets and not tell a soul. How strange it was for someone from the Fire Nation and Water Tribe to feel comfortable with earth.

Soon, I’m in the deepest part of the woods. It was an open space with a small lake to the side. The moonlight gave the forest an eerie glow. I took a deep breath hoping to clear the stench of smoke even though I know it will never go away.

I palmed my blades and started to go through the common stances, ignoring the pain in my left arm.

I spun, striking the right side and my blades met a katana. The person pushed back and I stumbled. I resumed my stance, fighting back a smile.

“Oh, you're on.” The opponent rushed forward, swiping her katana to the left. I blocked it and kicked her in the stomach. She stumbled back and I took the opportunity, aiming for the right. She sidesteps, the silver of her katana glinting in the moonlight.

We continue to spar relentlessly, never giving each other a break. After twenty minutes Suki and I collapsed into the grass, our weapons discarded at our sides. The wind caressed my skin and the leaves made a quiet rustle.

“Your left side is stiff,” Suki said, breaking the silence. I stayed quiet, tracing the constellations in the sky.

“Ryu, you know what happens when you don’t heal it often. I even brought bandages.” I don’t respond. She sighed and stood up, offering her hand.

“I’ll be right there,” her voice was soft, almost like she was speaking to an injured animal. “I promise.” I finally met her eyes. They were a light blue, ones that reminded me of a cloudless sky. They were so different from my mother’s stormy blue, but they brought me a similar comfort.

I took her hand and she pulled me up. Dragging me to a stone by the lake she pushed me onto it.

“I hate you sometimes, you know that,” I mumbled, taking off my shirt. She laughed and took my shirt and bracelet.

As I unwrapped my arm, I found it harder and harder to breathe. When I unwrapped the final loop and was left with the reddish brown scar that marred my skin from palm to shoulder, I was hit with the scent of burning flesh.

I doubled over gasping, my lungs burning for air. My eyes burned with tears like smoke had clouded the area. Haunting laughter filled my ears, and a cold frost clung to my skin just like that day. The pond's water churned and my skin was hot to the touch. I couldn’t breathe for some reason. Why couldn’t I breathe?

“Hey Ryuko, look at me. Look at me.” I tried to but I couldn’t see through my tears. I flinched when her cool hands touched my face.

“Deep breaths okay?” She guided my head between my knees. Suki brushed her hand through my hair as she counted my deep breaths and it reminded me of my mother when I was younger.

Slowly I got my senses back. My skin was no longer hot, and a cold frost didn't cling. The laughter left, and my eyes cleared. The smell lessened enough for me to smell the fresh night air.

I lifted my head and avoided Suki’s worried gaze. I bent water from the lake, watching it illuminate my arm in a blue glow.

She handed me the bandages when I flung the water back into the lake. I wrapped my arm from shoulder to wrist and put on my shirt and bracelet.

Suki offered me her hand as I stood up. I took it and we started our walk back.

She didn’t ask me if I was okay. She didn’t tell me I was, or that everything was fine because we both knew the truth. I never would be. But we both knew her just being there offered a bit of comfort.

“All right! Dessert for breakfast,” Aang exclaimed as he stuffed his face. “These people sure know how to treat an Avatar. Katara, you’ve got to try these,” he held out one of the treats which she took reluctantly.

Exhausted from the night before, I sat near a pouting Sokka and found myself amused by Aang’s antics. Even though I hadn’t been around Aang for long, something about him just made me want to smile. Could it be how happy he gets over minor things? His infectious personality?

I quietly sighed and pulled one of my knives, swinging it between my fingers. Aang caught Sokka moping in the corner and gave a questioning look.

“Sokka, what’s your problem? Eat.” Aang said.

“I’m not hungry.” Katara and I gave each other a knowing look while Aang was just confused.

“But you’re always hungry.” I snickered as Katara smiled knowingly.

“He’s just upset because a bunch of girls kicked his butt yesterday,” Katara stated.

“They snuck up on me!” he exclaimed.

“Right, and then they kicked your butt.” I stifled my growing laugh with one of Kyoshi’s famous moon peach donuts.

“Sneak attacks don’t count.” He said starting to stomp off. “Tie me up with ropes. I’ll show them a thing or two,” he grumbled Sokka came to the table and snatched some food.

“I’m not scared of any girls. Who do they think they are, anyway?” I raised an unimpressed brow at him.

“Mm! This is tasty,” he said, leaving the room. I rolled my eyes and grabbed a few treats for myself.

“I’m gonna head out too,” I said. “I want to meet up with some old friends.” Aang waved goodbye and Katara gave a nod.

I walked through the village until I got to the bakery by the pier. It was small but it had the best sweets and tea. As I entered the sweet aroma of stuffed apple donuts, several different teas attacked my senses. But it was a gentle attack and one I wholly embraced.

“Ryuko!” A person called from the counter. Blood rushed to my cheeks and I was grateful you couldn’t see the blush that marred my skin unless you looked close.

“Selina,” I said, approaching the counter. It had multiple plates full of different sweet treats. Apple stuffed donuts, an assortment of cookies, peach and apple pies, and so much more. My mouth practically watered at the sweet treats. And the tea that wafted from the kitchen reminded me of the tea shops scattered across the Earth Kingdom.

Behind the counter, however, made me want to melt into a puddle. There, behind the counter, was the most beautiful person and greatest baker I’d ever met, Silena. She had soft blue eyes that reminded me of still lakes and brown hair the color of dirt after rain. And when she smiled, like Silena was now, it was brighter than the sun.

“It’s good to see you, Ryuko. I didn’t expect you back so soon but it’s nice to see my favorite customer.” Selina winked and slid over a plate with apple donuts. “Give me a couple of minutes and I’ll have your jasmine tea ready.” She moved to the back to make my tea. I took the plate and a small smile slipped onto my face.

“I didn’t expect to be back so soon either but my cousins found the Avatar, so here I am.” I stuffed a donut in my mouth and held back a moan. Ever since I met Selina I’ve been in love with her baking. She had a way of crafting some of the most basic ingredients into something incredibly flavorful.

“Ah, so you’re traveling with them,” she chuckled from the back. “Oh, they must be having so much fun traveling with you.” She came through the back and handed me the jasmine tea. I gave her a soft glare and took the tea.

“You act like I’ll be some monster to travel with.” I took a small sip of the tea, the sweet and floral taste complimenting the bitter base.

Silena shrugged with a small smile, “I would love to answer the question but I still have customers.” She winked and went to the kitchen completely avoiding what I said. I rolled my eyes and went to the seat in the corner of the shop overlooking the window. I stayed there for a few hours just studying the people in the town doing daily chores. People were walking to and from the market, fishermen were selling their fish, and I even saw Aang and the gaggle of girls following him. It was nice and… And peaceful.

A group of kids ran past the window laughing. A pit of jealousy grew in my stomach scorching hot. Why do they get to laugh and smile with their friends? Why hasn’t the war touched them as it has me? It isn’t fair that the war has stolen my family and culture and people and–I quickly squashed the jealousy. I shouldn’t be jealous that they haven’t gone through what I have. In fact, I should be happy. As much as I try to tell myself that though, it doesn’t completely temper the jealousy.

The bell ringing at the door of the shop dragged my gaze from the window to Sokka coming towards me.

I raised a brow at Sokka as he pulled the chair out in front of me. “I need your help.”

“What did you do this time, Sokka?” Sokka opened his mouth to speak when I put my hand up to stop him and take a sip of tea. “Let me guess, you tried to show up to the Kyoshi Warriors training all macho and then got your ass kicked. Now you want to know how to apologize.”

Sokka stared at me, his mouth wide open. “How did you know that?” He screeched. I frowned and flicked his forehead.
“Don’t be so loud. And if you’re actually sorry just swallow your pride and apologize, it's that simple.”

“Suki was pretty mad at me though, are you sure she’d forgive me?” he asked, biting into a donut.

I sighed and pushed the plate closer to him. “Suki’s one of those people you gotta be straight up with. If you’re genuinely sorry and admit you were wrong, she’s probably going to forgive you.”

“Really?” he said hopefully, with his mouth full of food. I rolled my eyes and wrinkled my nose in disgust.

“Yes, now swallow your food and go, I don’t want to deal with your moping.” Sokka smiled with a thumbs up and ran off. I chuckled and finished the rest of my food and tea. I got up and put a few yuan on the table and left waving goodbye to Selina.

As I walk into the place we’re staying, I hear Aang and Katara arguing.

“Well, I’m glad you know.”

“I’m glad you're glad.”

“Good.”

“Fine!” Aang storms past me angrily. I furrowed my brows and peeked into the common room. Katara was staring at a water bowl, her fists clenched in her lap.

“Everything okay?” I asked, leaning against the doorway.

“I’m fine,” she gritted out, going back to play with the water in the bowl.

“You sure?” I asked. I took a step forward, “Things sounded a–”

“I said I was fine!” The bowl Katara was using exploded. “Spirits will you just leave me alone? You were perfectly fine doing that for the last six years,” she screeched. Katara was panting and water dripped onto the floor and the pottery pieces scattered near her.

I schooled my face into a neutral expression and clenched my fists, keeping a tight hold on my bending. She could be mad at me all she wanted. In fact, I deserved it. I did leave them. Katara and I aren’t that close anymore. When our families were fully intact we were close despite the fact my family and I were always gone. But when our moms died…

Since that day I always felt like she somewhat blamed me. I held back a chuckle because she wasn’t wrong. There were many things I could’ve done that day that I didn’t because I was scared.

I didn’t bother answering and stalked off to my room. I closed my door and put a basin of water in the center. This was risky, I knew that. Anybody could walk through that door and discover I was a waterbender but I needed to do something.

I put my hands out and the water flowed from the basin and through my hands. The water coiled around my hands and arms as I swept them upward, separating the water into raindrops.

I was angry, to put it simply. And this anger wasn’t one you could put out easily. It festered over the years like a wildfire with nothing but acres of dry trees.

My door started to open.

I opened my eyes, froze the raindrops into sharp points, and snapped my arms towards the door. Suki froze as she encountered a barrage of frozen icicles pointed at her chest.

“Suki, I could have hurt you, don’t you remember knocking?” I swirled my arms and unfroze and joined together, coming back towards me. I was grateful it was Suki and not one of my cousins or Aang.

“The Fire Nation is here.” The water splashed towards the ground and I turned towards her. My throat clogged up.

“Are you sure?” She sharply nodded. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Flashes of the raid six years ago flashed through my head. My mom and aunt were on the ground, their pleading, their screaming, my screaming, and fire. Oh, so much fire. The pain in my arm flared and I could smell the scent of smoke and flesh coming.

“Ryuko!” Hands took my shoulders, snapping me out of the past. “We need you,” Suki’s eyes were hard. She wasn’t Suki, my best friend at this moment. She was Suki, head of the Kyoshi Warriors.

“Alright,” I said sharply. I straightened myself, shoulder back, head raised. “Who do you need?” Suki responded with the answer I thought she would.

“The Red Spirit.”

Zuko Pov

“The Avatar is on Kyoshi Island?” I exclaimed. I stood up and turned toward my uncle. “Uncle, ready the rhinos. He’s not getting away from me this time.” I stalked away. There was no way the Avatar was getting away this time.

“Are you going to finish that?” Uncle Iroh said. I bristled at how aloof he was. Didn’t he realize how important this was? This was my ticket to getting back my honor, nation, and throne. And maybe, just maybe, have my father be proud of me for once.

I turned around and took the plate of food he was pointing at. “I was going to save it for later.” He pouted as I stalked away to put on my armor.

“Come out Avatar. You can’t hide from me forever,” I yelled. The streets were barren of people. The only hint of people came from the faces peeking out of the buildings.

“Find him,” I muttered when nobody came forward. I stayed still, perched on my rhino, as the rest rode farther into the village.

As they got farther into the village they were attacked by girls in green dresses and face paint.

One ran towards me and I shot two fire punches that she dodged. She pounced intending to tackle me, as I turned my rhino so it could hit her in the stomach.

I threw another fire punch but it was blocked by another girl's yellow fan. I prepared to shoot another one and another girl tackled me to the ground. The one who tackled me scrambled up as two others surrounded me.

I spin on my hands creating a ring of fire that knocks them all off their feet. I jump towards the center of the burning village.

“Nice try, Avatar, but these little girls can’t save you,” I yelled, scouring the village.

Something whistled past my ear as a dagger lodged into a wooden post in front of me. I touched where the scratch was, the wet warmth of blood encasing my fingertips. I whirled around to where it came from but there was nothing. I scanned the rooftops looking for something, anything when a blast of water crashed into me from behind. I spit out dirt as I scrambled up and turned around.

Standing tall in all black and a red and gold mask adorning her face, was the Red Spirit. Red Spirit cocked her head and though I couldn’t see her lips, I knew they were parted in a mocking grin.

I growled and punched fire in her direction, and she dodged with ease.

From there it was like a game of cat and mouse, my fire was attacking, and she was dodging. I tried all I could to get the upper hand but she anticipated my every move.

With every move, she got closer and closer, until she made her move. As I blasted fire in her direction her hand reached through the fire and wrapped around my wrist. She twisted it behind my back and kicked the back of my knees. I fell to my knees and something cool and sharp touched my neck. My arms latched onto hers but the knife just dug deeper into my skin.

“Don’t even try, ponytail,” Red Spirit threatened.

“Hey, over here!” A familiar voice called. My eyes widened as I recognized it. Red Spirit loosened her grip as she looked over in the Avatar’s direction. I took this as my opening. I pulled her arm away whilst kicking back her leg. Using that momentum, I spun out of her arms and kicked her into a wooden post.

“Finally,” I muttered, turning to the Avatar. I threw two fireballs which he swiftly dodged. He spun his staff, using it to jump closer. I kicked his staff away and he jumped away.

I ran towards him, my fist poised in his direction. The Avatar swung some fans he grabbed off the ground and airbended me into a building behind me.

After a few minutes, I finally got my bearings and rushed out of the building. I looked around the burning village, and I spotted the big furry white creature above that the Avatar traveled on.

“Back to the ship. Don’t lose sight of them,” I shouted to the soldiers. We jumped on our rhinos and sprinted out of the burning village.

A large serpent-like creature rose from the waters and I motioned for the rhinos to stop in surprise. Quickly, my surprise turned to annoyance when the serpent creature sprayed water on the island. It soaked us all to the bone and my armor proved to be very uncomfortable when soaked.

After the water ran out I growled as we all watched the fluff monster and the Avatar ride away into the distance.

Ryuko POV

After changing, I found Katara and Aang with all our stuff and they tasked me with finding Sokka. I found Sokka, and surprisingly Suki when I found her kissing my cousin on the cheek.

“Oh,” I said when I encountered them. Suki stumbled back and I could see blood rise to both of their cheeks. “Oh,” I smirked looking between the two. I fought back a laugh.

“Sorry to disrupt your moment but we need to go–” I pointed to Sokka first, then Suki, “–and I need a hug.” They both rolled their eyes as they stood up. Suki tumbled into me a moment later.

“Be safe, okay? And protect those doofuses they need it.” I laughed at Suki’s comment and hugged her tighter. The reality was crashing into me. I was traveling with the Avatar. I would no longer be flying under the Fire Nation’s radar, I would be front and center along with my cousins.

“I promise,” I whispered into her hair. We hugged for a few seconds longer before we let go.

Suki started towards the carnage. “Get out of here. We’ll hold them off.” Sokka and I ran the opposite way onto Aang’s bison as he yelled yip yip.

When Appa started to fly I realized we were flying. In the air. Above the ground. I clung to the saddle, squeezing my eyes shut. Katara was busy talking to Aang about something but at that moment I was too busy trying not to die.

When I heard a splash and Katara and Sokka’s joint gasp, I opened one eye to see Aang riding the unagi. I opened both my eyes in disbelief. He decided to do what now?

I watched in disbelief as he used the unagi to spray water over the burning village. When the fires died out Aang jumped off and Appa caught him and he climbed onto the saddle.

“I know, I know, that was stupid and dangerous.” He sat cross-legged and gave us a small smile.

“Yes, it was,” Katara said, as she engulfed him in a hug. I don’t know what he does afterward because I closed my eyes to try and ward off a sudden wave of nausea.

“Ummm, is she okay?” Aang asked. Even though my eyes were closed, I shot them a glare.

“No Aang, I’m not okay. I am hundreds of feet above the ocean on a huge fluffy animal! No offense Appa.” Appa just growled as the others burst into laughter.

“It’s not funny!”

Chapter Text

Ryuko POV

To say I hated flying was an understatement. To say I currently despised my cousins for being able to sleep hundreds of feet in the air would also be an understatement.

I had barely gotten any sleep the past couple of days and for once it wasn’t because of nightmares. Instead, I was huddled up in a corner attempting–and failing at times–to not throw up.

Aang was also currently awake, albeit for a very different reason. He was looking up at the moon, a sullen look on his usually smiling face. My heart hurts for what he’s going through. To wake up a hundred years in the future to see his people and culture wiped out… I certainly wouldn’t be pretending I was fine if I was going through what he was.

I gulped as I let go of the saddle and crawled over next to him.

“I’m fine, Ryuko, don’t worry about me,” he gave me a pained smile and I rolled my eyes.

“I wasn’t going to ask if you’re okay, I know you aren’t. I heard about Monk Gyatso and the others.” His shoulders stiffened and he looked down, playing with the edge of his orange shawl. We were silent for a few minutes, neither of us knowing what to say.

“You know, you don’t have to pretend all the time. It’s okay to feel those ‘negative’–” motioning air quotes, “–emotions. You woke up a hundred years in the future, during a war that started with the genocide of your people. It’s okay to be upset, it’s okay to cry, it’s okay to scream.” Aang looked up at me with relief and tears glittering in his eyes.

“Thank you,” he whispers. Orange streaked across his face, and I looked toward the horizon where the sun was starting to peek through.

Aang set his head on my shoulder and let out a sigh. Within a few minutes, his breathing slowed and his eyes started drooping. Before his eyes completely shut he whispered, “You don’t have to pretend either.”

I rested my head against his as I watched the sunrise, whispering to myself, “Yes, I do.”

“The Earth Kingdom of Omashu,” Aang presented. He practically vibrated as we got closer to the city. “I used to always come here to visit my friend Bumi.”

A small smile left my face as we approached the place I was born. I finger combed my hair and put it up in its ponytail as Sokka and Katara exclaimed about how they had buildings that didn’t melt.

“How are you not impressed by this Ryo?” Sokka asked, shaking my shoulders. “Their buildings don’t melt. They. Don’t. Melt.”

I shoved Sokka off me with a frown. “I know that Sokka, you don’t have to reiterate to me multiple times. Plus, I was born here, remember?” I went back to finishing my hair when I heard angry mumbles coming from Katara. I whipped my head around, staring dead-eyed at my cousin.

“Do you have something to say to me, Katara? If so, don’t be a coward and say it to my face.” Katara's face practically steamed. She opened her mouth seemingly ready to say something but Aang interrupted.

“Well, let’s go, slow pokes. The real fun is inside the city.” Aang jumped down from Appa with no care in the world. Before he could get far, Katara sent me one last withering glare and called for him.

“Wait, Aang! It could be dangerous if people find out you're the Avatar.”

“You need a disguise,” Sokka said seriously. We all jumped down from Appa.

Aang frowned. “So what am I supposed to do? Grow a mustache?” He said sarcastically. I pet Appa and pulled out some fur.

I looked at Aang with a smirk. “Maybe you can.”

Aang’s nose twitches under the heavy fur on his nose. “Ugh. This is so itchy.” He scratches underneath the wig we made with Appa’s fur. “How do you live in this stuff?” Aang said to Appa. Appa turned to him and snorted, almost as if scoffing. I bit back a laugh.

“Great! Now you look just like my grandfather,” Sokka said from next to me. We had sat on a nearby rock while waiting for Aang to put his disguise together. Sokka slid down while I put away my knife and sharpening block.

“Technically, Aang is 112 years old,” Katara said. Aang kicked up his staff and used it as a walking stick while hunching his back.

“Now let's get to skippin', young whipper-snappers. The big city awaits!” Aang said gruffly, committing to his act as an old person as he shuffled away. Katara, Sokka, and I glanced at each. Whippersnappers?

I hung at the back of the group as we got closer to the gates. Though I could get us in easily, I didn’t want to draw too much attention to myself. If the king was alerted to me being here, he would insist I stayed the night.

“You guys are going to love Omashu,” Aang said. He looked over his shoulder to send us a smile. “The people here are the friendliest in the world.” I raised a brow. Sure maybe a hundred years ago this place might’ve been friendly, but with the war, Omashu couldn’t afford to be friendly anymore. You never knew who was a spy and who wasn’t.

Up ahead we see three guards and a merchant. “Rotten cabbages?!” One guard yelled. “What kind of slum do you think this is?!” The guard squashed the cabbage in his hand and knocked the other two cabbages out of the merchant's hands. The guard then catapulted the merchant's cabbage stand off the path with his earthbending.

“No! My cabbages!” the merchant yelled in distress.

Katara, Sokka, and Aang stared open-mouthed over the edge of the path then back to the guards. I narrowed my eyes at the guards under my hood. A week before I left for the Southern Water Tribe, I told them to be nicer to the merchants if they wanted to have a better inner market.

My cousins gulped loudly and Aang smiled nervously over his shoulder. “Just keep smiling!” He said. I shook my head as we continued knowing a smile wouldn’t make that much of a difference.

As we approached the guards Sokka and Katara exchanged an uneasy look. I wasn’t too worried if things got out of hand I would just make my presence known.

Aang approached the guards and one earthbended a large boulder over his head. “State your business!” The guard yelled aggressively. Aang shot from under the boulder far faster than should’ve been possible and right up into the guard's face.

“My business is my business, young man, and none of yours!” Aang shoved his finger into the guard’s face and it broke his concentration, letting the boulder crash to the ground. “I've got half a mind to bend you over my knee and paddle your backside!” The guards, Sokka, Katara, and I stared in shock.

“Settle down, old timer! Just tell me who you are,” another guard said.

“Name's Bonzu Pippinpaddleopsicopolis, the Third, and these are my grandkids.” Sokka and I raised our eyebrows and Katara, immediately catching on, walked forward with a smile.

“Hi. June Pippinpaddleopsicopolis. Nice to meet you,” she said waving. The guard scrutinized all four of us before pointing to Katara.

“You seem like a responsible young lady. See that your grandfather stays out of trouble. Enjoy Omashu!” The guard stepped to the side and waved at the entrance. We all walked forward.

“Wait a minute!” the guards called. Sokka and I halted as the guard grabbed Sokka by his shoulders. “You're a strong young boy!” the guard sternly said. “Show some respect for the elderly and carry your grandfather's bag!” I stifled a laugh at Sokka’s unimpressed face.

“Good idea.” Aang threw the bag at Sokka. I couldn’t hold back my snicker at Sokka’s grumbles. The guard immediately turned to me with a finger at my face.

“And you! Why do you have your face covered? Are you hiding something?”

I stared stone-faced at the guard as I lowered my hood. The three guards gasped as they realized who I was.

“L-lady Ryuko?” He asked. “You’re traveling with the Pippinpaddleopsicopolis’s?”

“Yes, I am,” I said slowly. “Is there a problem?” The guard audibly gulped and the corner of my mouth couldn’t help but raise.

“Of course not,” another guard said, stepping in for the guard that was staring at me open-mouthed. “Have a good stay.” Two of them earthbended the entrance so we could enter, opening us up to the sprawling city. The tubes and chutes of the delivery system were everywhere. I gave them a hard nod and skirted past the group that had stopped to stare at me.

I stopped just short of the entrance and waited for the others to catch up. As soon as they entered the entrance was sealed. They all ran forward to admire the sprawling city.

“Alright,” I said, interrupting their sightseeing. They could continue once we split up. “I have some things I need to do, so–”

“How did those guards know you?” Aang interrupted. All three of them looked at me curiously.

“I study under the king.” All three of them gasped.

“You study under the king?” Katara exclaimed a bit angrily. “Does that mean you could have gotten us through without the act?” Her fists were clenched and her eyes were filled with anger. My shoulders stiffened.

“Technically yes, but that doesn’t matter. We got in and that’s all that matters,” I said snapped. Katara scoffed and crossed her arms, moving away from me.

Aang opened his mouth, probably to ask another question, and I held my hand up. “No questions, we don’t have time.” Aang frowned but nodded.

“I need you three to follow these three rules–”

“Rules?” Katara screeched. Even Sokka frowned.

I shook my head. “This is a strange city you guys have never been to. We need to get out of here as quickly as possible and I can’t have you guys getting hurt or in trouble. I have my own business to take care of while you guys are out.” Katara and I stared at each other until Sokka elbowed her. Katara huffed then rolled her eyes.

“Fine,” she muttered.

“Okay, meet me here in two hours, don’t spend all the money, and for the love of all spirits don’t–” I pointed at each of them, “–cause any trouble. I don’t want to bail you all out of jail.” Katara seemed to want to say anything but stopped when Aang nodded and Sokka sent her a look.

I let out a breath, somewhat relieved. They were simple enough to carry out so I don’t see them getting into any trouble. “Alright, I’ll see you soon.” We all waved goodbye and I left them to overlook the city.

I was five when my mom told me the story of my biological father. How they met… And how he died before I was even born.

My parents met shortly after my mom ran away from the South Pole. My father, a Fire Nation spy, had been stationed nearby to infiltrate Omashu. They had first met each other when she was chased into a nearby cave by a group of bandits. My father saw my mom run into the caves and because of the rumors, the bandits didn’t follow her in. My father didn’t care and saw an opportunity to infiltrate.

Neither of them knew they would be stuck there for five days.

Neither of them knew they would eventually fall in love and confess their feelings in that cave.

My parents hated each other when they met. Father claimed he was a refuge from the Fire Nation and my mom wasn’t convinced. After escaping my mom and father both enrolled in the cultural studies course. She avoided him for a year until they were forced to work together on a project. By then, my father had realized that all his life he had been fed Fire Nation propaganda and had started unlearning it all.

By the end of the project, my mom said she noticed a significant change in him and she begrudgingly became friends with him.

She didn’t tell me many details from that time. I’d always speculated that they were too painful to remember how they fell in love. She promised to tell me when I was older but, well, she broke that promise by dying.

The story always picked back up when she realized she was pregnant. By then, my father had told my mom the truth and he had slowly been preparing to leave the army. With my mom being pregnant they wanted to speed up the process, so they went to my mom’s best friend, my future stepdad. He cared for both of my parents dearly and promised to do everything he could to help. They all thought they could get him out.

Oh, how wrong they were.

Chiman was one of the few Yuyan archers that went beyond being a simple archer. Not only was he one of the top archers, but he was also a strategist expert. It’s speculated that if he hadn’t met my mom, Omashu would have been conquered. But he did meet my mom. And he loved her. He loved her with all his heart just like he would have loved me. But he didn’t get to love me as he should have. I never got to see that love or feel it.

I ran my hand along the smooth wood of the bow. I wasn’t that great with a bow, I always preferred hand-to-hand combat. I reached the inscription on the bow; C+A+F. A lump in my throat appeared as my eyes watered. I tried not to cry over the parent I never knew, I really did. I mean, how could I cry over someone I never met? But grief never made sense. It never mattered that I never met him, when his death was the first hole I had in my heart.

“Hey who’s there? I am a master earthbender and not afraid to kick your ass,” a voice called. I looked over in the direction of her voice. Through the haze of unshed tears, a black-haired girl slowly entered my room. At the sight of me, she dropped the boulder with a sigh of relief.

“Oh it’s just you, I thought it was an intruder or something.” I turned my head back towards my bow not wanting her to see my tears.

“Oh Ryo,” she mumbled, her stomps coming close. She put her arms around my shoulder and laid her head on mine.

After holding me for a bit she said, “You need to stop holding it in,” she removed her hold and made me face her green eyes. “We can’t keep getting the plumbing replaced.” I laughed as she cracked a smile.

“It’s nice to see you again Terra,” I wiped the nonexistent tears from my cheek and stood up. “How has class been, boring?” She laughed as we walked to the kitchen.

“I find I get more work done with you gone. The real question here though–” she handed me a glass of water before continuing, “–is what are you doing back? I thought you were going to be gone for a few months.”

I gulped the water down and set the glass on the table with a sigh. I knew I could trust Terra with secrets but the fewer people who knew about Aang the better.

“Let’s just say my plans changed and I now have to return to the North Pole,” I said cautiously. I stopped the water Terra had spit out, bending it into a nearby basin.

Terra had accidentally found out about my waterbending a year ago after I got angry at her and exploded the pipes. From what I don’t remember, regardless, she had taken it in stride and was calm as I explained some of my past. My childhood, my parents' death, and a little about my time at the North Pole. I never went into too much detail and she doesn’t know I’m a firebender but she knows enough.

“What! But you hate the North Pole. You said you would rather throw yourself off a roof than go back,” she screeched. I rolled my eyes at her over exaggeration.

“I did not say that. I said-'' a knock reverberated throughout the house. I narrowed my eyes toward the door and looked at Terra. “Are you expecting company?” I asked. She shook her head and I stalked to the door, leaving her in the kitchen.

Opening the door my face grew cold at two of the king’s guards. One of them I, unfortunately, knew too well. “Can I help you?” I said coldly. Yuki’s smile grew when he saw I was the one to answer the door.

“Miss Ryuko,” he said brightly. “A pleasure to see you, as always.” Yuki gave me a smile that he had used on me many times. It was that classic fuck boy smile that was supposed to make your legs turn to jelly. I had yet to see his smile work on anyone.

“To what do I owe this visit from the king’s guards?” I questioned. It was suspicious that they were specifically looking for me when I had purposefully made it so the king wouldn’t know I was here.

The other guard cleared his throat and elbowed Yuki. “Your companions will be unable to meet you at the designated time, as they are currently accompanying the king. The princess has been notified of your presence and requests you and Miss Terra meet her for lunch tomorrow.” I gripped the door so hard I thought it might break. Those fools. Three rules. Three simple easy rules to follow.

“We’ll be there,” I said through gritted teeth.

“Oh, wait, Ryuko before you–”

“For the millionth time, no.” I slammed the door in Yuki’s face. Ever since I met him a year ago he had taken every chance he could to ask me out even though I said no every time. And told him to stop asking me multiple times.

“Ugh.” I slammed my head into the door. So much went wrong in such little time. I should have expected this.

Turning around, I see Terra eavesdropping from around the corner. She sends a nervous smile and holds out a piece of fruit in her hand. “Moon peach?”

“Okay, so let me get this straight. You went to the South Pole expecting a relaxing time with your family but instead, you found out your cousins fished out the Avatar out of the ocean. You also found a letter from a soldier to the General Iroh turning your father in for planning to desert. Then the banished prince of the Fire Nation came and attacked the tribe looking for the Avatar to regain his honor. Which you somehow encountered while you were spying on the soldier who turned your father in and they didn’t turn you in for lying. After that, you disappeared, went to Kyoshi Island which was attacked by the prince and you traveled to Omashu so the Avatar could sled down our delivery system?” Terra was practically panting by the end of her rant. “Woo,” she laughed a little while catching her breath. “Did I get it all?” she asked.

I nodded my head. “Yeah, pretty much.” I had left out a few of the minor details but she didn’t need to know.

“That is some journey. But–” she frowned, playing with a little stone. “–why do you need to go to the North Pole? Can’t you teach them?”

“Technically yeah but it’s more than the Avatar learning about waterbending. It’s also about learning about the culture associated with it. Plus, I have a strong feeling he will need to meet Tui and La.”

Terra’s eyes furrowed. “Who?”

I reached over the table and flicked her in between her eyebrows.

“Ow!” she screeched, rubbing her now tender forehead. “What was that for?”

“For not paying attention in class. This was covered a month ago.” Both of us were studying to become future ambassadors and that required us to study other places and cultures. Terra only paid attention half the time and relied on my notes for cramming.

“Why would I do that when I have you?” Her smile crinkled up at the corner of her green eyes and I couldn’t help but sigh.

“Tui and La the ocean and moon spirits. The most important spirits of water tribe culture. They’re the spirits that give us waterbenders our power,” I explained. She hummed and flicked the stones she was playing with across the room. I grabbed one midair, rolling it in between my fingers.

“Spit it out, Terra.” I flicked the stone back. “You have something to say, say it.”

Terra blew out a breath. “Don’t you think you’re being, I don’t know, selfish?”

My shoulder tensed and I looked at her in shock. Seeing the look on my face, words rushed out of her mouth.

“It’s just if you teach them it would help them defend themselves, and give them a leg up when they get to the North Pole. Plus, Katara’s a waterbender, she’ll probably feel a bit betrayed when she learns that you’re a waterbender and could’ve been teaching her this entire time.” Terra took a deep breath at the end of her statement.

Terra wasn’t necessarily wrong. If I told them I could waterbend, I could teach them and they would be able to protect themselves from the Fire Nation. Fear bubbled in my chest and my hands got sweaty. I wiped them on my pants hoping Terra wouldn’t notice.

Though Terra had a point she also wouldn’t–couldn’t–understand. To reveal to your family the secret you’ve kept since you were three. If I told them that secret it could put me in immense danger. It would be opening a can of worms and would put my biggest secret in danger of being discovered.

And it would be going against my parents' last words.

So I can’t reveal it. At least not right now, not this soon. Maybe farther down the line but for now, I’ll let this guilt of not telling them, eat at me.

The chair scraped as I stood up. “I’m going to bed,” I said stone-faced.

“Ryuko,” Terra started but by the last syllable was said, the only response she got was the slamming of my door.

“I can’t believe they got wrapped up in this mess,” I muttered to myself. Terra and I were walking through the palace corridors, to meet the princess for lunch.

“It’s okay, Ryo!” Terra threw her arm around my shoulder. “They’re in good hands, the king isn’t malicious.”

“Uh-huh,” I said, shoving her arm off my shoulders. See, I knew the king wasn’t malicious. He was an old jokester after all. But he was very well known in Omashu for making students and some newcomers do strange tests. I shivered remembering my tests a year ago. The old man forced me to reveal I was a dual-bender because he had a “hunch.” Thankfully he kept it to himself but if he could figure out I could bend two elements he definitely knew Aang was the Avatar.

We approached the dining hall doors and they opened to reveal the princess of Omashu. Nira was practically vibrating waiting for us.

“Ryuko, Terra,” she yelled. Nira ran forward and crushed both of us to her chest. “I’m so excited for you both to be here!” She squeezed so hard I could barely breathe and I had to punch her back to get her to let us go.

“Oh, oops,” Nira giggled. “Sorry.” We both sucked in a breath as she let us go.

“No–” wheeze “–problem.” I stood straight when I caught my breath.

“It’s nice you Princess Nira,” I said formally. The princess was a couple of years older than I was and quite a few inches taller. Her black hair was twisted away from her face in an intricately braided bun, one I could never have the patience to copy. Her eyes were dark green like the forested swamps on the outskirts of the Earth Kingdom.

Princess Nira sent me one of her dazzling smiles and laughed. “Oh, what have I told you Ryuko? Stop being so formal with me.”

I rolled my eyes at the common argument about to start. “I’m your future ambassador, Princess, it would be inappropriate to be informal.” Nira pouted and muttered something under her breath before her eyes went wide in the way they only do when she remembers something.

“Did you guys know the Avatar and his companions are here?” She jumped up and clapped her hands. Terra and I nodded at her, the former far more excitedly. Before either of us could say anything, Nira grabbed our arms and pulled us out of the room.

“I got to see a sneak peek of them earlier. Grandpa is making the Avatar do three trials and his friends are trapped in creeping crystals.” Terra exchanged a look. I contemplated how I felt about my cousins being trapped in the creeping crystals. While I didn’t necessarily like it, it would make my life far easier when I scolded them.

“What trial are they on?” Terra asked.

“The last one! That’s what makes me so excited. Apparently, the Avatar chose to fight grandpa.” She laughed and I stopped as soon as I registered what she said.

“What?!” I screeched. I broke out of Nira’s grip and practically flew down the hall. I flung the doors open to the ledge and saw my cousins and a few guards.

“Ryuko!” Sokka yelled joyously. “You’re here, you can save us.” Katara and he were almost completely covered in crystal. I shot him a glare and he quickly cowered in his crystal.

“Three rules,” I seethed. “Three simple rules and you broke two of them. This was supposed to be an easy in and out trip but no, you guys just had to get captured.” I muttered a few curse words under my breath as I pinched the bridge of my nose.

“Oh yes, because we have to follow the rules of the all-knowing Ryuko,” Katara sneered. I gave her the middle finger as I walked toward the ledge. Katara let out a loud gasp and I ignored it as I watched Aang.

The king had just blocked a rock that had been sent his way. Aang looked up and saw me, sending a wave. I waved back and watched with rapt attention. By that time, Nira and Terra had caught up with me and were also watching from the ledge with me.

The ground started crackling from under our feet, almost making me slide into Terra and all three of us watched as the king lifted the largest ledge into the air.

Aang, realizing what he was doing, started running in a circle, creating a tornado. The king threw the ledge and it spun around heading right back towards him. The king split it in half but Aang came in right behind the ledge and put his staff to the king’s throat.

The two of them exchange words I can’t hear, then Aang looks up to see a large rock held over both their heads. The king throws the rock to the side and falls into the dirt only to spin out of the ground right in front of us. Aang arrived on the ledge a moment after him by spinning his staff.

“That’s the Avatar?” Terra whispered.

I sucked in a breath. “Yep.”
“But,” Nira paused, “He’s a kid. He can’t be older than ten.”

“He’s actually twelve.” Both Nira and Terra look at me funny like they can’t believe the person supposed to save the world is a twelve-year-old.

“Oh, but what's the point of tests if you don't learn anything?” the king asked Aang. I missed the majority of the conversation with Terra and Nira whispering in my ears, but from experience, I know what happened.

You can pass the individual tests but if you don’t realize the bigger lesson they're all for naught.

“Oh, come on!” Sokka complained.

“Answer this one question and I will set your friends free. What ... is my name? From the looks of your friends I'd say you only have a few minutes,” the king smiled and walked out of the room.

Aang turned to us all with a lost look. “How am I supposed to know his name?” He turned to me. “Ryuko, you must know.” He looked at me with wide, hopeful eyes.

“Sorry, Aang,” I shrugged. I felt bad for not telling him but I couldn’t. It would defeat the purpose of his tests. And it was a little funny to see Sokka and Katara trapped in the creeping crystals. “This is something you need to figure out yourself.” With that, Nira, Terra, and I walked out of the room.

I smiled proudly as I watched Aang confront the king.

“I solved the question the same way I solved the challenges. As you said a long time ago, I had to open my brain to the possibilities,” Aang smiled and his old friend laughed with a loud snort. “Bumi, you're a mad genius.” Aang ran forward to hug his old friend.

“Oh Aang, it's good to see you. You haven't changed a bit. Literally,” Bumi returned the hug fondly.

“Uh, over here!” Katara yelled.

“Little help?” Sokka asked. Both of them were still stuck in the crystals.

Bumi nodded towards Nira to let them go. Nira moved her hands forward and the crystals surrounding my cousins flew everywhere.

“Jennamite is made of rock candy,” Bumi took a piece out of the air and took a bite. “Delicious!” I held a hand over my mouth to hold back a snort from the shocked looks on Sokka and Katara’s faces.

“So this crazy king is your old friend Bumi?” Katara pointed at Bumi.

“Who are you calling old?” Bumi said, attempting to defend his age. A pregnant pause filled the room. “Okay, I'm old,” he relented.

“Why did you do all of this instead of just telling Aang who you were?” Sokka questioned.

Terra elbowed me in the side and leaned closer to me. “That’s your cousin?” She discreetly pointed to Sokka. I nodded and she whistled. “He’s hot.” My mouth fell open. Sokka… Hot?! No, never in a million years. I pinched Terra’s side and she yelped.

“Never, ever say that in my presence again. What is wrong with you?”

“What?” Her voice raised an octave. “I mean just look at him! I bet his mus–” I slapped a hand over Terra’s mouth before she could say any more nonsense. Nira snickered and Terra shot her a glare.

“First of all, it’s pretty fun messing with people. But I do have a reason.” Bumi faced his old friend. “Aang, you have a difficult task ahead. The world has changed in the 100 years you’ve been gone. It’s the duty of the Avatar to restore balance to that world by defeating Fire Lord Ozai. You have much to learn. You must master the four elements and confront the Fire Lord. And when you do, I hope you will think like a mad genius.”

Aang bowed at King Bumi’s wisdom. Bumi looked toward all of us with a twinkle of pride in his eyes.

“And it looks like you're in good hands. You’ll need your friends to help you defeat the Fire Nation.” Momo hopped up on Aang’s arm. “And you’ll need Momo, too.”

“Thank you for your wisdom. But before we leave, I have a challenge for you.” Aang said. My cousins and I sent each other a nervous glance.

“I accept your challenge, Aang. But do you mind waiting outside the hall for a moment? I would like to converse with Ryuko for a moment.” Aang nodded and followed him out of the room.

A guard approached from the side handing me my bag, my father’s bow, and a full thing of quivers. I took them with a mumbled thank and faced King Bumi.

“Ryuko, I’ve known you for a very long time. And this journey will take you on twists, and turns, and forks in the road you will never expect. You will most likely be facing things you’ve kept hidden for a long time.”

I clenched my fists, knowing what he was referring to. “It’s not time for them to know,” I gritted out. Arguing with Bumi was useless, I knew that. But this deep-set feeling of shame and guilt crept into my bones every time I even thought of telling someone and made me ill. Keeping this secret had practically been verbally beaten into my being. That the only way to keep me safe was to never tell a soul who I truly am.

“For them or for you?” he said softly. I unclenched my fists and dragged my hands down my face to hide the unshed tears. Quickly, I blinked them away and uncovered my face.

“I’ll tell them,” I promised. I looked toward the large door, where my cousins and Aang stood, probably eavesdropping. “Just not yet.” Bumi nodded and stepped toward me. He clapped a hand on my shoulder and I let out a grunt of pain.

“I trust you Ryuko. Just don’t hold it in for too long.” He let out a laugh and pulled me in for a hug. Though I no longer claim anyone as a parental figure, the hug brought a feeling of comfort.

I pushed away with a smile. “I’ll Aang safe for you Bumi. I promise.”

He let out a booming laugh. “I have no doubt you’ll protect each other.” We sent each other one last smile and I left, heading towards Appa. I had no intention of finding out about Aang’s challenge to King Bumi.

Chapter Text

Ryuko POV

The forest was unnervingly quiet. There was no rustling beneath the leaves from small creatures, no buzzing from bugs, and no chirps from birds. I brushed the foliage from the path, my bow hanging limply by my side. 

I had spent a large portion of my life in the woods of the Earth Kingdom, and I knew many of them like the back of my hand. Usually, they were full of life with animals and teeming with berries and fruits but here, there was nothing. No fruits, no berries, no animals. Though I was no earthbender, I could tell when the earth wasn’t right. The forest seemed sad, and I had a strong feeling I knew the reason why.

Brushing foliage out of my way I entered our camp at the same time Sokka did. From the dejected look on his face, he didn’t find anything either.

“Great, your back!” Aang said enthusiastically. He leaped off the root he was sitting on with his airbending and sat between my cousins. “What’s for dinner?”

I sighed and collapsed onto the ground, my arm twinging in pain. Recently the pain had gotten worse with me practicing my archery.

“I got nothing,” I rubbed my arm, hoping the massaging will help with the pain.

Sokka digs through his bag. “We've got a few options. First; round nuts. And some kind of oval-shaped nuts? And some rock-shaped nuts, that might just be rocks. Dig in!” Katara, Aang, and I glanced at each other and then looked back at Sokka.

“Seriously ... what else you got?” Katara asked, unimpressed. Sokka frowned and looked like he was about to snap back when a large boom echoed through the forest.

“What was that?” Sokka shouted as another boom followed the first.

“It’s coming from over there!” Aang said as he and Katara ran toward the noises. I grabbed my bow and ran past Sokka who was still standing there.

“Shouldn’t we run away from huge booms, not towards them?” Sokka yelled, reluctantly following behind. I gave him a pointed look and he cursed under his breath, hurrying behind me.

We reach Katara and Aang who were hiding behind a fallen tree and we see a young man earthbending. He lifted a boulder and slammed it into the wall of the ravine.

“An earthbender,” Katara said in wonder.

“Let’s go meet him.” Aang excitedly said.

“He looks dangerous, so we better approach cautiously.” I nodded my head to Sokka’s statement. 

“I’m with Sokka we don't-”

“Hello there. I’m Katara. What’s your name?” She yelled, completely ignoring Sokka and me. The boy looked over in shock and ran off, bending rocks from the sides to block the way.

“Nice to meet you,” Aang yelled as we walked up to Katara.

“I just wanted to say hi,” Katara said.

“Hey, that guy’s got to be running somewhere. Maybe we’re near a village. And I bet that village has a market.” Aang said excitedly. I shifted my weight to each foot slightly worried. If there is a village nearby, it might be under the Fire Nations' control. And when someone runs away they usually want to be left alone.

“Guys I’m not sure we should-” I started but was quickly interrupted by Katara.

“Which means no nuts for dinner!” She and Aang disregarded anything I was about to say and ran to follow the boy.

“Hey, I worked hard to get those nuts.” I look behind me, raising my brow. Sokka sighed and followed reluctantly, muttering, “Yeah, I hate them too.”

When you’ve spent almost your entire life hopping from village to village you learn how to tell whether or not the Fire Nation has control. 

Some Fire Nation towns want to make it clear they have control, having guards patrol every block looking for rogue earthbenders, along with their insane ‘tax’ prices. 

This town was the opposite. 

There were no patrolling soldiers or Fire Nation flags, instead, it was the little things. Like the way the villagers gave pained smiles or the way, their eyes flicked everywhere, cautiously watching for soldiers. The high-priced items yet the poorly made clothes. The young homeless children huddled together as they waited for the older kids to come back with stolen food. The villagers always walk in pairs or a group, never alone. The cherry on top, however, was the look of hopelessness in their eyes. A hopelessness that means the soldiers had already stripped these citizens of everything they had.

I watched warily as we weaved through the village. When Katara muttered a surprise, “Hey,” and headed into a small store, I followed close behind.

When we entered the store, I saw the boy talking to an older woman I assumed was his mom.

“Hey, you’re that kid. Why did you run away before?” Katara asked. I fought the urge not to smack her head and drag her out. Instead, I stood behind her leaning against the door, watching her as she questioned the kid. The kid wasn’t really a kid. He had long brown hair in a half up half down style with a green headband along his forehead and looked to be about my age. 

“Uh, you must have me confused with some other kid.” The kid replied nervously.

Aang popped up behind me and replied, “No, she doesn’t. We saw you earthbending.” The kid and his mom gasped, quickly shutting the door and shutter. I smacked my forehead with my palm, muttering about the idiocy of Aang to say that so brazenly. 

“They saw you doing what?” The mom exclaimed to her son. 

“They’re crazy, mom. I mean, look at how they’re dressed,” the boy said, pointing at us.

“I take offense to that.” I crossed my arms offended. My black pants, long sleeve blue shirt, and black cloak weren’t traditional but surely I didn’t look that crazy.

“You know how dangerous that is. You know what would happen if they caught you earthbending,” the mom chastised.

A loud pounding and an, “Open up,” interrupted the conversation. A look of worry crossed the mom and son duo as Sokka peaked through the blinds.

“Fire Nation, act natural.” I pretended I was browsing through the vases. Unfortunately, none of the others seemed to know what “act natural means.” 

The Fire Nation soldier walked in on a very awkward scene. The kid and Sokka were both studying a singular apple whilst Katara shoved her mouth full of berries. Aang had a hand on the barrel of water as he had a big wide smile on his face. He fell through the barrel splashing water so I don’t think it worked out too well.

Through the corner of my eye, I watched the conversation. “What do you want? I’ve already paid you this week.”
“The tax just doubled. We wouldn’t want an accident, would we?” The tax collector in front conjured a ball of fire in his hands before dissipating it. “Fire is sometimes so hard to control.” I gripped hard onto the vase I was holding. It was a disgrace of him to use firebending like that. A fearful look on the woman’s face showed she was going to comply.

She brought out the money chest and gave him all he had left. He studied the coins. “You can keep the copper ones.” He threw the copper ones on the floor. I narrowed my eyes, lowering the vase back to its place. I didn’t want to break it. As the soldiers walked out, one stopped to stare at me for a moment too long. 

“May I help you?” I gritted, a sneaking suspicion of what he was going to try.

“Just admiring the merchandise.” He smiled a sickeningly atrocious smile. 

“Then I suggest–” I blocked his hand that had attempted to touch my cheek “–you look over at the oranges. They look delicious and unlike me, they’re for sale.” He took his hand back as anger overtook his features. But one look in my eyes has him backing up and leaving the store.

We all glared through the door they left through. After the door slammed shut, Sokka piped up. “Nice guy. How long has the Fire Nation been here?”

“Five years. Fire Lord Ozai uses our town’s coal mines to fuel his ships.” A dejected look flitted across her face.

“They’re thugs. They steal from us and everyone here is too much of a coward to do anything about it.” The kid crossed his arms with anger.

“Quiet Haru. Don’t talk like that,” his mom scolded. So that’s the kid's name.

“But, Haru's an earthbender? He can help!” Katara said. 

“Earthbending is forbidden. It’s caused nothing but misery for this village. He must never use his abilities.”

“How can you say that?” She questioned. “Haru has a gift. Asking him not to earthbend is like asking me not to waterbend. It’s a part of who we are.” I moved beside Katara and put a hand on her shoulder, to help her calm down a little. It seemed to have made her angrier though as she shrugged my hand off and glared at me.

“You don’t understand.” The mom enunciated as she shook her head.

“I understand that Haru can help you fight back. What can the Fire Nation do to you that they haven’t done already?” I winced at Katara’s naivety. I understand where she is coming from, but I also know from experience it could be much, much worse.

“They could take Haru away, like they took his father,” Haru’s mom exclaimed, her voice breaking a little at the end. Everyone but me looked at Haru and his mom, shock and pity on their faces. My fists were clenched by my sides, anger coursing through my veins. 

I was only half listening to Katara as she recounted her walk with Haru. An old man had a mine collapse on him and Haru used his bending to free him. While I was a bit worried, I kept the thoughts to myself. I didn’t need Katara getting mad at me anymore today and if I was in their place I would have done the same thing.

“Everyone should get some sleep. We’re leaving at dawn.” I hummed in agreement with Sokka. 

“Dawn? Can’t we sleep in for once?” I rolled my eyes at Katara’s suggestion. 

“Absolutely not. This village is crawling with Fire Nation troops. If they discover you’re here, Aang, we’ll be eating fireballs for breakfast. Good night.” Sokka turned away and pulled his blanket over his head.

“I’d rather eat fireballs than nuts.” Aang and Katara burst into laughter. 

“And I’d rather not have more family members die at the hands of the Fire Nation. So, as Sokka said, we’re leaving at dawn and good night” Aang looked at me with shock, while Katara looked angry. I simply shrugged my shoulders and lay on Appa’s tail waiting for them to fall asleep.

Red Spirit

Five soldiers in total; one in the back, one in the front, and three inside. Game plan, knock out the guy in the back, and sneak to the vault without alerting anyone. A simple, thought-out plan that can’t go wrong.

I watched carefully from the roof, waiting for the right moment. I dropped down behind the soldier and hit the pressure point between his neck and shoulders. He crumbled to the ground, not a noise was made. Tiptoeing through the building I passed three rooms before I got to my target.

“Bingo,” I muttered. Using my waterbending, I shoved a small amount of water into the lock and heard a small click. I waited a few seconds, listening for soldiers. When I didn’t hear anything I pushed open the door.

Inside was a windowless room, full of money they stole. I grabbed two large bags and hid them in my black cloak. 

Behind me, I heard a loud creak and I immediately dropped down barely missing a fire blast. I turned onto my back and kicked the soldier in the knees. He stumbled back, mumbling curses. 

“Intruder,” he called, sending another fireball in my direction. I redirected it towards the wall, cursing. Two soldiers joined the first and they sent a synchronized attack. I countered with a firewall. Before they could attack again, I took water out of my water skin, freezing it beneath their feet. Using the ice, I slid beneath one’s legs, unfreezing it when I came to a stop behind them. I bent the water around their feet and refroze it, making it so their feet can’t move. Using the momentary shock to my advantage, I hit the pressure points on their arms, chi-blocking them to stop them from bending.

Running out into the hallway I heard the rumble of others approaching. I looked around for an escape spotting stairs at the end of the hall. Okay, find a window upstairs, jump out, and lose them in the forest.

I rushed towards the end of the hallway and up the stairs barely missing fireballs being thrown at me. Rounding a corner at the top, a fireball seared through the fabric around my right shoulder. Ignoring the pain I made a firewall and pushed it forward, making them tumble down the stairs.

Bending the leftover water in my water skin I froze the glass window at the end of the hall. I spun, missing the fireballs that had been thrown. I bent backward, sending streams of fire from both my hands and my foot. The glass shattered and I stopped and pushed another firewall toward the soldiers before running out the window.

I jumped out the window, a feeling of weightlessness overcoming me. Doing one-eighty mid-air, I bent a thick sheet of water over the window. I bent backward so I landed on my hands. I flipped back onto my feet and turned back almost laughing at the poor attempts to melt the ice.

Giving them a middle finger, I fell off the building and gracefully flipped, landing on my feet. I made my way through the forest, stopping at the river to heal and wrap the injury before going back to the barn.

Ryuko

I sat on Appa’s tail as Sokka and Aang finished packing their stuff. I barely slept last night so I packed my stuff hours before they woke up. Sokka and Aang were sneaking worried looks in my direction. Neither of them was used to my strange sleep schedule. Awake when they fall asleep, awake when they wake up.

Sighing, I grabbed an apple from my pouch and flopped back on Appa’s tail. He grumbled and I hummed, closing my eyes.

“They took him! They took Haru away.” Katara burst into the barn, her voice loud. My eyes flew open and I sat up, eyes wide. 

“The old man turned him into the Fire Nation. It’s all my fault. I forced him into earthbending,” she rambled. I could barely hear her through her shaky voice and tears.

“Slow down, Katara. When did this happen?” Sokka immediately walked forward to comfort his frantic sister.

“Haru’s mother said they came for him at midnight.” I almost dropped my apple when she said that. I was out at midnight. I could have stopped this from happening. I subtly shook my head, stomping down the guilt. I was not at fault for this. You can’t stop something you didn’t know was going to happen. 

“Then it’s too late to track him. He’s long gone.” Sokka looked out the barn door with a hint of sadness.

“We don’t need to track him,” Katara said determinedly as she turned to look outside. “The Fire Nation is going to take me right to Haru.” My heart felt like it stopped. My veins felt ice cold as I remembered my mother, as I remembered the past of our ancestors. 

“And why would they do that?” Aang asked, a bit confused.

“Because they’re going to arrest me for earthbending.” 

“No,” I said, not able to stop myself. “No, absolutely not.” My heart was pounding and my hands were sweating and all I could remember was that day, six years ago when Katara’s mom and my mom sacrificed themselves for us so we could live.

“What do you mean no?” Katara questioned, taken aback by my reaction. “We have to help him, he’s in danger.”

I clenched and unclenched my hands attempting to ground myself. “All you’ll do is put yourself in danger Katara, we can’t risk that.”

“Why not? We could do some real change here, maybe get rid of the Fire Nation in this village altogether.”

Smoke filled my nostrils. How could I tell her it was because I was afraid? That I couldn’t risk losing another member of our family? How could I explain to them that their older, badass cousin that they’ve looked up to all their life was deathly afraid of losing them? How could I tell them the atrocities I’ve seen the Fire Nation do without them ending up like… Like me?

I could explain this to them. I could explain to them everything I’ve seen, I could tell them my secrets, I could tell them my fears. But I don’t. Because that would reveal far, far too much of myself to them, I’m not ready to see the disappointment in their eyes when they realize I’m not who they think I am.

“Because I said so, Katara,” I said instead. I turned around signaling the conversation was over.

“Right, of course! Just turn around like what you say is the final word around here,” Katara yelled. 

I gritted my teeth and took a deep breath, grabbing my satchel. Turning around to face Katara I said, “Because, in this situation, it is.”

Katara snorted. “Why? Because you’re older? Because you’re ‘more mature?’” 

I licked my lips, opened my mouth, then closed it. Nothing I would say would convince her to not do this. She’s too damn stubborn, too damn kind, and too much like my younger self. 

“Fine,” I bit out. “If you want to do this suicide mission, you can do it on your own. I’ll take no part in it.” Hurt flashed in her eyes but her jaw set determinedly. 

After Katara and I’s argument I left. I didn’t want to know or be a part of this plan.

Or was it because you wouldn’t be able to stand watching her get taken by the Fire Nation?

Carrying a box of fruits, I grunted shouldering my way into Haru’s mom's shop ignoring the voice in my head. With the others helping Katara with getting arrested, I decided I would help out the village by delivering boxes. I walked to the back and set the box down to find Haru’s mom holding in tears as she went over the checkbook.

She looked up and tried to smile but it fell short when tears streamed down her cheeks.

“This is all my fault,” she collapsed onto the ground, sobs wracking her body. I rushed over as she covered her face. “I should’ve kept a closer eye on him, maybe if I did he wouldn’t be gone.” I knelt down and gently pried her hands from her face.

“Hey, this is not your fault.” Disbelief showed through her eyes.

“How is this not my fault? if I had-if I had been stricter maybe he wouldn’t have been taken.” She stumbled over her words and I pulled her close, hugging her as she sobbed.

“This is not your fault. The only ones who are at fault are the Fire Nation soldiers who took away a teenage boy after he saved anothers' life.” I pulled her face away from my shoulder so she could look me in the eyes. “Katara may not know much about the outside world but she was right about one thing. When you’re a bender there is virtually nothing you can do to stop them from bending. It wouldn’t have mattered how strict you were or what punishments you dolled out, he never would have stopped.” She shook her head and pushed herself back into my shoulder as she sobbed from the loss of her son.

After the crying session, I helped out a bit more by bringing in a few more boxes. One might have held a little bit more than fruits but she wouldn’t know that until I disappeared.

I waved goodbye to Haru’s mom and headed out of the shop. As I walked through the village my mind refused to turn off. My worry for Katara was sky-high. So much could happen while she was arrested. What if they hurt her? What if they find out she’s traveling with the Avatar? What if… What if they find out she’s a waterbender? A shiver went up my spine. I’ve heard the rumors about what the Fire Nation did to Southern Water Tribe waterbenders when they kidnapped them.

I groaned and ducked into a nearby alley, scooping up a few small stones. Who was I fooling? Of course, I was going to help Katara in some way. 

Opening my waterskin, I bent the water out and coated the stones in a very thin layer of ice. I bent the rest of the water away and took a deep breath: show time and test time. 

A group of six guards passed the alleyway and I took my chance. I slipped from around the corner, concentrating on the ice around the rock. It floated in the air and straight into the head of one of the soldiers. He yelped, turning around to be met with my little smirk and the other stones floating in the air. When the soldier yelled, alerting the other soldiers I bolted.

I ran through the market barely dodging the stands and people. Sneaking a look behind I saw four soldiers struggling to catch up with me. Looking up ahead, I saw two carts, a cabbage, and a fruit cart. Looking to the left I saw a table and ran toward it. I jumped on it, using my momentum and height to push above the carts. I landed on my feet stumbling a bit. When I glanced up I saw two soldiers with their spears pointed toward me. Before I could even think of fighting them off, I winced at the crash of carts and a man yelling, “My cabbages!”

Taking a look behind me the soldiers following me pointed their spears at me as well. The fruit and cabbage carts were destroyed in their attempt to catch me. Guilt coiled in my stomach but I quickly tamped it down. 

Sending the scowling guards a smirk I raised my hands. “Well, you caught me.”

Katara was shocked to find me being loaded into the cart with her. She stared at me, curiosity burning in her eyes. I subtly shook my head and her mouth clamped shut.

After a decently long journey on a ship, we’re forced off the ship and into a line in front of the Warden. The Warden went into a very long speech about us being “guests” and not prisoners while calling earthbending a “brutish savagery.” My blood boiled at him disrespecting such a beautiful form of bending, but instead of drowning him like I so desperately wanted to, I kept my mouth shut.

Katara and I watched the last door shut effectively trapping us on the ship. I observed the deck filled with earthbenders, noticing the drooping heads and looks of hopelessness.

 “Katara?” I looked over at the voice and realized it was Haru.

“Haru.” She exclaimed as she ran over to hug him. I followed close behind, eyeing the guard placements. 

“What are you doing here?” he asked.

“It’s my fault you were captured,” Katara said. “I came to rescue you.”

“So you got yourself arrested?” Haru asked incredulously. 

“It was the only way to find you.”

He crossed his arms and nodded his head. “You’ve got guts, Katara. I’ll give you that. Come on, there’s someone I want you to meet.” I trailed behind as he guided us to a group of men pointing to one in particular.

“Katara, Ryuko, this is my father, Tyro. Dad, this is Katara and Ryuko.” I nodded my head hello. 

“It’s an honor to meet you,” Katara said, bowing slightly.

“Have some dinner, Katara, Ryuko.” He handed us a bowl of some slimy white stuff. I sat down, wrinkling my nose at the bowl. Katara took initiative, took a bite, and made a disgusted sound.

“It’s still pretty bad, though,” he said, smiling. I sat down and put my bowl down, pushing it away from me.

“Tyro,” a man came up behind him. “The prisoners are complaining there aren't enough blankets to go around.”

“I’ll talk to the guards. In the meantime, make sure the elderly are taken care of. The rest of us will simply have to hope for warmer weather.” Tyro responded. Watching the interaction it was clear Tyro was the main person in charge. It was very easy to see where Haru got his headstrong and caring nature from.

“If you don’t mind me asking, what’s your escape plan?” Katara asked. Oh, this should be an interesting conversation.

“Excuse me?” Tyro responded a little shocked.

“You know, the plan to get everyone off the rig? What is it? Mutiny, sabotage?” she continued. I watched warily, flicking my gaze between the shocked Tyro and excited Katara. 

“The plan? The plan is to survive, wait out this war, and hope that one day some of us can get back home and forget this ever happened.” Tyro looked out at the others sadly.

“How can you say that? You sound like you’ve already given up.” Katara said in disbelief.
“Katara,” I whispered sharply. She ignored me, staring at Tyro raptly for his response.

“Katara, I admire your courage, and I envy your youth. But people’s lives are at stake here. The warden is a ruthless man, and he won’t stand for any rebellion. I’m sorry, but we’re powerless.” My jaw set. I understood where he was coming from. The earthbenders on this ship have been beaten, burned, starved, and put in solitary the moment they did something wrong in these soldiers’ eyes. And it wasn’t a question or a probability, it’s a fact. The Fire Nation was cruel in its tactics to keep people under their thumb. But losing hope and thinking you were powerless just fed into their hands.

Katara, seemingly thinking something similar, stood up determinedly. “We’ll see about that.” She stalked forward grabbing a pot lid and spoon. She jumped onto a table and banged the lid and spoon together to grab their attention.

“Earthbenders! You don’t know me, but I know of you. Every child in my water tribe village was rocked to sleep with stories of the brave Earth Kingdom and the courageous earthbender who guards its borders. Some of you may think that the Fire Nation has made you powerless. Yes, they have taken away your ability to bend, but they can’t take away your courage. And it is your courage they should truly fear because it runs deeper than any mine you’ve been forced to dig, any ocean that keeps you far from home. It is the strength of your hearts that makes you who you are, hearts that will remain unbroken when all rock and stone has eroded away. The time to fight back is now! I can tell you that the Avatar has returned! So remember your courage, earthbenders. Let us fight for our freedom.” Katara was panting and smiling by the time she finished her speech. I watched her happy face sadden as the earthbenders grumbled and returned to their food. Our eyes met and I shrugged helplessly. 

Though the speech was good and it might plant seeds of rebellion, these people needed something tangible. Something definitive that will defeat these soldiers without any chance of being hurt.

Aang, Katara, and I snuck through the shadows of the rig. We made it to the edge seeing Sokka on Appa.

“Your twelve hours are up. Where is Haru? We’ve gotta get out of here!” Sokka said.  Aang and I squeezed through the metal spikes at the edge and got on Appa. I took off the brown cotton fabric, signifying I was a prisoner, and put my black cloak back on.

“I can’t.” I looked up, in slight shock at Katara’s refusal.

“We don’t have much time, there are guards everywhere. Get on,” Sokka urged as he held his hand out. Katara’s eyes flitted between Appa and the rig.

“Katara, what’s wrong?” Aang asked, noticing her hesitation.

“I’m not leaving. I’m not giving up on these people.”

After Katara’s statement, we moved to a more open but dark area.

“What do you mean, you’re not leaving?” Sokka whisper yelled.

“We can’t abandon these people. There has to be a way to help them.” I shook my head at Katara for what felt like the thousandth time.

“We can’t help people that don’t want to be helped, Katara. We have to think of the big picture.” I told her.

“And that means forgetting these people and leaving them behind?” She questioned, anger laced in her tone.

“Yes!” I exclaimed. “Yes, it does. If you’re forgetting, we need Aang to get to the North Pole. That can’t happen if he gets captured and sent to the Fire Nation.” I retaliated. 

Aang looked between us trying to choose a side. At the end, Aang chose Katara. “Maybe Katara’s right. What do you say, Sokka?”

“I say you’re both crazy.” We ducked under an overpassing light. “Last chance, we need to leave now.”

“No,” Katara said, refusing to see logic.

“I hate when you get like this,” he paused, looking at the light tower. “Come on, we better hide.” Katara and Sokka go to find a hiding place, completely ignoring the fact that I didn’t agree. I headed towards Appa wondering why I must be related to such headstrong cousins.

Aang grabbed my wrist, forcing me to look into his gray eyes, pleading for me to stay and help. I tugged on my wrist for him to let go and climbed on Appa. Going through my bag I strapped my swords to my back. I jumped off and Aang smiled happily as he whispered into Appa’s ear, telling him to go. I watched the fluff creature fly away, leaving me behind.

“This better be worth it,” I mumbled to myself as I followed Aang to whatever hiding place Sokka and Katara had found. 

We hid around a bunch of crates trying to figure out some sort of a plan.

“We don’t have much time. What are we going to do?” Sokka questioned.

“I wish I knew how to make a hurricane,” Aang said. We stared at him with dead looks on our faces.

“The warden would run away, and we would steal his keys,” he elaborated excitedly.

“Wouldn’t he just take his keys with him?” Sokka replied.

“I’m just tossing ideas around.” I patted Aang on the back letting him know it was worth the try.

“I tried talking the earthbenders into fighting back, but it didn’t work. If only there was just a way to help them help themselves.”

“For that, they'd need some kind of earth or some rock. Something they can bend,” Sokka replied to Katara. I looked towards the smoke-filled sky, wishing that I was not there.

“But this entire place is made of metal.” I kept looking at the skies, something nagging me about the smoke. Wait…

“No, it’s not. Look at the smoke.” Aang said, beating me to the realization. “I bet they’re burning coal. In other words, earth.”

“This better work, I refuse to go to a Fire Nation prison,” I said as we stood over a vent.

“It’s almost dawn, we’re running out of time. You sure this is gonna work?” Katara asked. Sokka nodded his head and explained the plan.

“It should. These vents remind me of our little trick back at the village. We’re gonna do the same thing but on a much bigger scale. There’s a huge deposit of coal at the base of this island and the whole system is ventilated. Aang closed off all vents except one. When he does his airbending, the coal only has one place to go. Right back here.” I nodded my head to Sokka’s well-thought-out plan.

“You know, sometimes I forget you’re actually smart.” He looked at me with a sour expression.

“Thank you, Ryuko. That’s so kind of you to say,” he said with a heavy tone of sarcasm. 

I matched the energy with a sweet smile on my face. “You’re welcome.”

“There’s the intruder!” A guard yelled from behind us. All three of us got up and went back to back as soldiers circled us.

“Stay back. I’m warning you,” Sokka said, pulling out his boomerang. I couldn’t help but roll my eyes.

“Yeah, like they’re going to be afraid of three teenagers,” I snarked.

“Not the time for your commentary, Ryo,” Sokka grumbled back, eyeing the spears that the guards pointed at us.

“Katara, Ryuko, stop. You can’t win this fight.” Tyro yelled.

“Listen to him well, child. You’re one mistake away from dying where you stand.” The warden said to Katara. I narrowed my eyes. I know this hog monkey-looking man did not just threaten my baby cousin. Sokka, seeming to have noticed my anger rising, grabbed my forearm to stop me. He shook his head signaling for me to wait a bit longer.

As the soldiers surrounding us started to advance, I drew out my swords, ready for battle. A loud rumble came from the vent as coal erupted from it. Aang jumped out a moment later covered in black soot. Katara jumped onto the pile of coal in an attempt to encourage the earthbenders.

“Here’s your chance, earthbenders. Take it. Your fate is in your own hands,” she cried desperately. Haru tried to come forward but his dad stopped him. Many of the prisoners stepped back from the coal as if they were afraid of it.

The wardens boomed across the rig. “Foolish girl. You thought a few inspirational words and some coal would change some people? Look at these blank hopeless faces. Their spirits were broken a long time ago. Oh, but you still believed in them, how sweet. They’re a waste of your energy, little girl. You failed.”

The warden stalked off believing I was going down without a fight. Before I could make a move, a piece of coal hit the back of his head. Looking behind me, I saw a smirking Haru twirling three pieces of coal in his hand.

The warden turned around and sent a fire stream, which got stopped by a wall of coal by Haru’s dad.

“Show no mercy!” The warden shouted as he and his men sent fire streams toward us. Tyro and a few others block the fire with a big coal wall.

They lifted the earth and yell, “For the Earth Kingdom, attack.” Pelting the coal at the firebenders. With that, the battle began.

I ran forward, dodging, slashing, cutting, and stabbing the soldiers. Blood sprayed onto me as I cut one's neck and kicked him into the water. A smile crept onto my face, the thrill of battle settling into my bones.

I ducked from a fire blast and kicked the soldier in the stomach, sending him stumbling back. A soldier came from the left with a spear. I lept to the right barely dodging a blast of fire aimed at my head and watched as it hit his friend. He screamed in pain and dropped the spear, holding his arm as he cried in pain. I took no mercy as I shoved my sword into his chest.

The soldier who sent the fire blast to his friend seemed to have recovered as he yelled and sent a barrage of fire my way. I ripped my sword out of the soldier and ducked behind him, using him as a shield.

I squeezed my eyes shut, feeling the flames, smoke, and burning flesh surround me. My chest started to pinch and my breathing became labored.

No. Not now, not here.

I pinched myself hard, using the pain to keep me in the present. The heat from the flames died down and I grabbed my knife from my belt. I spun from behind the smoking husk of a soldier and threw the knife into the soldier’s eyes. He screamed in pain and I leaped over the soldier's husk, digging both my swords into the soldier’s stomach. The soldier gurgled and ripped my swords out of him, watching as he fell and the blood pooled out his body.

I sighed and surveyed the rest of the rig. The soldiers seemed to have dwindled to the very few the earthbenders were handling. Many of the people had made their way onto the ships to leave, including Aang and my cousins as they ran towards them. 

I sheathed my swords and grabbed the knife out of the dead soldier's eyeball. 

I met up with my cousins and Aang as he made a kind of air chute. He yelled for some coal and we put some at the top. It ran down the funnel and shot the warden and his soldiers. My cousins, Aang, and I left the rig as Tyro took care of the soldiers and warden.

We panted as we made it onto the ship. “Is everyone okay?” I asked, scanning over the others. When I got to their faces, I saw three panicked faces. “What?”

“You have a little,” Sokka gestured to the right side of his face. “A little–”

“Blood, you have blood on your face,” Katara said a little panicked. She opened her waterskin, poured some water onto a handkerchief, and shoved it into my hands.

“Oh,” I said. “Thanks, and there’s no need to panic, the blood isn’t mine.” I wiped what I hoped was most of the blood on my face and handed the handkerchief back to Katara.

Aang looked at me a little green, and asked hesitantly, “Ryuko did you,” he paused, taking a deep breath. “Did you kill someone?” The last was in a whisper I could barely hear. 

“Yes,” I said suspiciously. “I did. Why?” With confirmation, I watched three different facial expressions. 

Aang was a little green with a mix of shock and disgust, Katara’s eyes were wide with her mouth in a little o, and Sokka flickered between awe, concern, and shock.

After a minute of all of us staring at each other, Haru called Katara over and broke the spell. While they looked in Haru's direction I slipped away onto Appa.
Crossing the waves on Appa, I wrote about what had happened so far. When I was little my parents would document their travels. They didn’t want to forget a thing. After they died and I started to forget the little things they did I decided to continue the tradition.

So I wrote. I wrote about finding the Avatar, meeting General Iroh and Prince Zuko, Kyoshi Island, and the villages. 

I looked over to the ship Katara was on to see her waving her arms around. I wondered why for a moment but decided she would tell us if it was important. 

Chapter Text

Ryuko POV

“Those clouds look so soft, don’t they?” Katara said dreamily while laying on her stomach. “Like you could just jump down and you’d land in a big, soft, cottony heap.”

“Maybe you should give it a try,” Sokka said sarcastically.

Even though I can’t see her face, I know she’s rolling her eyes. “You’re hilarious.”

I hummed from my spot at the back of the saddle. After taking some seasickness meds for the nausea, I felt well enough to do some overdue cleaning and polishing of my swords.

“I’ll try it,” Aang yelled enthusiastically.

“You're going to be disappointed,” I said. “Clouds are just made up of,” I looked up sighing when I realized Aang had already jumped off Appa. Katara and Sokka were leaning off the edge of the saddle and I went back to my polishing. A minute later, Aang flew up next to me, soaking wet. “Turns out, clouds are made of water.” He slammed his two fists together, drying himself off.

“Hey, what is that?” Katara questioned. I glanced at Katara, noticing her furrowed brows as she looked over the saddle. Sokka craned his forward to see where Katara was looking and his eyes went wide.

Setting aside my sword and polish, I moved closer to the edge and peered at the ground. A chill went down my spine as I stared at the sight. A large black spot sprawled for what looked like miles in the middle of lush forest.

“It’s like a scar,” Sokka said. 

I gripped my left arm tightly as he said that, having an inkling of who had caused this.

Down on the ground, the scene was even more desolate and depressing than in the sky. There wasn’t a constant chatter of animals, no whistling from the wind dancing through the trees. Instead the beautiful forest was reduced to nothing but a black stumps and ash.

“Listen. It's so quiet. There's no life anywhere,” Sokka said. 

I followed behind them attempting to ignore the thoughts that were pushing through that carefully closed box. The box I had crafted when I was a young girl to keep me from losing control. Carefully tucking away my emotions until nothing but sarcasm and anger and a tinge of hatred was left. What or who that hatred was directed towards I had know idea.

“Aang, are you okay?” I barely held back the scoff that emerged from Katara’s question. No Katara he isn’t ok, they came and destroyed this forest just like they destroyed his home. Just like they burned everything that is wonderful and beautiful. I wanted to scream that from high in the sky, to let out my frustration with this entire situation. But like always I held it in. 

“Fire Nation! Those evil savages make me sick! They have no respect for-'' I elbowed Sokka in the ribs.

“Ow,” he hissed, rubbing his side. “What? Am I not allowed to be angry?” 

“Of course you can be, but look at him,” I pointed to Aang. He was on his knees slumped over the ground with tears glittering in his eyes.

Picking up some ash, he sifted it through his fingers, watching it fall back into the black ground. “Why would anyone do this?” he whispered just loud enough for us to hear. “How could I let this happen?”

“Aang, you didn't let this happen. It has nothing to do with you,” Katara reassured him.

“Yes, it does. It's the Avatar's job to protect nature. But I don't know how to do my job,” a tear fell from his eyes and splashed into the ground.

“Did you do this then?” I asked calmly. Sokka took a sharp intake of breath, Katara whirled away from Aang, and Aang… Aang just stared at me, confused. I stalked forward pushing Katara aside when she stepped in front of me. Crouching to the ground, I grabbed a fistful of ash and dirt. 

“Did you send an army of hundreds to burn this forest because you couldn’t stand its beauty?” We stared into each other’s eyes. Mine into his gray eyes and his into my blue and gold ones.

“N-no but–”

“Then it’s not your fault,” I stated plainly. Aang shuddered and looked down. I let the ash fall from my hands and brushed my hands off on my pants. 

Taking Aang’s chin I tilted his head up. “You have enough on your shoulders, Aang. Do not place this guilt on your shoulders when it is not yours to bear.” I dropped his chin and stood up, backing up until I had taken my place next to Sokka again. Sokka looked at me quizzically and Katara just frowned before turning back to Aang.

“That's why we're going to the North Pole. To find you a teacher,” Katara said softly to Aang.

“Yeah. A waterbending teacher. But there's no one who can teach me how to be the Avatar. Monk Gyatso said that Avatar Roku would help me.”

“The Avatar before you?” Sokka asked? “He died over a hundred years ago; how are you supposed to talk to him?”

“I don’t know,” Aang glumly said as Momo settled in his lap. For a few minutes we were silent. There was nothing much we could do for Aang at this moment. None of us knew much about the Avatar other than the limited knowledge we knew from stories and legends. I frowned to myself and kicked some of the ash at my feet. Thinking of stories and legends simply reminded myself that I didn’t have any.

Sure I knew a few from my Water Tribe and Fire Nation side, and I knew a ton from the Earth Kingdom, but I didn’t know any about people like me. Ones who could bend two elements and not be the Avatar. I’d only heard of one story and it wasn’t even a story, it was more like a rumor.

A few people from the outskirts of the Earth Kingdom said that during Avatar Kyoshi’s era there was a mysterious person in a red mask who bent earth and air. I’ve never put much stock in the story, it always seemed too preposterous.

Something hard hit my head bringing me back to reality. I looked down to see what hit me and picked up a small acorn. I scowled, looking up to see both my cousins trying to contain their laughter. The corner of my mouth turned ever so slightly as I threw it towards Sokka’s head. Not seeing it coming it pings off his head as he rubs the spot.

“Seriously? What is it, throw acorns at your relative day?” he rubs the spot frowning. “The same spot too,” he mumbled under his breath. Katara rolled her eyes and crouched when she reached Aang up ahead.

“These acorns are everywhere, Aang. That means the forest will grow back! Every one of these will be a tall oak tree someday, and all the birds and animals that lived here will come back,” Katara closed his hand around an acorn that she placed in his palm.

A warm smile replaced the old frown as he thanked her. Unknown to me, seeing this sweet reaction brought a small smile to my own face. Unfortunately it didn’t last long. An old man approached us with a shocked face.

“Hey, who are you?” Sokka asked. I took a place behind my Katara and Aang, eyeing the old man carefully. We had no idea what side of this wretched war he was on and I wasn’t taking any chances.

“When I saw the flying bison, I thought it was impossible!” The old man ambled forward with his cane, stopping just before our small group. “But, those markings... are you the Avatar, child?” Studying the old man I noticed his eyes were a little frantic with a big dose of hopefulness. I placed a hand on Aangs shoulder signaling the okay to tell.

Aang nodded his head and a breath of relief came from the man. “My village desperately needs your help!” The four of us glanced at each, silently deciding what we should do.

Katara, Sokka, and Aang nodded to each. They all look at me wondering what my answer is. I sighed and waved them forward knowing there was no point in arguing.

Zuko POV

I growled as another branch hit me in the face. “Uncle!” I yelled, pushing back a prickly brown branch. “It's time to leave! Where are you? Uncle Iroh!”

“Over here!” I walked towards the muffled sound finally spotting my Uncle. I huffed when I realized the reason he was taking so long was to relax in a hot spring.

“Uncle, we need to move on. We're closing in on the Avatar's trail and I don't want to lose him.”

“You look tired, Prince Zuko. Why don't you join me in these hot springs and soak away your troubles?”

“My troubles cannot be soaked away. It's time to go!” I yelled. We’re so close to the Avatar and his group of rookie fighters. After I defeat them I’ll deliver the Avatar and his friends to my father and be welcomed back as a hero.

“You should take your teacher's advice and relax a little. The temperature's just right. I heated it myself,” he exhaled steam through his nose, heating the water up more. 

“Enough! We need to leave now. Get out of the water!” What was my uncle’s obsession with getting me to relax? I can’t relax until the Avatar is secured on my ship traveling to the Fire Nation.

“Very well,” he said, standing up. I shielded my eyes. I did not need to see that.

“On second thought, why don't you take another few minutes? But be back at the ship in a half-hour or I'm leaving without you!”

“Uncle! Uncle, where are you?”  I found myself yelling once again. It had been over thirty minutes since I’d told him to come back to the ship and he still wasn't there. I moved the branches that obscured the hot spring from view to find no one there.

“Sir, maybe he thought you left without him,” I shook my head at the soldier's question. No, my uncle knows I would never leave him behind, something else happened. Something was off.

I walked forward to a bunch of rocks that were strangely placed. “Something's not right here. That pile of rocks.”
“It looks like there's been a landslide, sir.” I scowled at the soldiers' observation.

“Land doesn't slide uphill. Those rocks didn't move naturally,” I stood up realizing what had most likely transpired. “My uncle's been captured by earthbenders!” I turned back to the two soldiers', heat radiating off of me. 

“Back to the ship and prepare me a rhino.”

Ryuko POV

“What happened here?” I mumbled to myself. As we walked through the center of the village. On either side of us were–what I assumed to be buildings–crushed to rubble. At the end of the street was a large undestroyed building.

As we entered the building the man who introduced himself as Kay-fon, introduced Aang to the other villagers.

“This young person is the Avatar!” Kay-fon exclaimed.

One of the villagers walks greeting Aang. “So, the rumors of your return are true! It is the greatest honor of a lifetime to be in your presence.”

“Nice to meet you too! So ... is there something I can help you with?” Aang asked.

“I'm not sure …” The villager eyed Aang, a little reluctant to believe he could help. Not that I blamed him. I myself kinda doubted that this fun loving, scrawny twelve year old could defeat the vicious Fire Lord, but the world loves to throw curveballs.

“Our village is in crisis, he's our only hope!” The old man exclaimed. He turned to Aang and explained the situation. “For the last few days at sunset, a spirit monster comes and attacks our village. He is Hei Bai, the black and white spirit.”

“Why is it attacking you?” Sokka asked.

“We do not know,” The villager responded. “But each of the last three nights, he has abducted one of our own. We are especially fearful because the Winter Solstice draws near.” The wretched Winter Solstice. One of the few times a year that the natural world and Spirit world are aligned. Sometimes it’s beautiful and sometimes it’s beautifully destructive.

I ignored most of the conversation, their mutterings uninteresting. Leaving the conversation, I made my way to a window overlooking the rest of the village. Closing my eyes I took a deep breath of the chilled air. It was starting to cool, signaling that night was coming soon.

Night was probably my favorite time of day, especially when I was out at sea. I closed my eyes and imagined I was back on my boat, the sea gently rocking me as it sprayed cold water that nipped my nose. The gentle sound of the wind blowing through my ponytail. And last, but not least, my favorite part, the night sky. The twinkling of the stars against its dark blue background, and the moon, in whatever phase it was. It was the only time I felt myself and connected to my parents. 

I continued to stare out the window, letting my mind run wild as my cousins and Aang approached. It’s only when I feel three pairs of eyes burning into my skull that I acknowledge them.

“Yes?” I questioned, turning towards them and raising a brow.

“Well, do you know anything that could help Aang?” Sokka asked. It takes a moment to reaffirm my grip on reality to realize why they’re questioning me.

“Why would I know anything that would help Aang?” I scowled, what do they think I know about spirits or something?

Sokka sighed exasperatedly. “Because you’re a nerd, duh. Your nose is always in those journals. Maybe there’s something in there that can help Aang.” I rolled my eyes at Sokka’s assessment. Spirits he’s making it sound like being a nerd is a bad thing.

I looked towards Aang, his gray eyes filled with hope. It made me feel bad that I had to squash that hope like a bug.

Shaking my head, I knew their hopeful smiles fell. “Sorry guys, there’s nothing in those journals that can help.”

“So ... Can you help these people?” Katara asked Aang.

“I have to try, don't I? Maybe whatever I have to do will just ... come to me.” A small smile took over his face as Momo jumped on his shoulder.

Katara sent a reassuring smile towards Aang. “I think you can do it, Aang.”

“Yeah,” Sokka said, a brief pause ensuing. “We're all going to get eaten by a spirit monster.”

I nodded my head in agreement as a delicious smell wafted through the building. “Yeah, you guys are definitely going to get eaten by a spirit monster.”

He started to nod his head in agreement until he realized my wording. “Hey what do you mean we’re-”

“Would love to continue this conversation, but they’re about to serve dinner and I am starving.” I waved my hand as I walked off towards the table. Is that meat I smell?

“This isn't right. We can't sit here and cower while Aang waits for some monster to show up,” Sokka fumed.

It was around sunset and while my cousins watched out the window worriedly I sat on the ground enjoying a bowl of pork soup.

Kay-Fon tried to reassure my cousin. “If anyone can save us, he can.”

“He still shouldn't have to face this alone.” Sokka frowned in worry. 

“The Avatar's methods are ... unusual,” one of the villagers said.

“It doesn't seem too interested in what he's saying. Maybe we should go help him.” 

“If you want to be eaten by Hei Bai, Sokka, be my guest. Just means more meat for me,” I remarked. Katara shot me a glare and I shrugged back. I know Sokka wouldn’t do anything that stupid. The spoon I was holding paused as all the stupid shit Sokka had done flashed through my mind. As I finished my spoonful of soup Sokka had grabbed his club and ran out the building.

I sighed, and gently set down my soup and grabbed my bow and arrow instead of my swords. 

“Sokka,” Katara yelled as we both ran forward. A villager stopped us telling us it wasn’t safe but I yanked my arm out of his grip and punched his diaphragm. Leaving the villager wheezing, I ran outside, bow and arrow ready. I looked around for the spirit but it was gone. With no sign of Sokka or Aang.

My chest constricted. He was gone.

“Sokka!” Katara yelled, finally breaking free of the villages. She whirled around, looking for any sign of Sokka.

“Ryuko, where did he go?” she cried. Katara’s eyes were red and glassy with tears. 

I took a shuddering breath and looked away, towards the direction Hei Bai went. “Gone.”

Zuko POV

“The Avatar!” The creature that carried him and his friends flew over my head. I glanced between the creature and the path debating which decision to make. Should I follow the Avatar, or get my uncle back?

Out of nowhere an arrow whizzed past, barely missing my right ear. Immediately I shot a fireball into the bushes the arrow came from. I heard a yelp as a brown haired girl stumbled out of the bushes cursing.

“Well that was a close one,” the girl mumbled, eyeing the scorched ground behind her. When our eyes collided my mouth opened in shock. The blue and gold eyed girl smirked and leaned on her bow.

“Well isn’t this a happy coincidence?” The word happy enunciated to add to the sarcastic statement. Her mouth raised even more as she took in my surprised expression. I pulled the shock away from my face and sneered at her.

“What are you doing here?” To be honest I couldn’t believe the fact that I had run into the girl who barged into Admiral Zhao’s tent.

“Traveling, duh.” My one eyebrow raises, eyeing the arrow she had shot at a few moments earlier. 

“And that requires shooting arrows at random people?”

“Sorry about that, thought you were someone threatening.” Though she tried to hide it, there was a lilt of laughter in her voice. I, however, did not find it funny.

“I’ll show you someone threatening,” I growled. Letting go of the reins of my rhino, my hands go up prepared to make two fireballs. Before I could do so, she interrupted me by putting her hands up.

“Geez Flamey, calm down. I said I was sorry.” We both brought our hands down and she leaned on her bow.

A silence lulled between the two of us, neither knowing what to say. I took this time to study her as something wasn’t sitting right with me. Her outfit was very similar to the one she wore on the ship; black pants and black boots. Though it looked like she traded her maroon long sleeve for a blue one.

While I found this conversation amusing, it has now taken a turn towards boring,” Ateera turned around and waved as started to leave. 

“Wait,” I yell. While I had a feeling that she was lying about traveling, she still might’ve seen the Avatar.

“What?” Ateera asked as she turned back towards me.

“Have you seen the Avatar in the area? Or a fluffy giant creature that can fly?” Shock flashed across her face for a moment before turning into a sly smile.

She shrugged nonchalantly as she picked at her bow. “Maybe I have, maybe I haven’t. What’s it to you?” With the glint in her eye and a sly smile, I knew what she was asking for.

“I don’t have time for this,” I shouted. I shot a flame at the ground right by her. “Either tell me what you know or that spot will be you.” I could’ve sworn her posture tenses but she relaxed so quickly that I couldn’t be sure.

“Wow what a threat, glad to know I was wrong,” she said mockingly. “Sorry to disappoint you but he isn’t here.”

I peeked back at the path. I needed to finish this conversation to find my uncle. Realizing I wasn’t going to get anywhere with threats, I begrudgingly threw her a small sack of money.

Catching it easily, she jiggled the pouch, the metal coins clacking together. She shot me a sickly sweet smile. “Sounds like there’s gold in here. You’ve really helped me out.” She turned around and waved, “Bye Flamey.”

My face reddened, “I thought you had information on the Avatar!”

She turned back around and inhaled a sharp breath. “I don’t recall saying that I did,” she threw the sack in the air catching it in the other hand. “Well thanks for the money, much appreciated. See you later.” She darted into the forest leaving me speechless and questions. Did I just get swindled?

I kicked away the rock the earthbenders were going to use to crush his hands and break his chain with my boot.

“Excellent form, Prince Zuko,” he compliments.

“You taught me well.” We went back to back while the earthbending soldiers surrounded us. “Surrender yourselves. It's five against two. You're clearly outnumbered.”

My uncle smirked as he said that. “Yeah, that's true, but you are clearly outmatched.”

Before two of the soldiers could send some rocks, I knocked them down with two firebending kicks. I turned around to see a big rock coming towards me but Uncle Iroh wrapped one of his chains around it. He spun around and let go, the boulder crashing into two earthbenders.

The last earthbender sent three boulders that I swiftly dodged. I sent a kick towards his feet that he dodged. He stopped the two other firepunches I sent with his helmet. 

The blood from my face drains as I watch the earthbender bend a ton of rocks to bury me. Thankfully my uncle thought quickly. He wrapped the chains from his arms around the bender's feet and pulled the earthbender down, making the rocks he was controlling to fall.

Uncle and I stood together over the groaning earthbenders. I put a hand on his shoulder, small smiles on our faces. 

“Now would you please put on some clothes?”

Ryuko POV

“I can’t see anything,” I muttered, trying to peek around the gathering that had occurred at the window. 

After my conversation with Flamey I came back to find that Aang had magically reappeared. Now it was dusk and he was waiting for the spirit Hei Bai. Unfortunately I wasn't able to see or really hear anything because; a) I was short, and b) they were very loud.

All of a sudden everybody moved from the window to the door, almost trampling me. Once everybody moved, I strolled to the window to look out. At the entrance of the village bamboo sprouted and Sokka and the other villagers walked out dazed.

In a flash, I jumped out the window and zoomed to my cousin, beating everyone else. Once I got closer I jumped to hug him, almost tackling him to the ground. I let him go a moment later and checked for injuries. Thankfully he had none, for now.

My smile of seeing him safe faded into a scowl. I punched his arm. “What were you thinking?”

He yelped and soothed the spot on his arm. “Hey what was that for?” 

I put my hands on my hips and glared. “I was joking when I said go get eaten by the spirit, I didn’t mean literally.”

“Actually,” he put his index finger up in the air as if to correct me. “I was kidnapped, not eaten. There's a difference.” He yelped when I punched the same spot again.

“Same thing smartass,” I quipped back. Katara pulled her brother into a hug once she reached him.

“What happened?” he asked when they pulled away.

“You were trapped in the Spirit World for 24 hours! How are you feeling?” 

He put his hands to his crotch and started to waddle away. “Like I seriously need to use the bathroom.”

“Thank you, Avatar. If only there were a way to repay you for what you've done,” the village leader said. We were standing on the porch of the center building being congratulated for our help.

“You could give us some supplies, and some money,” Sokka piped up. I nod my head, agreeing with his statement. Katara, unfortunately, did not. She elbowed him, and scolded Sokka using his name.

“What? We need stuff,” he retaliated.

“Actually we don’t need money,” I said, fishing for the sack of coins and showing him. “Swindled somebody earlier, two words. Gold coins.” Sokka’s eyes widened with glee.

“Well,” the leader clears his throat. “It would be an honor to help you prepare for your journey.” He bowed and left to, what I assume, is to get us supplies.

Katara turns to congratulate him herself. “I'm so proud of you, Aang. You figured out what to do, all on your own.”

“Actually, I did have a little help,” Aang looked downcast. “And there's something else.”

“What is it?” Sokka asked. All of a sudden dread pooled in my stomach.

“I need to talk to Roku and I think I found a way to contact his spirit.” 

My cousins both say great but I stay silent, the feeling of dread deepening. Why do I feel like I won’t like this?

“There's a temple on a crescent-shaped island and if I go there on the solstice, I'll be able to speak with him.” With this statement I gripped my bow so hard my knuckles turned white. 

“But the solstice is tomorrow!” One of my cousins exclaimed. I really hope this island isn't where I think it is. I mean it has to be another crescent shaped island. Plus Aang wouldn't make us fly into the nation that is currently hunting us, right?

“Yeah, and there's one more problem.” Please don’t say it. Please don’t say it. Please say it. “The island is in the Fire Nation.” And he said it.

I take a deep breath, inhaling the chilly night air. I looked up to the twinkling night sky and exhaled a small cloud forming as I mumbled under my breath.

“Fuck our lives.”

Chapter Text

Ryuko POV

“How many times do I have to tell you, I’m not going,” I fumed. For the last ten minutes my cousins had been trying to convince me to go to the Fire Nation. They had already convinced Aang to let them come despite him wanting them to stay here.

“C’mon Ryo you have to go,” Sokka complained. I crossed my arms, done with the conversation.

“I don’t have to do anything. Especially something that will end up with us all in a Fire Nation Prison!”

Katara rolled her eyes and crossed her own arms. “We’re not going to end up in a Fire Nation Prison stop being dramatic.”

“Alright then,” I crossed my arms. “What's the plan when you get cornered by the Fire Nation troops?” Sokka, Katara, and Aang open their mouths but quickly close them and look towards each other uneasily.

“Well go on, tell me the plan. I’m listening.” I smirked when they didn’t respond, realizing the biggest flaw in the plan.

Sokka was the first to come out of his uneasy stupor. “We fight them.” He said it so confidently I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“I’m going to try and say this in the nicest way possible. So, no offense but,” I took a deep breath before starting my rant. “Katara, you can barely fight with or without waterbending. Sokka, you’re a decent fighter but you won’t stand a chance against their formerly trained soldiers. Aang can’t stand up to an entire army and I’m a non-bender with nothing but swords and a bow. So please tell me how four children are supposed to fight the Fire Nation soldiers if we get cornered.” I knew I was partially lying but selfishly I still didn’t want them to know about my full abilities.

Taking in their expressions, I realized I might have taken it too far. Sokka’s and Aang’s expressions were hurt, but the one that broke me a little was Katara’s. A mix of shock, anger, and hurt crossed her face before she turned her back and stomped off to Appa.

“Look I just can’t,” My shoulders drooped a little and I played with one of the four small braids in my hair. “I can’t see anymore people I care about get hurt by the Fire Nation,” my voice was quiet at the end, a lump in my throat as flashes of dead loved ones went through my mind. I swallowed the lump back and leveled my voice back to its normal volume.

“So go, I'm not gonna stop you. And if you happen to not get captured you can pick me up afterward,” I grabbed my bow and bag on the ground and turned away prepared to leave.

“But that’s why we need you.” I whirled around my mouth agape. Sokka came up and placed a hand on my shoulder. “I hate to say it but you’re the best warrior we have. And if anyone can help us if we get in trouble, it’s you.” I swear my jaw hit the ground. Did my sexist asshole cousin just compliment me? More than that, did he just say I was a better warrior than him?

I narrowed my eyes as I realized what he was trying to do. “Did you just try to use flattery to get me to come with?” I deadpanned.

He straightened and confidently said, “Yes. Yes I did,” he then adds quietly, “Did it work?”

I close my eyes to work through my racing mind. While going with would help protect them, I didn’t really have a good track record with protecting people. And what if something did happen? Would I be able to live with the fact that I yet again failed to protect those I love? Plans filtered through my mind but each one ended with getting captured, atleast, if I didn’t use my abilities.

I opened my eyes, finding a pair of hopeful gray eyes. I groaned realizing that I did not want to squash the hope in his eyes.

A frown marring my face, I mumbled, “Let’s go.”

“You’re coming?” Aang hopefully asked.

“Unfortunately,” I brushed past Sokka and climbed onto Appa. I rolled my eyes when I hear an excited cheer from behind.

Securing my belongings, the village leader gave Aang a small pack of supplies. “It's a long journey to Crescent Island. You'll have to fly fast to have any chance of making it before sundown. Good luck.”

“Thank you for your-” Aang started kindly before being interrupted.

“Go!” The leader points towards the ocean sharply. Aang obeyed and soon enough we’re in the sky headed to the Fire Nation.

Zuko POV

Through my telescope all I could see was a blue sky and clouds, no Avatar.

“Sailing into Fire Nation waters ... Of all the foolish things you've done in your sixteen years, Prince Zuko, this is the most foolish!” My uncle berated.

“I have no choice, Uncle.” And I didn’t. If I wanted to truly come back I needed to follow him, even if that meant breaking my banishment.

“Have you completely forgotten that the Fire Lord banished you?” His tone changed from anger to fear. “What if you're caught?”

I broke away from my telescope to face my uncle. “I'm chasing the Avatar! My father will understand why I am returning home!”

“You give him too much credit. My brother is not the understanding type!”

Ignoring Uncle Iroh I looked back into my telescope. Through the scope I spot the Avatar’s creature. “There they are. Helmsman! Full steam ahead!”

I ordered the catapult up once we got closer. My uncle opened a fan and waved it over his face. “Uh, really Prince Zuko, couldn't you shoot them down with something more fragrant?”

I lit the stinking projectile on fire. “On my mark!” I yelled, waiting for the right moment to shoot the Avatar down. “Fire!” The guard beside me slices the rope sending it into the air. The beast swerved and the projectile missed.

As the ship moved closer and closer to Fire Nation waters, dark blobs became more and more apparent. As we got even closer I realized the dark blobs are ships.

My face blanched a little and my eyes widened as I looked in both directions, the ships going as far as I could see. “A blockade.”

“Technically you are still in Earth Kingdom waters. Turn back now and they cannot arrest you.” Uncle Iroh said worriedly.

I watched the animal the Avatar is on continuing towards the blockade. “He's not turning around!”
“Please Prince Zuko! If the Fire Nation captures you, there is nothing I can do! Do not follow the Avatar.”

I closed my eyes and lowered my head, hands clenching. If I got caught going into the Fire Nation without the Avatar I could end up in prison or worse.

But the Avatar. That voice in my head whispered. If you capture him now you could go home. Your father will be proud and your rightful place on the throne will be returned.

“I'm sorry, Uncle,” sorrow filled my voice. I raised my head back up and put my right hand up commandingly. “Run the blockade!”

The blockade started catapulting fireballs at the Avatar which all missed. Many of them landed around the ship causing waves to splash on the ship. Crew members were running for safety panicking.

A loud explosion occurred at the back of the ship. One of the engine keepers yelled, “Prince Zuko! The engines are damaged! We need to stop and make repairs!” 

I turned away from the man, my face hardening. “Do not stop this ship.” 

“We're on a collision course!” Uncle exclaimed.

“We can make it!” I yelled confidently. Our small ship was barreling closer and closer to the blockade. Just as it looked like we’ll collide, their boats stopped, letting us pass.

Zhao and I lock eyes as we pass. My fists clenched, I knew Zhao let us pass for a reason, and it was not because he respected my title as prince.

A little while later we were on a small observation deck. Smoke permeated the air as I tightened my grip on the railing. “What's he up to, Uncle? Why didn't Commander Zhao arrest me?”

“Because he wants to follow you. He knows you'll lead him to the prize you're both after: the Avatar,” my uncle responded.

A plan formed in my mind to keep him off my trail. “If Zhao wants to follow a trail of smoke, then that's exactly what I'll let him do.”

Ryuko POV

“Aang. We've got trouble!” My head peaks up, glancing at Katara’s worried face. 

“What do you mean we’ve got trouble?” I yelled. Sokka looked over the saddle. His face blanches a little, a worried look over taking his face as well.

“Yeah! And it's gaining, fast!” I gathered my courage to look over myself. Big mistake.

“Fireball!” I curled into a fetal position and clutched the saddle so hard my knuckles turned white. I held my breath and squeezed my eyes shut. I couldn’t hear anyone with the pounding of my heart and fear coursing through my veins. Why, why, why did I come?

It was a while before I felt comfortable enough to open my eyes. I let out my breath and my senses returned. 

Though I think that was the biggest mistake ever because the first thing I hear is, “Yeah. But there's just one little problem.” 

I let go of my platypus bear-like grip on the saddle, and crawled over to my cousins squeezing between them. My eyes widen as I take in the ‘little’ problem ahead. Which by the way, was actually a big problem.

“If we fly north, we can go around the Fire Nation ships and avoid the blockade! It's the only way.” I nodded my head agreeing with Aang’s statement. I would have voiced my agreement but my stomach started to churn.

“There's no time!” Katara declares.

“This is exactly why I didn't want you to come! It's too dangerous!”
“And that's exactly why we're here,” she yelled back at Aang. 

“Let's run this blockade!” I stared at Sokka for what he just boldly said. Aang yelled yip yip and barreled forward even faster than before.

“Are you all idiots?” I screeched. I chuckled, “Wait no don’t answer that it’ll be pointless because you're more than idiots, your fucking nincompoops! You all must have shit for brains if you think we can run this blockade. There are over a dozen warships down there, prob-”

“Shut up!” My cousin screeched, her blue eyes blazing. “We have to get Aang to the island and this is the fastest way. So go crawl back to your corner and shut up.”

“Excuse you, so sorry if I don’t want my family, the Avatar, nor myself to die! Which is exactly what’s going to happen if we run this blockade.”  

“Um, guys-”

“Shut up, Sokka,” we both shrieked.

“We’re not going to die, stop being so pessimistic and trust us!” 

“I’m not being pessimistic, I’m being realistic for one. And for two, no I don’t-”

“Guys!” Sokka yelled again.

“What?” We both screeched. He shrunk back from the power of his two screaming cousins.

“I hate to interrupt your argument but,” he pointed at the blockade. “I think we have a bigger problem.” As he said that a mountain of fireballs came at us. 

We all clutched the saddle screaming whilst Appa dodges the fire balls. 

“I. Hate. This,” I yelled in between screams. Why, why, why did I decide to come? I’m too young, too pretty, and too talented to die yet.

We swerved up, down, left, and right to dodge the projectiles. One exploded in front of us, sending soot and embers back. We flew higher into the sky, above the clouds hoping to avoid more fireballs. Boy, were we wrong.

We screamed and ducked as many as we could before two collided in front of us. I noticed Sokka being thrown from the saddle and reached for his hand. I tried to pull him down but the force of another explosion caused me to let go of the saddle. Sokka and I both screamed as we plunged towards the ocean.

Sokka pulled me into his chest as we got closer and closer to the water. I can save us, I know I can, but what if this is supposed to be my end? It’s tempting to give in but I know if I do I’d’ve failed at the entire reason I came.

Just as we reached the water, just as I’m about to save us, Appa reached us. Sokka grabbed Katara’s outreached hand and she pulled us back into the saddle.

Appa skimmed the water, sending a fish into Sokka’s face. I would’ve laughed, but a new barrage of fireballs landed around us. Aang pulled up, able to avoid the rest of the fireballs.

Finally we were upon the blockade. Sokka and Katara looked completely confident in passing the dozens of warships. I, however, was clutching the saddle’s rim trying to ignore the churning in my stomach.

I looked up, only to regret it. A gigantic fireball was barreling towards us and there was no way to avoid it. I closed my eyes and waited for the inevitable. At least I’ll see my parents again and finally meet my father.

I wait, and wait, and wait. I peeked one of my eyes to see an ecstatic Aang. “We made it!”

“We got into the Fire Nation,” Sokka grimaced. “Great.”

“Yeah,” my stomach rumbled. “I’m going to puke.”

By the time we got to Avatar Roku’s temple, the sky changed from blue to dusty pinks, smoky purples, dull yellows, and bright oranges.

I collapsed onto the ground tired, hungry, and frustrated. Closing my eyes I take in the warmth of the sun and the slight ocean breeze. We lived. We. Lived. To be honest I thought we wouldn’t. Now we just have to hope we don’t get cornered in the temple.

Something hit my forehead, taking me out of my thoughts. “Hey, what was that for?” I glared at Sokka, who was throwing and catching a stone.

“It’s time to beat some Fire Nation heads, c’mon,” he waved me over to the rest of them.

I grumbled and stood up, brushing dirt off myself. I jog up to the group and we start the walk to the temple.

“I don't see any guards,” Sokka said. 

We took shelter behind one of the lower walls, watching for Fire Nation soldiers. And as far as we could tell, there were none, and this left me uneasy. This is one of the Fire Nation’s most sacred temples; they wouldn’t just abandon it.

“The Fire Nation must have abandoned the temple when Avatar Roku died,” Katara stated. 

“It's almost sundown. We better hurry!” We all leapt over the wall and ran into the entrance.

We ran through the ornate red and gold doors to a huge chamber. Decorated with red columns and many different doors. We tiptoed through the chamber to stop any echoes and listened for footsteps.

A minute later Sokka and I stopped, both hearing sounds from one of the hallways. “Wait. I think I heard something,” Sokka said.

Turning around, five men with tall red hats appeared. “We are the Fire Sages. Guardians of the temple of the Avatar.” I eyed them warily, untrusting.

Aang walks forward. “Great! I am the Avatar!” I stepped forward noting a change in their postures.

“We know,” He firebends three fireballs towards us that Aang deflects with his airbending.

“I'll hold them off. Run!” He yelled over his shoulder. Taking Aang’s heed, I shot forward into the nearest door hoping my cousins were following.

At another hall ahead, Aang skidded into our view. “Follow me!”

“Do you know where you're going?” Sokka yelled, following him regardless.

I caught up with Aang quickly, echoing Sokka’s question. “Do you know where you’re going?” 

“Nope!” He yelled as we both turned the corner. However we turned back fast when we saw one of the sages. 

“Wrong way!” We charged past them and turned at the next corner which ended up a dead end.

Both of us came to an abrupt stop and turned around to see my cousins and a sage. In a flash I brought out my hidden swords and pressed them against his neck and stomach. He put both his hands up, in surrender or fear I don’t know.

“I don't want to fight you! I am a friend,” he said, looking directly into my eyes.

“Firebenders aren't our friends!” Sokka piped up. The sage attempted to step forward but I pressed the swords closer. 

“I have swords to your throat and gut. I wouldn’t recommend that you move, they can easily,” I pressed one of the swords into his gut more. “Slip.” Fear overtook the man's eyes and he started to tremble. 

I felt a pressure on my shoulder and looked over to see a hand. I followed the hand's arm to see two gray eyes meeting my dual colored ones. I stepped back with my swords still at the ready and let Aang have the floor.

Surprisingly the sage fell to his knees and bows. “I know why you're here, Avatar.”

“You do?” Aang says, startled.

“Yes,” the sage stood back up and continued. “You wish to speak to Avatar Roku. I can take you to him.”

“How?” Aang asked skeptically. The sage eyed my swords as he moved to a lamp on the wall. He slid the lamp away revealing a small hole. He places his palm against the hole and focuses his firebending. It opened a secret passageway. “This way.”

“Time is running out! Quickly!” The friendly sage hurries. Katara, Sokka, Aang, and I share a quick look deciding whether or not to trust him. The other two nod and walk through the passage. Sokka shrugged his shoulders and followed them. I hid my swords back behind my cloak and took up the rear. Just before I enter the passage I pause.

“If I find out you’re leading us into a trap,” My eyes meet his. “I will make your death long, painful, and slow.” With that I stroll into the passageway with my head held high.

Chapter Text

Ryuko POV

After a very very long walk through the tunnels under the temple, we finally reached the top of the stairs. Shyu, the name of the friendly sage, was explaining some of the history of the Fire Sages and how they were forced to follow the Fire Lord. While I hated the Fire Nation, I couldn’t help but be a little glad that I was able to learn a little bit of my culture, no matter how tainted by war it was.

Climbing out of the passage, a loud gasp occurs ahead. “No!”

“Shyu, what's wrong?” Aang asks.

“The sanctuary doors, they're closed!” I pushed my cousins out of the way to see the door. It was absolutely stunning. Five metal dragons adorned the door, their mouths wide. The Fire nation emblem, a fire with three flames, was the background behind the dragons.

“Can't you just open them with firebending? Like you opened that other door?” Aang said as he tugged on the door.

“No. Only a fully realized Avatar is powerful enough to open this door alone. Otherwise, the sages must open this door together, with five simultaneous fire blasts,” Shyu’s shoulders dropped in disappointment.

“Five fire blasts, huh?” I turned towards Sokka as he looked up at the lantern above. “I think we can help you out,” Sokka said, turning to me with a smirk.

When I was around eight, Sokka and I wanted to build a snow fort. We spent hours digging but we barely made a dent. Because my waterbending was a secret and my parents were visiting Kyoshi we couldn’t use waterbending. So, we complained to my uncle, Sokka’s dad. 

After hearing us out and thoughtfully thinking for a few moments he gathered a few different supplies and essentially taught us how to make a small bomb. He placed it in the small dent we created and lit it on fire causing a small explosion. Let’s just say that didn’t work and we all got scolded by my aunt, Sokka’s mom, and my parents when they came back.

So, when Sokka started gathering and explaining his plan I knew exactly what he was thinking.

“This is a little trick I picked up from my father. I seal the lamp oil inside an animal skin casing, Shyu lights the oil-soaked twine and, ta-da! Fake firebending!” I took the bag from his hand and stuffed it in one of the dragon's mouths.

“You've really outdone yourself this time, Sokka,” Katara congratulated.

“This might actually work.” I nodded my head to Shyu’s words.

“If this works, you’ll be a genius Sokka.” His head perked up with a huge smile on his face from my words and hurried to finish the others.

The plan didn’t end up working and now Aang was airbending the door while yelling at it. “Why won't it open?!”

“Aang! Stop!” Katara grabbed his arm, only to let go when he faced her. “There's nothing else we can do…”

“I'm sorry I put you through all of this for nothing,” Aang responds glumly.

Sokka walked forward and wiped his finger across the black soot that coated the door. “I don't get it. That firebending looked as strong as any firebending I've seen.”

“Sokka, you're a genius!” I gaped at my other cousin incredulously. 

“Wait. How is Sokka a genius? His plan didn't even work,” Aang said, confused?

“Come on Aang. Let her dream,” Sokka said pleasantly.

I whacked Sokka upside the head. He shrieked and rubbed his head, sending me a glare. “I agree with Aang. The plan was a valiant effort, but it didn’t work.”

A sly smile overtook Katara’s face. “You're right. Sokka's plan didn't work. But it looks like it did.” 

My eyes widen and a sly smile takes over my own face. “I think I know what you’re getting at.” 

While Katara and I shared a knowing smirk, Aang stood there confused. “Did the definition of genius change over the last hundred years?”

I picked at my cuticles high above the room. They had chosen me to be the lookout since I was the only one who could climb the pillars and jump down safely. So, here I was watching for the right time to strike.

The plan was for Shyu to trick the other four sages into thinking Aang was inside. Once the doors opened the rest of us would subdue the sages and Aang would run inside.

I watched from my perch above as the sages ran into the room. Shyu and the other four fire sages conversed and started firebending at the door. 

A gentle padding sound caught my ears. I narrow my eyes in that direction. It was from the pillar Aang was hiding behind. 

Curious about the sound I jumped from one column to the other. My hands caught the bronze dragon that was wrapped around each of the pillars. With a quiet grunt I pulled myself up into a crouch. Once comfortable I peeked down only to frown when no one was in sight.

Sighing, I moved around to see how the plan was going. I held back a chuckle when I saw the sages stunned to see Aang’s flying lemur instead of Aang himself.

I stayed watching from my perch as Sokka, Katara, Shyu, and even Momo subdue the sages. Shyu and Katara yelled for Aang to go but he didn't come out. At least not alone.

I stifled a groan when I saw Flamey haul Aang out of the shadows. “The Avatar's coming with me!” Using the others' distraction, the sages took the upper hand and captured their captors.

I watched from my perch as they chain Sokka and Katara to a pillar. I fought the urge to jump down and save them but one look from Katara stopped me. She does a slight nod signaling what I have to do.

“Close the doors! Quickly!” The prince yelled. I’m silent as I crept around so I face the stairs. Eyeing the prince, I waited for the exact to strike. When Aang turned just enough that I wouldn't hurt him, I jumped.

Flamey’s eyes widened in shock when he saw me fly towards him. His grip was ripped away from Aang when I crashed into him. 

I landed on top of him, our chest bumping together. “Well, this isn’t how I expected us to meet again,” I smirked.

He growls and brings his flame encased towards my head. I duck and roll away from him.

I brushed the dirt off my pants and scowled at him. “That was just plain rude. Didn’t your mother ever teach you manners?” This seemed to enrage him as he sent more fire my way and made me flip backwards, closer to the stairs. 

“Guess that was a touchy subject,” I muttered, leaning back to miss another fireball. From there it was a game. He would do a variety of attacks and I would dodge everyone, bringing me closer and closer to the stairs.

Seeing that just one attack at a time wasn’t going to get him to win he sent three: two fire punches and a roundhouse kick. I do a back handspring and use the momentum to lift me into the air over all three attacks. I land thinking I’m going to land my own attack, but I slip.

I overestimated how much space I had and slipped. The prince rushed forward as if to help me, but he hesitated. I reached his hand hoping it would be close enough to either help or make him fall with me, but neither happened. Our fingertips brushed but I fell too far back for either of us to reach.

I brought my arms into my chest to protect them from the fall. I plummeted down the steps, my head hitting the last step harshly.

My head exploded in pain and my vision blurred when I landed at the bottom of the steps. A sensation of hot sticky blood trails down my forehead into my right eye. Blackspots started to creep as I tried to stay awake. It was useless though the blackness had practically taken over my vision. The last thing I saw before closing my eyes was a half bald prince rushing down the stairs.

Zuko POV

When I reached out for her and hesitated, I didn’t know what was going through my mind. Now one thing is going through my mind; Is she okay?

I reached the bottom of the stairs and checked her pulse, breathing a sigh of relief when I felt it. I gently picked her up, almost stumbling. How did someone so small weigh so much?

Reaching the top of the stairs I shoved her into the arms of the closest sage. “Chain her up then meet me by the door.” The fire sage nodded and chained her up to the pillar opposite to the two Water Tribe peasants.

After that was done the five of us approached the door and firebent into the dragons’ mouths. I yelled frustratingly when it stayed shut. “Why isn't it working? It's sealed shut!”

“It must have been the light. Avatar Roku doesn't want us inside.” I turned towards the sages and faced the one that betrayed the Fire Nation. He was before me on his knees, his hands behind his back.

“Why did you help the Avatar?” I questioned.

“Because it was once the sages' duty. It is still our duty,” he said proudly. Before I could interrogate him more, a slow clapping erupted from behind.

“What a moving and heartfelt performance. I'm certain the Fire Lord will understand, when you explain why you betrayed him.” I turned my head and scowled at who had just entered.

“Commander Zhao,” the Great Fire Sage bowed in respect. 

Zhao turns his head to me and gives me a rueful smile. “And Prince Zuko. It was a noble effort, but your little smokescreen didn't work.” My scowl deepened when some soldiers seized my arms from behind. “Two traitors in one day, the Fire Lord will be pleased.”

I strained against my captors and snapped at him. “You're too late, Zhao! The Avatar's inside and the doors are sealed.”

“No matter. Sooner or later, he has to come out,” Zhao said, grinning confidently. I fought to rip my arms out of the captor's grip, but they just held tighter.

They chained me up next to Ateera, who was still knocked out, though that didn’t seem to last long. As Zhao strolled towards us, she seemed to awaken.

 Ateera groaned and her eyes opened revealing her two different colored eyes. She blinked a few times and then opened her eyes wide as if realizing what happened. She whipped her head around as if looking for something. When her eyes landed on the Water Tribe peasants she visibly relaxed only to tense when she noticed me.

She scowled and started tugging on the chains. She stopped when we heard a chilling voice. “I wouldn’t recommend that. Don’t want you to get hurt, little girl.”

Ateera tugged on the chains, “Why don’t you unchain me, and I’ll show what this little girl can do Commander Asshat.”

 Zhao let out a boisterous laugh. “Feisty.” Ateera tried to lean away from the finger the commander trailed down her cheek. “When I deliver the Avatar and your friends to the Fire Lord I think I’ll ask for you to be in my care.” He took her jaw and forced her face to look at his. “I mean you do have beautiful eyes.” She stilled and Zhao let out another laugh as if he had won something. Anger bloomed in my chest. What he was insinuating was atrocious.  

  Against my leg I felt a fist form. Seemingly out of her trance, Ateera glowered and let out a mocking laugh. Without warning she spit in one of Zhao’s eyes. He shrieked and brought his hands to his face. He stumbled back a step or two only to fall to the ground when she delivered a swift kick to the shin.

 My eyes flicked between her and the downed Commander. Did she just take down a high-ranking officer in the Fire Nation army whilst chained to a pillar?

“Don’t fucking touch me,” she spit out her voice chilling me to the bones. Zhao’s face hardened as he stood up and stalked Ateera. A loud slap echoed through the room.  

He leaned close to her ear and whispered just loudly for her, and in turn me, to hear. “You will learn to respect me, you wench.” With that he stalked toward the sanctuary door.

When I swiveled my head around, I met Ateera’s eyes and see something unexpected. In those blue and gold eyes flames of hatred rippled through them as she followed Commander Zhao’s path. If looks could kill Zhao would be bathing in her flames.

Ryuko POV

My gaze of hatred burned into the commander's back. I spit out the blood that had gathered in my mouth from the slap. Respect? Respect is earned not given. My eyes flicked up to meet the prince's amber ones. 

“What?” I growled. He just shook his head and looked away. Rolling my eyes, I met my cousin's eyes from across the room.

“Are you okay?” Sokka mouthed, concern evident. 

I nodded my head. “I’m fine, just strapped to a pillar and in a room full of Fire Nation soldiers,”   I mouthed back. Sokka scrunches his nose, not understanding all that I said. Which was fine, I didn’t expect him to.

 I wiggled in the chains wondering if I had enough room to move my hands.

“What are you doing?” Flamey squeaked. I bit my lip and strained my hands to wrap around the cool metal. 

“None of your business.” I blew out a breath and focused heat to surround my hands making sure not to create a flame.

He frowned. “Yes, it is my business. We are strapped to the pillar and you’re making me uncomfortable with your moving.” I ignored him and continued to melt the chains. 

 Apparently not used to being ignored or told no he gets angry. “I order you to stop as Prince of the Fire Nation.”

I rolled my eyes at that notion. “Tell that to somebody who cares, Flamey.”  

“Stop calling me Flamey, my name is Zuko!”

“Fine, I'll start using your name.” The space between his eyebrow and scar furrowed in shock. I then looked him dead in the eyes to crush said shock. “When you earn my respect, Flamey.”        

 Ignoring his flusteredness I go back to focusing on melting the chains. Because of that I didn’t notice the sanctuary doors had opened until a bright white light nearly blinded me. I opened my eyes and blink the colorful swirls away. Only to blink many more times thinking I was hallucinating. A very tall figure of Avatar Roku was in the doors. 

Avatar Roku sent a fire blast throughout the room, knocking the soldiers down and melting the chains off Flamey and I. Immediately I glanced at my cousins and saw Sokka kneeling over Katara to protect her from the crashing building. 

I ran forward but stumbled back when a chasm appeared in between us. I gritted my teeth and took a few steps back and took off running. Once at the very edge of the building chasm, I jumped landing into a forward roll at the other side.  

I ripped my swords out of my sheath and jumped in front of my cousins, taking the brunt of the blast. All of a sudden, the smoke drew itself back up to the figure of Avatar Roku, then disappeared, revealing a fainting Aang. We all rushed forward to help Aang. 

Sokka and Katara helped Aang back to his feet. “We got your back,” Sokka said.

“Thanks. Where's Shyu?” I furrowed my brows and looked around. Where is that friendly sage?

“I don't know,” Katara said as she helped Aang limp over to the stairs. 

When we got to the stairs we stopped in horror as bubbling lava made its way up the stairs. I stepped back and rushed to the only exit left, a gaping hole that leads to an ocean far far below. I could survive easily using my waterbending but that would be exposing myself. I looked back at the others' hopeless faces as they came to terms with the fact that they aren’t surviving. I clenched my jaw, having made my decision. 

Turning back, ready to waterbend my eyes widened. “Guys, Appa and Momo!” Appa roared and stopped at the hole and waited for all of us to get on. Once we’re on, we fly away from the falling temple.

Chapter Text

Ryuko POV

Nightmares; a frightening or unpleasant dream.

Fears: an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.

These are two things everybody has, and they often interlink. But this always made me question; what caused the nightmares? What caused the fears? Do nightmares cause the fears or do fears cause the nightmares?

And if either of these are true, what happens when your fears, your nightmares, are yourself?

“Aang, will you stop pacing, it's making me dizzy,” I snapped the journal I was writing in shut. Since the solstice a couple days ago, Aang’s normal anxiety had tripled.

“Hate to say it but Ryuko’s right. Plus, if we hit a bump, you'll go flying off. What's bugging you anyway?” Sokka said.

“It's what Avatar Roku said. I'm supposed to master all four elements before that comet arrives,” Aang worriedly said.

“Well, let's see. You pretty much mastered airbending and that only took you a hundred and twelve years. I'm sure you can master three more elements by next summer,” I whacked Sokka upside the head with my journal. While I’m all for sarcasm this was one of those moments where it would not help the situation.

“I haven't even started waterbending and we're still weeks away from the North Pole. What am I gonna do?” I intook a small breath at Aang’s statement. I shifted so I’m lying on my back and tuned out the conversation a bit.

Even though I hated flying, I would never hate the view.

Wispy white clouds slowly moved across the canvas of the blue sky. A gentle wind caressed my long brown locks that were tied up in its standard ponytail. A shadow overcame Appa, some of the clouds covering the shining yellow sun.

Lately I’d been pondering my choice to keep my bending a secret, at least my waterbending. I didn’t want to imagine what they would do if they learned I could firebend.

Aang had a point, we were still weeks away from the North Pole and right now we had one threatening person after us.

And no, it’s not the angry poodle-moose with a terrible haircut, I knew six-year-olds who were scarier. The only reason I considered the commander whose face looks like a baboon's butt threatening is because he had an entire army behind him.

Besides that, this could be a good way to bond with Katara. She was still angry with what I said in Senlin Village last week–not that I blamed her–and possibly a little put off after I killed those soldiers. Which I did understand. Plus, if I told them, maybe we could avoid going to the North Pole and disappointing Katara.

I sighed, my mind leaning towards telling them I could waterbend. It would be nice to have a worthy opponent. Breathing another deep breath, I realized the air was warmer.

I leaned on my elbows and noticed Aang and Katara were animatedly talking about something as we were descending. I considered the risks of talking to Katara but realized I wasn’t really in the mood for an argument about me not listening. Instead, I peeked over the saddle to Sokka on Appa’s head.

“Hey, why are we descending?” I asked him.

He cocked his head towards the others. “They want a puddle to splash in.”

“Why?”

He sighed exasperatingly. “Did you pay attention to the conversation at all?”

“No, Aang’s pacing was making me sick.”

“I realize your attention span is as short as you are, but you should make more of an effort to pay attention to our conversations. Ever since Senlin you and Katara have been at each other's throats and you not listening does not help.” He flicked the reins, and we took a bit of a turn. I clutched the rim as a wave of nausea rolled over me.

“One, rude. Two, warning next time. I ran out of my seasickness meds and that turn did not help.” Sokka muttered an apology as we furthered our descent.

“As for point three,” I ran my hands down my face and slumped into the saddle. “I know, I just don’t know how to start. What I said was so,” I looked back up at the sky. “Just so mean.” I looked down at my picked fingernails.

“Yeah, not gonna lie, what you said was pretty mean.” I fought the urge to hit Sokka again.

“Wow thanks for the pep talk Sokka, so helpful,” I muttered.

He rolled his eyes. “The reason Katara’s mad isn’t just because you insulted her. It’s because it was valid, same with Aang and I. She can’t fight and it pains her because she wants to be like you; smart, strong, and confident. You’re her biggest role model and it just hurts more that’s all.” I scoffed at Sokka’s speech.

“She should find a new role model. I'm a terrible one.”

“You’re not a terri–”

“I kill people, Sokka,” I interrupted him. “I kill people violently and I don’t ever feel guilty about it.”

“They were Fire Nation soldiers, they deserved it. And sure, Katara’s a little put off, but we all were. It wasn’t something we expected of you.”

I scoffed. “If you guys feel put off by me killing that’s a you problem not a me problem. It’s that you and Katara and Aang are clean.”

“Clean?” he said skeptically.

“Yes. Having blood on your hands Sokka, even if it's the enemy, changes you irrevocably. It’s not something any of you should have to experience so young.”

Sokka frowned and looked my way, “Ryuko–”

“Hey look there,” Katara interrupted. “That’s a great place to practice.” Done with all the conversations I turned back to the sky.

“Nice puddle,” Sokka said, frowning.

“It’s not a puddle,” I responded back. “It’s a waterfall falling into a small lake that runs into a river.”

“I know that I was being sarcastic,” he snapped back.

I turned towards Aang and Katara only to slap my hand over my eyes when I saw Aang undressing.

Thankfully Katara spoke up. “Remember the reason we're here.”

“Oh right,” Aang says with a bit of disappointment. But it quickly disappears, practically giving me whiplash. “Time to practice waterbending.” I peeked through my fingers thankful Aang had his clothes back on.

“Great. So, what are Ryuko and I supposed to do?” My frown deepened at Sokka. Why was he lumping me in?

“You guys could ... clean the gunk out of Appa's toes,” Aang smiled happily and handed Sokka a stick with leaves at the end.

Sokka’s own frown deepened, and he crossed his arms. “So, while you guys are playing in the water, Ryuko and I are supposed to be hard at work picking mud out of a giant bison's feet?”
I scrunched my nose at them both. No way was I going near Appa’s feet. “Speak for yourself, I’m finding a quiet place to draw,” I swiftly turned my heel on Sokka’s perturbed face. “See ya,” I waved back.

Reaching a decent tree, I droped my bag against the trunk and rifled through it. After grabbing a journal, my ink, and brush, I heaved myself up the tree settling on a branch a few feet off the ground. I opened my journal and watched Katara teach Aang waterbending.

Zuko POV

I blocked the fireblast and sent two more to my opponent, Lieutenant Lee. He’s not able to block them as the ship moved, throwing us against the railing.

Looking up at the navigation tower, I glared at it. “Someone's changing our course.”

I stormed into the tower, passing my Pai Sho playing uncle, and yelled at the conductor. “What is the meaning of this mutiny? No one told you to change course!”

“Actually, someone did. I assure you, it is a matter of utmost importance, Prince Zuko,” my eyes widened hopefully as he said this.

“Is it something to do with the Avatar?”

“Even more urgent. It seems, I-” my face fell. What could be more important than the Avatar?

“I have lost my lotus tile.” Uncle moved a Pai Sho piece as my face contorted in confusion.

“Lotus tile?”
“For my Pai Sho game. Most people think the lotus tile is insignificant, but it is essential for the unusual strategy that I employ,” he explained.

“You've changed our course for a stupid lotus tile?” I yelled in disbelief.

“See, you, like most people, underestimate its value. Just give me ten minutes to check the merchants at this port of call. Hopefully, they will have the lotus tile in stock, and I can get on with my life.” My eyes twitched as I looked up at the ceiling and took a deep breath. As I exhaled smoke billows around the room.

“I'm lucky to have such an understanding nephew.”

Ryuko POV

Katara was teaching Aang the first, and most important, move to waterbending. Learning the push and pull of the water.

“This is a pretty basic move, but it still took me months to perfect. So don't get frustrated if you don't get it right away.” She moved her hands back and forth creating a small wave. “Just push and pull the water like this. The key is getting the wrist movement right.”

“Like this?” Aang copied her movements, but nothing happened.

“That's almost right. If you keep practicing, I'm sure eventually–” She trailed off when she saw Aang’s much bigger wave.

“Hey, I'm bending it already!” I smiled to myself, impressed that Aang got the move so fast.

Watching them learning reminded me of when I was being taught. I opened my journal and started to draw out the memory.

It was nighttime when we reached the small lake. The waters of the lake reflected the bright full moon like a mirror. For the past couple weeks, I had been working on my waterbending but I wasn’t making any progress. To fix this my parents woke me up when the moon was at its peak and brought me to the lake.

I looked up at my parents as they scanned the landscape. Once they deemed it safe, they pulled me closer to the water. When we reached the edge of the lake they let go of my hands and we all took off our shoes.

As we wade into the lake my mom breaks the silence. “Do you know where we get our power? I nod my head and point up towards the moon.

“Yes, that’s correct, and when the full moon is out, we are at our most powerful.” We stopped when the water reached my waist.

Crouching down Mom took my small hands into her seemingly larger ones. “Close your eyes and focus on the way the water moves. Feel the power of the moonlight as the waves move about your legs and follow it.” I squeeze my eyes shut and do exactly as she said.

I hold out my bare arms and feel goosebumps raise as the moonlight lands on my skin. The small waves of the lake push and pull around my legs. I squeeze my eyes even more and focus on the water.

Push. Pull. Push. Pull.

Subconsciously my arms move with the water. As I do so I feel my senses open up. I could suddenly see where everything was in the water. The fishes, the plants, even the algae that can’t be seen by the naked eye.

I opened my eyes, overwhelmed with all I could suddenly see. As I did so I felt water splash all over me and my parents. I looked up at my parents who had wide eyes and open jaws.

“What happened? Did it work?” My questions seemingly snapped my parents out of their shock. Huge smiles overtook their faces. Dad started laughing as he hooked his hands under my armpits and threw me up in the air.

“You did it!” He yells. My eyes opened wide. I did? Mom seemingly seeing the questioning look nodded her head vigorously and confirmed what he said. My eyes opened wide and a huge smile on my face.

A tear trickled down my cheek. I blinked continuously and looked up to keep the tears from falling. Unfortunately, that didn’t stop that one tear from dropping onto my journal.

I exhaled and looked back down to my journal. I wiped away the trail the tear left with a quiet broken laugh. That memory was over ten years ago and was one of the few happy memories I had left. So why did it make me sad?

I shook my head at my momentary vulnerability and went back to my drawing. The tear that had dropped made some of the ink bleed but somehow it added to it. I dipped the brush into my ink pot but when I put it on paper nothing happened.

Cursing, I looked into the pot to find it empty. I gently shut the journal and jumped back on the ground with a loud thump. I rifled through my bag at the bottom of the trunk only to find that I had already gone through them all.

I took a small bag that was inside the much larger bag to stop by the nearby town. It was strange having two bags but for me it made sense. The big bag carried my swords, my books and journals, extra clothes, my mask, and drawing supplies. However, that was too heavy to lug around most of the time so I bought a smaller bag for the little things like money and anything I would need to carry into town.

After gathering the things, I needed, I walked over to where Katara was teaching Aang. When I reached them, I took a minute to admire Aang’s fancy streamlining.

“I’m going to the village,” I called out as Aang lowered the water he was bending back into the lake. “And no, you can’t come with Aang. You need to focus on your waterbending. Plus, you all have a knack for getting in trouble.” I lowered my voice to a mumble for that last sentence, I didn’t need Katara getting defensive.

Unfortunately, she heard, and she did get defensive. “We do not have a knack for getting in trouble. And maybe if you would stop being a–”

“Look,” I grumbled. “I’m not here to start a fight, I'm here to tell you not to do anything stupid while I’m gone.” I turned away, not giving either of them a chance to speak.

As I reached the edge of the path I needed to take, someone called my name. I turned around ready to yell at them only to have two arms around me and my face shoved into their shoulder.

I froze. Not knowing what to do I stomped on their feet causing them to cry out in pain. The person immediately stumbled back before I could make any more moves. Once I notice who it is I take a step back horrified. It was Aang.

“What. What was that?” I stuttered out. I brought my shaking hands closer to my sides.

Aang furrowed his brows as he answered, “It was a hug,” he answered confused.

“Why,” I gulped, hoping to remove the lump that was growing in my throat. “Why did you do that?” It wasn’t that I was foreign to the concept of hugs, but to be honest I wasn’t really used to them. Even with the people I’m somewhat close to I just didn’t do them. It wasn’t that I necessarily disliked hugs, they were just foreign.

“You looked like you needed one.” Looking at his face, one that switched from shock and worry to the corner of his gray eyes crinkling in a smile.

For once my mask slipped revealing the shock I was reeling through. Someone hugged me because they thought I needed it. What he just did was a form of comfort.

Comfort. When was the last time someone showed me any comfort?

“Um, okay then,” I took a few steps. “I think I’m just gonna, y’know go.” I pointed my thumb behind me awkwardly. “Uh, bye.” And with that, I ran as fast as I could.

Once I deemed myself far enough, I stopped. I leaned against one of the brown tree trunks to catch my breath. The bark dug into my skin as I slid down the trunk.

My mask slipped and someone hugged me. Both events were unfamiliar. During my time with the others my mask was always up. Nobody knew what I was thinking, or what I was planning to do. And to be honest I was rarely with them. I spent most of my time curled up on Appa or in a tree far away. And that was during the day. At night I mysteriously disappeared under the guise of sleeping by the perimeter.

Shaking my head, I got up and started towards the village. As I neared the village I suddenly stopped and stared at my black boots with wide eyes. I realized the thought that had been nagging me since I left.

I liked the hug. More than that, it made me feel better.

Chapter Text

Ryuko POV

       “No Dad! You have to come with me, please.” Hot tears trailed down my face as I held tightly onto his arms. “You can’t leave me too.”

Despair flashed across his face as he looked behind him. I followed his gaze and cried harder seeing them break through the ice.

He leaned forward to kiss my forehead. “I love you, my dragon.” His blue eyes filled with tears as he whispered the last thing I would ever hear from him. 

“Protect yourself.”

I gasped as he pushed me off our ship into a rowboat. I reached out hoping to grab a hold of him once more.

I missed him by my fingertips.

I inhaled sharply as I landed on my left side. I struggled to get up only using my right arm as the other was still useless from the incident. I tried to get up, I really did but I was too late.

A huge wave crashed between us, pushing me away from the two boats into the northern waters. I held on to the rim as I coughed up the water that made it into my lungs. 

As I turned to where my childhood ship once laid I sobbed even harder. There was nothing. Not our ship. Not their ship, nothing. They were gone.

For the first time in my ten years of life, I was alone. All I had left of my once happy life were their last words.

I love you, my ferocious dragon.

I love you, my dragon. Protect yourself.

My lips curled at the sight of the looming ship. I knew exactly what kind of people ran this ship, they liked to call themselves ‘high risk traders.’ If there’s one thing I hated as much as the Fire Nation it would be pirates. I flicked the hood of my cloak up as I stalked past the pirate.  

My lips scowled as the pirate tried to catch my attention. I just walked by not sparing them a glance.

Turning the corner I made my way through the crowded market. I gagged as I passed the carts with week old fish, the putrid smell burning my nose hairs. I scrunched my nose and rushed past towards the stalls of fruits. 

There was a variety of different fruits, veggies, and herbs, many of them were dull in color. Most likely because of how cold it had been recently with winter coming.

I continued through the main market, weaving through the people and stalls. As I do, I go back to thinking about my waterbending. Katara and Aang needed to be taught waterbending.

I had a few choices; have Pakku, the sexist troll, teach Katara and Aang. But he probably won’t teach Katara because of ‘traditions’, stupid old man. Katara deserved a chance to connect to the little bit of our surviving culture that’s been taken from her. So that really only left me one option, teaching them myself. It wouldn’t be the worst thing ever, I am one of the best waterbenders out there. Possibly even better than the old troll. And while I’ll hate bending without the safety of my mask, teaching Aang and Katara are more important than how I feel.

So when I reached the bookstore I knew exactly what I had to do when I got back.

I pushed open the dark wooden door and the familiar smell of any bookstore hit me; ink, chamomile, and freshly made scrolls and books.

It was a quaint little shop, the left and right most walls were just shelves of books, scrolls, and journals. In the center there was a table with two small shelves on either side. The table had brushes, brand new ink pots, and paint whilst the two shelves carried an assortment of teas.

Walking in the door behind me shut with a little ring from the bell above. I strolled through the small store picking out a few things before getting my ink pots refilled. 

When I’m done looking I set everything down at the front desk and ring the small bell. After a few seconds a young woman walks through the back door.

“Hello, what can I help you with today?” She asked. I grabbed the two ink pots out of my bag and placed them with my other items. An empty journal, a stylus, and two different teas, chamomile and ginger.

“I’d like to buy these items and have these ink pots refilled,” I replied. She nodded and picked up the ink pots to fill. For the next moment it was dead silent. I shifted my weight and flicked my eyes in the direction of the young woman. She was wearing a long dark green skirt with a short sleeved brown shirt. Her long brown hair pulled into a braid down her back. Her own brown eyes shifted to mine scanning me and she gave a toothy smile. 

“So what’s someone as young as you doing here by yourself? Most parents hold their kids close in this town.” I hold back a grimace at what she said. I shifted my right hand to my left and started playing with the fabric.

“I’m sixteen actually,” I replied with an eyebrow raised. She was surprised at my answer and spilled most of the ink she was pouring. 

“I’m so sorry. Spirits I’m so clumsy.” She cursed and quickly grabbed a cloth to clean up the mess. “And your parents?”

I stiffened at the question I had purposefully ignored, my hand clenching my left wrist. “Dead,” I answered, looking away. I didn’t need to see her pitying look.

“I-I’m sorry I didn’t mean to,” she stopped when I gave her a glare that would make flowers wither.

“You didn’t mean to ask an incredibly personal question to a stranger?” I bit back. She jumped back a little at my harsh tone and mumbled another sorry. She rushed to give me the price of my items. Unlike myself, I gave her the amount she requested the first time. Usually I would negotiate the price down but her questioning unnerved me.

As I left I lifted my hood back up and put my new in my bag. I dug through my bag as I weaved through the marketplace. Finding my journal I opened it to my list of items I needed. I stopped, taking in what part of the market I was in. Before I could fully take in where I was, two large men stepped up to me.

They were both wearing brown pants but one was wearing a maroon shirt while the other was shirtless. I scrunched my nose, realizing who they were. With their putrid smell of rum and body odor, menacing gazes, and horrid clothing choices, they could only be one thing; pirates.

One cleared his throat and spoke, “Have you seen a Water Tribe girl and a bald monk?” My eyes widened at his question and my mind turned frantic. Memories of my dad flash and I slam my journal shut. Within a second my surprised and frantic gaze turned cold. I couldn’t give any indication that I knew who they were hunting.

“No I haven’t,” I attempted to walk past the two but the other roughly grabbed my shoulder stopping me in my tracks. I turned my head and gave him my cold yet fiery gaze. I had to hold back a small smirk as he harshly gulped.

“Are you sure?” The pirate said as he attempted to match gaze.

My eyes turned to fire when I met his eyes. “No means no,” I said as if explaining something to a young child. “And I suggest that you remove your hand before you lose it.” The pirate seemed to brush off my threat and  tightened his hold. However, before I could reach the hilt of my dagger carefully tucked away on my left side, his hand was tugged away. His friend pulled him farther away from me as if realizing the promise that was held in my threat.

Once they were out of my sight I let myself take deep breaths and continue to rub my left wrist. It stung a little as I did so but right now pain was the only thing grounding me. 

 It took me another minute but I was finally calm enough to deal with this predicament somewhat rationally.

Okay, so pirates are after Aang, Katara, and Sokka. 

Pirates are after Aang, Katara, and Sokka.

Pirates are after Aang, Katara, and Sokka. 

I had to repeat this mantra a few more times before it really sunk in and once it did I bolted. The only thing on my mind was not having a repeat of six years ago.

I ran through the forest, expertly ducking under branches and jumping over bushes. If I wasn’t in such a hurry I might’ve been able to enjoy this.

I bursted through the treeline and saw my cousins and Aang arguing. Well it was mostly Sokka and Katara, Aang just seemed to be there. 

I approached them from behind, only catching the last couple lines of the argument.

“It doesn't matter. You put all of our lives in danger just so you could learn some stupid, fancy splashes,” Sokka yelled at Katara. Though I didn’t completely know what they’re talking about, it sounded like it had something to do with waterbending. I raised an eyebrow at Sokka’s dismissal of waterbending. I might not have liked using that ability but that didn’t mean I wanted the special ability to be reduced to fancy splashes .

“These are real waterbending forms. You know how crucial it is for Aang to learn waterbending!” Katara yelled back. A pit that I’d had in my stomach for a while grew a bit bigger as she said that.

“Whatever. You just better hope Ryu doesn’t find out,” he said as he turned around to walk away. But he quickly took a few steps back when he saw my scowling figure.

“Better hope Ryu doesn’t find out what?” I questioned, stalking towards the three of them.

“Nothing! Nothing at all,” Sokka squeaked out. He squished himself between Aang and Katara. Katara moved over a bit and grumbled at Sokka. As she does so I see a yellowed scroll in one of her hands.

“Really. Well then you won’t mind me seeing what’s in Katara’s hands,” I turned to Katara and held out my hand. She tried to hide it behind her back but one look at my face and she gave it up.

When I opened the scroll my lips part slightly from shock. It was a waterbending scroll. I lightly brushed my fingers against the yellowing paper and fading ink. The move showcased through simple but fluid art. And as I looked closer at a few of the defining factors I was shocked. This was a Southern waterbending scroll.

“How did you get this?” I asked quietly. My dad had a few Northern waterbending scrolls but none Southern Water Tribe. They were incredibly rare. Over the hundred year war, the Fire Nation had looted, killed, burned, and stole my people and scrolls. Many of our traditions were lost because of the Fire Nation. Holding this scroll in my hand was a privilege. 

I repeated my earlier question, “How did you get this?” I stared at the silent trio deciding who would be the one to break.

I met Katara’s stare first. She met my gaze with her own and crossed her arms. I hardened my gaze even more, my eyes flaring up like a flame. Katara matched my stare with blue eyes that swirled like an angry storm at sea. 

I found myself holding back a proud smile. Katara had always been one of the few people able to withstand my fiery gazes and it was nice to see that hadn’t changed.

I switched my gaze to Sokka who looked away and started to hum, trying to ignore me. While Katara always met my gaze, Sokka always looked away knowing he would break.

Knowing it would take too long, I changed to Aang. As soon as my eyes met he started squirming. Fidgeting with his sleeves, shifting his weight, and his eyes flicked all over my face as if hoping to find a soft spot. He didn’t find one and he wouldn’t. I’ve been using this stare since I was seven and have perfected it.

“High risk traders!” He blurted out. I stiffened and stood straighter than I already was. I knew the kind of people who used that term and if they got this scroll from them…

Apparently my gaze was still on Aang and he completely broke under it. “Katara stole the scroll from pirates.” My eyes widened and I inhaled a sharp breath. 

“Pirates?” I said slowly, barely above a whisper. Sokka and Aang take a few steps back as I move so I'm directly in front of Katara. Katara took a small step back, terrified of the look on my face.

“Pirates,” I repeated, my voice pinched. My anger radiated off me, possibly scaring every living thing nearby.

“Yes,” Katara started, testing the waters to see my reaction. Seeing that my expression and stance didn’t change she continued confidently. “Aang needs to learn waterbending and we couldn’t afford it. So, I-”

“You stole it?” My fists clenched. My fury was taking hold, not just at Katara but at myself as well. “Instead of trying to find me, you put us all in danger. Pirates don’t give up easily Katara, when they want something they will do anything to get it.”

“They’re not going to follow us if that’s what you’re getting at. They’ll give up.” 

“Give up! Pirates don’t give up Katara. Don’t stand there and act like–” Katara interrupted me.

“Aang needs to be taught waterbending. You said so yourself just a couple weeks ago. Or are you going to pretend you never said that,” she straightened herself and took a step forward. “And you left. You left to spirits knew where, and didn’t bother to ask whether we needed you.” My breath shortened and my hands started to tremble. She wasn’t talking about the scroll anymore.

“I didn’t have a choice. You don’t understand what they will do,” I started, my tightly wound thread threatening to unravel. The memories of so long ago raced through my mind. 

“Could you stop being so overdramatic! They’re not going to do anything–” she stopped when she heard my chuckle. My chuckles soon turned into a boisterous laugh.

“Overdramatic?” I whisper. Katara’s eyes widened and took a step back. I could see from behind her that Sokka shoved Aang behind him. 

I knew what I was doing. I knew I was scaring them but I didn’t particularly care at that moment. All I knew was that the dark memories and feelings were now at the forefront of my mind. I turned towards them feeling as if I towered over them.

“Overdramatic,” I repeated a bit louder this time. I brought my hands to my face and dragged them down.

“Overdramatic?” I snarled, flinging my hands down. I was angry. Whether I was angry at myself, them, my parents' murderers, or my parents themselves for leaving me in a world that wanted me gone, I didn’t know. All I knew was the anger I kept bottled up was leaking and I had no control over it.

“Pirates killed my dad because he refused to give them what they wanted, so don’t stand there acting like you know anything about them. You’re lucky I don’t force you all to leave now!” My chest was heaving and my breaths were becoming shallow. 

I stared off into the distance ignoring their wide eyed faces. I never told them how my dad died and where I was the years after. In fact, this was the first time I told anyone how he died. I mean how could I? How could I explain to his family and mine that I was the reason he was dead? That another person had once again sacrificed themselves for me?

“You,” a soft feminine voice whispered softly. I look back towards them, my face emotionless. She met my eyes with her blue ones, an emotion I couldn’t discern in them.

“You can waterbend?” Now I knew the emotion on her face. Her voice said it clear as day. 

Betrayal.

My eyes widened and my emotionless facade crumbled. I turned my head to the river that was flowing next to us. I stumbled back as if I’d been hit.

The river that was once flowing had turned into a frozen mass of spikes. Any water that was left raged past the spikes, faster than any normal river.

As I lifted my hands I realized they were trembling. I tried to take a deep breath but it would only come out in short gasps. My cousins and Aang’s stares pierced into my skull but I couldn’t look away from the river.

I lost control.

I turned away from them and did what I do best. I ran.

Chapter Text

Ryuko POV

I was laying on my back, watching the moon come up when I decided it was time to head back to camp.

I'd heard betrayal from Katara before but never to this degree. And I didn't blame her. For Katara's entire life she's been disconnected from that part of her culture. With the Fire Nation taking southern waterbenders and all of the scrolls containing the recorded moves, it made sense she would do anything to improve and show that her bending was worth her mom's sacrifice.

I sighed and stood up. Instead of taking the route straight through the forest, I chose to walk along the riverbed. As I walked, I took some water out of the river and played with it, bending it between my fingers and arms.

Nearing the campsite, I heard muffled yelling. I peeked through the bushes and saw Katara practicing the water whip. She attempted it again but was unsuccessful.

"You're too stiff," I called out, crawling out the bushes. Katara yelped and sent the water she was bending toward me in an attack. I stopped the water and flowed it through my arms then snapped it, doing the water whip she was practicing.

"Your stances are good, but you have to flow through them as if you're water yourself," I said. Katara scoffed and continued practicing, ignoring my presence.

"I'm sorry." Katara messed up and ended up hitting herself in the forehead. She dropped the water and turned to me. When we locked eyes, I could see her fury and sadness.

"I shouldn't have hidden my bending. I was going to tell you today, but I should've been forward about from the beginning of our travels. But I hesitated because–"

"Shut up," Katara interrupted. I considered leaving but I needed to apologize to Katara.

"No, I need to-" I stopped when I heard a noise too. I gave her a quizzical look and she turned towards the bushes to investigate. I took a couple steps back, so I was obscured by shadows.

After peeking through the bushes, she gasped and turned to run. Before I noticed and could warn her, she ran into a burly pirate. Thankfully she had quick reflexes and bent water into his face, making him let her go. She tried to run the other direction but Prince Zuko caught her wrists making it so she couldn't bend.

"I'll save you from the pirates," he said. I scrunched my nose and held back a laugh. Him? Protect her? It was laughable that he thought he could protect anybody.

"I'm sorry," I said, stepping out of the shadows. Flamey and the crew of pirates turned to look at me. I locked eyes with the prince and flashed a smirk. "But I'm afraid we have to decline your thoughtful offer."

"Ateera?" He said, his mouth opening a bit. Katara wrinkled her forehead at me. She knew Ateera was my mother's name, but she didn't know it was one of my aliases.

"In the flesh. Now if you could let my cousin go, we can resolve this without any bloodshed." From the side I can hear some of the pirates laughing. My blood ran cold.

They won't be laughing soon.

"Not a chance," the prince snarled. "Get her," he yelled at the pirates. Greedy smiles overtook their faces as they readied their weapons.

"With pleasure," the pirate with the scaly bird said. I assumed he's the captain because after he said that four pirates charged.

Now I was considerably outmatched. It was eight to one and they were at least a foot taller than me. They also had weapons and were stronger than me. But I had a few things they didn't. Better hygiene, for starters. They smelled worse than the week-old rotten fish. I was incredibly lean, fast on my feet, and a quick thinker. And not only have I been fighting since I could walk, I was a master waterbender with an unlimited water supply nearby.

I drew water out of the river and made a ring surrounding myself. I raised the water up and separated them, creating eight tentacles. The pirates coming forward faltered a few feet away, taken back from my bending. I took advantage of their distraction and separated two tentacles, sending them to the pirates. It sends two of them back and I froze those pirates to the ground.

The other two–over their momentary shock–rushed forward. They tried to attack my tentacles with their swords, but I easily avoided them.

One of the pirate's swords tried to stab through one of my tentacles. I separated the top part of the tentacle and stabbed him in the throat.

I turned to the other and wrapped a tentacle around his arm and twisted it. He screamed and fell to the ground cradling his arm.

I dropped the water to the ground, tilted my head back and laughed. I turned to the prince and smiled at the slight fear in his amber eyes. "Wanna let her go now?" I pointed to my cousin held tightly in his arms.

"Let her go," another voice spoke. Flamey and I turned to Iroh in shock. Iroh faced the prince but made sure I could be seen out of the corner of his eye. "We don't want anybody else hurt. We can find the Avatar another way."

His eye flicked between his uncle and I before settling solely on his uncle's. A feeling I hadn't felt in years made my heart ping as they silently communicated.

Iroh nodded and the prince turned his amber eyes in my direction. His eyes met mine and his arms around Katara loosened. Then his eyes drifted behind me, and his eyes met mine again.

"No." His arms tightened around Katara, and he put a fire dagger to her throat. "And I suggest you don't fight if you want your cousin to stay alive."

My fists clenched and I looked at Katara. She had tears in her eyes, and she shook her head. I stared back into the prince's eyes, analyzing them and I realized he wouldn't be able to kill her. Not without a mountain of guilt that would eat him alive.

I unfurled my fists and raised my hands. "Fine. I'll surrender." He smiled and nodded to someone behind me. I turned to my cousin and smiled. "I'll come back," someone grabbed one of my wrists. "I promise."

I turn sideways and grab the soldier's arm. I shifted forward, putting a foot between his feet and threw him over me into two soldiers coming forward. I turned around but saw the leftover pirates. I spun the other direction but there were Flamey's soldiers.

"You're surrounded and there's no way you can escape. Just surrender," Flamey yelled out.

I chuckled and water started to swirl around me. "You were right about one thing Prince," I turned to look him in the eyes once again. "I was surrounded." I swirled the water around me and took one last look at Katara. Tears threatened to flow down her cheeks. I'm sorry, I mouthed.

With that I push the water out, blasting everyone. And with everyone distracted, I ran.

Zuko Pov

Seeing Ateera fight was terrifying. And graceful. It was terrifying, graceful, and brutal.

"Zuko are you alright?" Uncle asked. It had been a couple hours since Ateera had run away. I sent some of my soldier's and some pirates to look for her, but I knew she would only be found if she wanted to be.

I had questioned the peasant and got zero answers for the Avatar. I promised I wouldn't hurt her brother and even offered her that necklace, but she told me to, 'Go jump in the river.' After none of those worked, I sent the rest of the pirates and soldiers to look for the Avatar.

"No, I'm not okay. I still don't have the Avatar and Ateera slipped out of our grip," I stood and started pacing. Something about Ateera bothered me and I didn't know what. "I need answers," I pushed past Uncle and stomped back in front of Katara.

"What part of, 'Go jump into the river,' don't you understand?" she said.

"I'm not here to ask about the Avatar. My soldiers and pirates will bring him to me soon. I'm here about Ateera."

She stiffened at the name. "I don't know who you're talking about."

"Yes, you do. That girl who defeated half my soldiers and pirates."

"That's not her name," the peasant looked at me like I'm crazy.

"What do you mean that's not her name? That's the name she told us." I started pacing. She lied about bending, lied about fighting, and now her name. What else has she lied about?

Peasant snorted and shrugged her shoulders. "Well, she lied. Which isn't that surprising." Her saying that surprised me in more ways than one.

"What do you mean? Does she lie a lot?" The peasant looked away.

"Yeah, she does." I waited for her to continue but she didn't.

"Why don't you tell me her name?" I didn't know why but I was curious to know her actual name. Did her name match her better than Ateera? Did she hate it?

She inhaled a sharp breath, then sighed. "Fine. Her name is-" A shout from pirates was heard from the forest. A second later to pirates dragging another peasant and the Avatar.

"Nice work," I told the pirates, ignoring the struggling boy.

"Aang, this is all my fault," the girl spoke up.

"No Katara, it isn't," the Avatar placated.

"Yeah, it kind of is," Uncle spoke up. I rolled my eyes and turned to the pirate captain.

"Give me the boy," I said, holding my hand out.

"You give us the scroll," he told me. I reached into my pocket to bring out the scroll, but the Avatar's annoying peasant friend decided to speak.

"You're really gonna hand over the Avatar for a stupid piece of parchment?"

"Don't listen to him, he's trying to turn us against each other!" I yelled. If the pirate captain believed him my plans would be ruined.

"Your friend is the Avatar?" The captain asked them.

"Sure is, and I'll bet he'll fetch a lot more on the black market than that fancy scroll," he said confidently.

"Shut your mouth, you Water Tribe peasant!"

"Yeah, Sokka, you really should shut your mouth," the Avatar said. I silently pleaded in my mind for him to listen to the Avatar.

"I'm just sayin' it's bad business sense. Think how much the Fire Lord would pay for the Avatar. You guys would be set for life." The pirate stared contemplatively at the Avatar.

"Keep the scroll; we can buy a hundred with the reward we'll get for the kid." I clenched my fists as the pirates all turned to leave.

"You'll regret breaking a deal with me." Two soldiers and I blasted fire at them. They dodged and one came forward shooting smoke bombs.

I coughed and walked around trying to find the way out. I found my way out and put the scroll back in my pocket. I turned around and barely missed the pirate captain's sword.

We fought for the next few minutes until my uncle stopped us.

"Are you so busy fighting you cannot see your own ship has set sail?" Uncle shouted at us.

"We have no time for your proverbs, Uncle!" I shouted back.

He shook his head. "It's no proverb!" Uncle pointed to the Avatar and peasants who were sailing down the river in the pirate's boat.

"Bleeding hog monkeys!" the pirate captain shouted. I started laughing but it dissipated when I saw my ship hijacked by the pirates.

"Hey! That's my boat!" I yelled and pushed past Uncle. He mumbled something and I yelled at him to hurry.

By the time we caught up the Avatar's was gone, and my boat went over the edge of a waterfall.

"My boat!" I yelled out.

Uncle started laughing and I turned around. In his sleeve was his stupid lotus tile. "Prince Zuko, you're really going to get a kick out of this. That lotus tile was in my sleeve the whole time!" I raged and grabbed the stupid tile, throwing it over the edge.

"Your highness!" someone yelled from behind.

"What!" I yelled flames shooting out my hands.

"It's the girl," he said, pointing behind him. "The one who escaped. We found her."

"Well, where is she? Why didn't you bring her?" I spoke. I heard a loud gulp, and he looked straight at Uncle.

"You need to hurry." The urgency in his voice chilled me. Did something happen to her? I shook my head. No way, if there's one thing, I know about her is that no measly pirate can hurt her.

"Where is she?" Uncle says. The desperation in his voice was a little surprising. The last time I heard it was when I scarred my eye.

He waved at us to follow him, and he rushed off. We both followed along the riverbank. When we got there, I gasped at the gruesome sight. All three of the pirates who chased after her were dead.

One was fairly close to the river and was hanging off a huge ice spike impaled. The other was against a tree with one of their own swords. The most gruesome one was in the middle of the small clearing. He had over fifty spikes in his body that were aimed to make his death as slow as possible.

As I got closer to the body, one of the spikes was different from the rest. It was lodged in his chest, where the heart was. It was a sword, an ice sword. My eyes stayed on his body for a few more seconds. The emotion of rage was clearly present in his death.

I moved on from his body, unable to stomach it anymore. But what I moved to was worse.

A few feet away was Ateera, in a puddle of blood.

Chapter Text

Ryuko POv

My lungs were burning at the speed I was running through the forest. The sharp branches and thorns from trees and bushes, scratched at my clothing and skin.

A loud thunk came from a tree I was passing. I slowed down just a bit and looked behind me. Behind me was a pirate throwing a bolas, a long piece of rope with a heavy ball at the end of it. I barely managed to dive over some bushes to miss it. 

Landing on my hands and doing a forward roll I go straight back to running. I glanced around trying to find somewhere he won’t be able to get to me. A few yards ahead there was a small cluster of trees with enough foliage to hide me.

I pumped my legs to go faster going in a zigzag, making it harder for him to aim the bola. When I reached it I jumped, grabbing onto a lower hanging branch. As I’m pulling myself up I feel a weight wrapping around my right leg. I cursed as I’m ripped away from the branch. I landed roughly on my ribs and heard a slight cracking. Before I could even take a breath I was dragged across the forest floor. I fumbled around me hoping to find something to latch onto. Unfortunately, I was going too fast to even be aware of my surroundings.

Less than a second later, a large hand was wrapped around my neck squeezing any leftover air from the fall right from my lungs. 

I gasped and clawed at his arm desperate for air. He lifted me, my feet barely touching the ground.

“Aren’t you just a pretty little thing? Maybe we can take you along with the scroll eh.” The pirate dragged his other hand down my red face. “You could fetch a fair price with those pretty eyes.”

“You have such pretty eyes.”

Black dots clouded my vision, I needed to get out of his grip soon or else… I scrambled to think of a way out when I remembered the hidden dagger at my waist. I reach for the dagger and just as my fingers brush the hilt his hand takes it from me.

He raises to my face and grins, flashing his yellow teeth. “Well, well, well, look what we have here?” He drags the flat edge of the dagger down my face. “Does the little damsel think she can escape?” 

He laughs. And laughs. And laughs. Fear started to take hold. That night came back. Their laughs came back. 

The smell of flesh. 

A sizzle on my arm.

Why are they laughing? How do they find their deaths funny?

Someone touched me. 

The sizzle flowed down my arm engulfing it in white hot heat. I pushed at the person. 

No, not again, I couldn’t have it happen again. 

They screamed and the hand around my neck disappeared.

I fell to my knees, my ears ringing and my limbs barely able to move. I gulped the fresh air into my burning lungs. After a few breaths, burning flesh coated my nose. This was unlike the usual stale scent I’m used to. This time it smelled fresh.

The ringing in my ears quieted down, I heard the screaming. I turned my head and immediately regretted it. 

I screamed. It got mixed in with his scream to the point I couldn’t tell who was who’s. 

The once burly man was now more fire than man. It burned away his clothes and ate away at his skin, exposing muscle. He turned his head, hearing my scream. I wish he hadn’t. 

A face wasn’t staring at me. At least, I think it wasn’t. The fire had already melted much of his skin, so much so his jaw was exposed. I scrambled back when he reached his hand towards me.

My breath quickened as he continued to stare, groaning from the pain. I closed my eyes and tried to block him out. Remember, Katara’s in trouble. Aang and Sokka need me.

I tugged at my hair, undone from my drag across the forest floor, and counted. When I get to sixty-three I’m mostly back to my senses. I opened my eyes, looking to the side, away from the man. I stood shakily, my legs feeling like jelly. I trudged forward, walking further and further from the fire.

It was less than five minutes of walking before I heard voices. They were coming towards me, talking loudly.

“Did you see that girl? She was pretty pretty.” I ran hiding behind a tree and my stomach dropped. 

“Which one? They were both pretty?” Another one said. I closed my eyes, willing to be invisible.

“The one with brown hair,” the first said. I clench my fists and continue to breathe. In. Out. In. Out. Ignore what they say.

“Bah. They both have brown hair, idiot.” My fists clenched even tighter. There are three. Please do not be talking about her.

“The one with just blue eyes. The other was freaky,” the middle responded. The river I had been following crashed along the banks. I hear a scream and some yelling. I unclench my fists, my gaze as cold as the glaciers in the north.

I stepped out to face the situation at hand. An ice spike had emerged from the river and pierced the torso of a pirate. The other two stared at him in shock. One of them turned their head and saw me.

“You!” he yelled, alerting his friend. He turned his head from his friend and we locked eyes. The air escaped my lungs and my eyes burned.

“You,” I muttered, remembering that day.

We were a day away from the northern waters when they came. Despite our many travels we had never traveled to my dad’s home, the Northern Water Tribe. There was some kind of falling out between him and his brother years before I was born. I felt bad I was making him go back but we had no choice. He wasn’t that good with healing and his tribe had the best healers.

“Daddy it hurts,” I cried as he wrapped my arm. Dad had just finished another healing session on it. 

“I know sweetie, I know,” he said, his voice cracking. He kissed the crown of my head then pressed his forehead against mine, brushing away my tears. “Why don’t we go out on the deck and play some pai sho?”

I sniffled. “With white jasmine tea?”

Dad smiled. “With white jasmine tea.”

He helped me up, making sure my arm was comfortable in my sling. Stopping in our tiny kitchen, I sat on the counter watching as dad grabbed the tea supplies. First tea, then the kettle, then the tea cups. As he reached for my favorite one, I clutched his shirt, stopping him.

“No, I want mom’s tea cup.” Dad’s tense face softened to a small smile.

“Of course my little dragon,” he grabbed her cup carefully. It was a beautiful cup, one my father handmade for her before he died. It was carved with blue and red dragons. It was this cup that inspired my name. It was also one of the last possessions I had of my mom and father. “Why don't you hold onto it for me?” He gently gave me the cup.

I clutched the cup to my chest with my good arm, as close to my heart as possible. I was going to treasure this forever. “I’ll keep it safe I promise,” I nodded determinedly. He laughed at my scrunched up face. 

“I have no doubt you will, my little dragon.” He kissed my forehead then sighed. “Everything’s ready, let’s go play some pai sho now hm?” I nodded. 

As dad was taking me off the counter something crashed into the ship. I jolted forward but was quickly caught by dad. The same couldn’t be said for the tea cup that slid out my fingers. I watched in slow motion as it crashed onto the floor shattering. Tears immediately welled in my eyes. 

“Ryuko,” my dad said hurriedly. “I need you to stay here, understand? Don’t move from this spot.” He sat me down next to the tea cup, tears streaming down my face. 

“No, where are you going?” I yelled. Dad ignored me and pulled away, running out of the cabin. Tugging my knees to my chest, I wrapped my good arm around them and waited. Loud noises and fighting could be heard and I tightened my hold on my knees.

“He’ll be okay,” I whispered to myself. “Dad’ll be okay, he’s strong.” 

Mom was strong too , my mind whispered. And think of what happened to her. I whimpered, putting my head between my knees. A minute later someone slammed open the cabin door. Glancing up, I hoped it was my dad but it wasn’t, it was a pirate. I scrambled back as the pirate noticed me.

“Well look at you? Don’t you have such pretty eyes?” My back hit the wall as he gave me a toothy grin. I recognized him. When we were at the last port stocking for our last leg of our trip, I remember seeing my dad and two pirates arguing.

As the pirate took a step towards me a blast of water slammed him into a wall. Dad was panting as he stood in the doorway before rushing over to me.

“Ryuko, Ryuko, oh my little dragon are you okay? Did he hurt you?” His hands cupped my cheeks moving it side to side to look for injuries. I shook my head and his shoulders deflated just a touch before they tensed up again when we heard yelling outside.

“C’mon, up, up.” Dad pulled me up and grabbed a bag hidden in the cabinets. We went outside and I gasped. A large ice wall was blocking the pirates from getting closer to our ship but there were spider cracks quickly forming as they sent cannonball after cannonball. My dad pulled my gaze away as we rushed to our little rowboat on the side.

Using waterbending he sliced through the chains and the boat splashed into the ocean. He threw the bag onto the boat and knelt to my level.

“That bag has everything you will need to get to the Northern Water Tribe. And when you get there tell them Prince Farook sent you, that you’re my daughter. And–” a loud crack interrupted him. We both glanced at the ice wall.

“Wh-what do you mean? You're coming with, dad I don’t get it.” I couldn’t stop crying. I didn’t get why he was acting like this, like he wasn’t coming with me.

Another loud crack interrupted the looming silence of my question. He turned around and cursed. “Ryuko, get in the boat.”
“No,” I yelled. I clutched his arm. “I’m not getting in without you.”

Dad sniffled, tears welling in his eyes. “I need you to get in the boat, Ryuko, please.”

“No Dad! You have to come with me, please.” Hot tears trailed down my face as I held tightly onto his arms. “You can’t leave me too.”

Despair flashed across his face as he looked behind him. I followed his gaze and cried harder seeing them break through the ice.

He leaned forward to kiss my forehead. “I love you, my dragon.” His blue eyes filled with tears as he whispered the last thing I would ever hear from him. 

“Protect yourself.”

I gasped as he pushed me off our ship into a rowboat. I reached out hoping to grab a hold of him once more.

I missed him by my fingertips.

I inhaled sharply as I landed on my left side. I struggled to get up only using my right arm as the other was still useless from the incident. I tried to get up, I really did but I was too late.

A huge wave crashed between us, pushing me away from the two boats into the northern waters. I held on to the rim as I coughed up the water that made it into my lungs. 

As I turned to where my childhood ship once laid I sobbed even harder. There was nothing. Not our ship. Not their ship, nothing. They were gone.

The pirate's beady eyes and his smile was the same one from six years ago. It was a face I would never forget. But as we stared at each I realized it wasn’t for him. That while his image would be burned in my mind for all eternity he couldn’t bother to recognize me.

Him and his friend pulled out their swords. “C’mon girly, let’s not cause any trouble for yourself.” One yelled.

The river raged behind me. “I think the only ones in trouble here are yourselves.” I rushed forward, pulling water from the river in thin tendrils. 

One of them leapt forward, his sword and my water clashing together. I ducked under his next swipe, aiming the tendrils at his side which he blocked. We moved backwards as we continued to dodge each other. Near the water I made a few more tendrils and left my middle open. When he stabbed it forward I barely dodged it. My side burned but I ignored it. Using the other tendrils I ripped his sword from his hands. At his surprise I sent a blast of water towards him, making him slam into a tree. I used the tendrils to send his own sword into his chest.

I looked toward the other pirate in disgust. He was pale as he looked toward the pirate he let die. The pirate looked back towards me and raised his swords. I rolled my eyes and flicked my hand. An icicle raced through the air, burying itself in his arm. He let go of the sword with a scream.

As I walked forward he scrambled back. Before he could far I sent more icicles into his legs and arms. 

“Please, please,” he cried when I got close. “Don’t kill me please.” I cocked my head to the side as I watched him plead. It brought me a certain sense of… Pride, knowing he was on his knees.

“Why?” I asked. “Why should I spare you?” 

“B-b-because,” he stuttered. He glanced around hastily. “Because you’re so young! You don’t want this kind of blood on your hands.” He nodded forcefully as if that was the answer.

I pursed my lips, attempting to hold in my laugh but I couldn’t help but cackle. 

“Oh my spirits,” I wiped my tears of laughter from my eyes. “I’m afraid–” I sent a large icicle in his stomach. “–it’s far too late for that.” He cried out in pain, trails of tears running down his cheeks

“Please,” he sobbed, hanging his head. “Please, I have a family. I have a family.” 

“You have a family?” I guffawed. Maybe hearing that he had family was supposed to make me sympathize with him but all I felt was more anger. The anger I’ve held in for six years boiled over. “Look at me.” He shook his head, keeping his gaze trained on the ground. The river behind me exploded, raining water over us. “I said,” grabbing his chin and forcing his eyes on mine. “Look at me,” I snarled.

He sniffled as more tears poured down his cheeks. “Please, please mercy. Do not leave my family without me.” I searched his eyes looking for a flicker of him recognizing me. But he didn’t. I was nothing, my dad was nothing but a distant memory he could forget. He could afford to forget. Because he had a happy, healthy family, he could return to, while he and his crew killed the only person left that actually cared about me.

I chuckled darkly. “And the man with the daughter you said had such pretty eyes had mercy given to him?” I questioned.

The pirate inhaled sharply as his eyes flitted over mine. “You-you’re the girl from–”

“From six years ago, yeah.” I shoved his head away and took a step back. Using the icicles in the air, I bent them into a sword. It was delicate work, and I hadn’t perfected it quite yet, so it took a moment to make. While I was making it, he pleaded with me. Saying he was ‘sorry’, ‘he didn’t realize’, and my favorite, ‘if he could go back in time, he would change what happened.’ 

“Spirits will you stop talking!” I snapped, sending another icicle into him. “I don’t care about your shitty excuses. You didn’t care then, and you don’t care now, stop pretending you do,” I snarled. My breath was coming quicker and quicker as he continued to sob.

“Please, please spare me. Be the bigger person I wasn’t those years ago. If you don’t do it for me, do it for my family. Please spare me for my family.” 

I stared at him coldly as I raised my sword. “No.” The sword swung down, stabbing him in the heart. 

I let go and stumbled back, the body thudding onto the ground limply. A sob escaped my throat. “I did it daddy,” I whispered. A small weight felt like it was taken off my shoulders. Dizzily I took a few steps forward but stumbled, feeling a sharp pain in my side. I pressed against my side and when I pulled them back, thick dark red blood covered my hands. I tried to take a few steps forward, but my eyes were blurring, and my breaths were shallow. If I didn’t know any better, I was dying. I smiled at the thought. Maybe, maybe this was it. This was my end. My suffering of all these years could finally be over. I could finally see them .

My eyes shut involuntarily. “I’m coming.”

Chapter Text

Ryuko POV

When I opened my eyes I was in a forest. It was a strange forest. Trees were a soft brown and ten times larger than any tree I’d seen in my lifetime. The ground was littered with plants I’d never seen before. And the energy here was one I’d never felt before. It was embroiled in the plants, trees, and even the air. Everything was soft around the edges like it was out of focus.

I wracked my mind for my last memory. There was fighting, and water, and anger, and blood. My blood. I glanced down at my hands expecting to find blood but there wasn’t any. Just the typical calluses and scars I’d gathered. I noticed what I was wearing and crinkled my nose. I was wearing dark red pants with red fabric wrapped around my waist. My top was a red cropped tank top you would never catch me wearing, as my entire scar was revealed. You would never catch me wearing this outfit in general as it was distinctly Fire Nation.

I heard the crunch of leaves and whipped my head up to find a man. He was a few inches taller than me–like most people–and was wearing a Fire Nation soldier uniform. I slid my left foot back and raised my arms. I didn’t have any water nearby but I still had my firebending.

“Hey, hey whoa,” he raised his hands. “Calm down, I’m not going to hurt you.”

Staring at him incredulously I couldn’t help but snort. “You’re a Fire Nation soldier. Name one reason why I should trust you?” The soldier opened his mouth but snapped it shut with a thoughtful expression.

“You know, you have a point,” he replied. I blinked in surprise. A Fire Nation soldier agreeing with me?

He bursted out laughing from the surprised look on my face. “You know–” he wiped tears of laughter from the corner of his eyes “–your mother made the same look on her face when I said I passed finals with top scores. She couldn’t believe it!” He continued laughing and I couldn't help but feel like there was something so gut wrenchingly familiar about him. Like I should’ve known him from somewhere. But at the mention of my mother I tensed. 

“What do you know about my mother?” I yelled. When he saw me advance he held up his arms again.

“Hey, hey, hold on just let me explain,” he mumbled something under his breath but the moment I met his eyes everything was tuned out. 

His eyes were an amberish gold yellow that could be light orange in the right light. And I recognized them. I recognized them because they were one of my eye colors.

I felt tears fill my eyes as I barely croaked out, “Father?” The man's face immediately softened at me calling him that and I knew it was true.

“Yes, Ryuko, I am your–” he wasn’t able to finish before barrelled into him crying. “Oh, my dragon,” he said as he wrapped his arms around me. “I’m here my dragon, I’m here I promise.” Hearing him call me my mom’s and dad’s pet name only made me cry harder.

It was a few minutes before I pulled myself together enough to pull away and wipe my tears. I took a hard look at his face. His hair was darker than mine and his skin was lighter. And he was missing the freckles I had from hours in the sun but we had the same nose that was straighter and smaller than my mom’s and I had his eye shape along with his eye color in my left eye.

He seemed to be studying me just as intently. “You look so much like Ateera,” he admired. Hearing my mother’s name reminded me that she was dead. Along with the man I’m currently talking to.

“You’re supposed to be dead,” I muttered, confused. Father blinked in surprise.

“Yes I am. Such an astute observation from my beautiful daughter,” he said smiling. I rolled my eyes and punched his arm. Father yelped and rubbed his arm.

“What was that for?” he pouted. “I see you inherited your mothers attribute for violence,” he mumbled. My eyes widened, if he’s here–dead, but here–then maybe…

“Mom!” His brows furrowed at my shouting. “Is mom here?” I asked gleefully. “I mean, if you’re here then mom and maybe even dad is here!” I jumped up excitedly, my smile wider than it had been in years. When I looked up at my father, my smile melted into a frown.

He was looking at me sorrowfully and put a hand on my shoulder. “Ryuko, what do you last remember?”

My brows furrowed at his question. What did I last remember? Well, I was… I was…

I sent a blast of water towards him, making him slam into a tree. I used the tendrils to send his own sword into his chest.

“And the man with the daughter you said had such pretty eyes had mercy given to him?”

I stared at him coldly as I raised my sword. “No.”

I pressed against my side and when I pulled them back, thick dark red blood covered my hands.

My eyes shut involuntarily. “I’m coming.”

My eyes hardened, my fists clenching. “I killed a man that was a part of the crew that killed my dad and left me an orphan.” My hands unclenched and my shoulders relaxed before shrugging. “And then I died. I think.”

“Well,” he said, scratching his head. “That certainly is a calm way of looking at this. And no, Ryuko, you aren’t dead.”

“Oh,” I said disappointedly. Then I wrinkled my nose. “Then where in the spirits of Tui and La are we? I know for a fact you’re dead so clearly we aren’t in the human world anymore.”

He chuckled. “Yeah, we’re not in the human world anymore. This is a kind of uh,” he trailed off clearly having trouble on how to explain this place to me.

“Let me guess, a place in between life and death where you’ve come to either guide me to my next phase of life or convince me to stay alive,” I deadpanned. 

“Um, yeah,” he chuckled. “Pretty much, except the fact that you’re still very alive in the human world.”

I sighed, running my hands through my hair. Why couldn't I just be dead. It would save me so many headaches. “Then what am I doing here? What are you doing here?” I gestured my hands at him. 

“You were almost dead,” father started to explain. “But then you were saved. It was touch and go for a moment so we waited until you were stable before we interfered. When Ateera thought it was time we argued about who to send. There was only enough energy for one,” he sighed exasperatedly as if annoyed but he had a little smile on his face that made his eyes glow. “I wanted to send Farook because, y’know, you just killed someone that was responsible for his death but both he and your mother insisted I come,” he sighed a loving smile on his face. My heart ached seeing that look of love on his face and I suddenly felt so unbearably alone. I stepped back leaving the warmth of his arms and letting the cold wind wash away his touch.

“Why? So you could see how much of a disappointment I am?” I blurted out. A flash of hurt crossed his face. 

“No, Ryuko. No, not at all do I feel that way,” he stepped forward, trying to bring me back into my arms but I backed away.

I wasn’t sure why I was doing this. Why I was hurting us both with my words and actions when this was a once in a lifetime opportunity. When this had been all I wished for for years. A chance to see my father, to know what he looked like and whether I looked like him, a chance to know the person that helped create me, who made me a dual bender. But I was just so angry. Whenever I imagined this moment it wasn’t just me. It was my mom and my dad meeting him too. A fantasy where we were all a happy family traveling a world without war. Where Father could teach me about the Fire Nation and firebenders and we would be in the Southern Water Tribe with all of my people, waterbenders and non-benders. It was a fantasy I’d thought about for years and years when I was younger. But it was just that, a fantasy.

Because we lived in a world where the Fire Nation decided they were better than everyone else. So they wiped out the airbenders and had left the Southern Water Tribe with barely anything and anyone left. 

A sharp pain exploded in my side. My hands immediately went to it and when I pulled back my hands were covered in my blood. When I looked up in horror everything was blurring. I was leaving. Going back to the dreaded pain and reminders back in the human world.

“Father,” I screamed. I’m not sure why but for once in my life I allowed myself to be scared and call for someone. “Father,” I screamed again. A forehead met mine and hands cradled my tear streaked cheeks. He held me as I crumpled against him, my energy fading quickly. I could feel myself be pulled back to my physical body but I fought it. Just a little longer. A little bit longer to savor my father.

“I love you, Ryuko. My precious, precious dragon,” he said when I was almost gone. “And I am so–” his voice broke “–so fucking proud of you. Don’t ever forget that.”

I let go.

When I awoke, blinking my world back into place, I saw orange eyes over my head.

Zuko POV

It had been two days since we found Ateera in the woods. Uncle was able to staunch the wound as we rushed her to the ship. Thankfully one of the soldiers was well versed in medical care. As soon as we got to the ship she was whisked away.

It was the morning after when I got the report of her injuries. And it was… Extensive to say the least.

There were scratches and twigs all along her back. A couple of fractured ribs. Defensive wounds along her arms. The most concerning wound, however, was along her stomach. Three inches long and a quarter-inch deep, the soldier said she was lucky to have held on as long as she did.

I threw the file back on my desk for what felt like the thousandth time in the last two days. I had many questions. How did this happen? How did she fight off all those men injured? How did she fight off all those men at all? 

They were questions I knew wouldn’t be answered. At least not anytime soon. She had developed a fever shortly after her surgery and the soldier said it would be a week before she woke up. Because of this Uncle had spent a large amount of his day sitting with her, wiping sweat and putting a cold compress on her forehead. 

A sweep of anger overcame me. I swept the report off my desk and slammed my fist into it. Why? How? Those were the only thoughts floating around my mind. 

“Take a calming breath, Prince Zuko,” a familiar voice said. I looked up to see my Uncle with a tea cart. “Would you like a cup of calming tea? It works wonders for my stress.”

“I don’t need a cup of tea Uncle, I need answers!” I exclaimed, straightening up. I turned away from him, gazing through my small window at the ocean.

“And we will get those answers soon. Until then enjoy this cup of tea.” I heard his footsteps as he ambled up to my desk, set the tea down with a click-clack, and walked away leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I shook my head and remembered what I’m supposed to be doing. Finding the Avatar. I turned around and settled back into my chair, pulling the maps back across my desk. This Ateera girl wasn’t important. She was a distraction from my mission. A distraction I’d dispose of once I got useful information from her.

Less than twenty minutes later a soldier crashed through the door. Panting as if he had run all the way around the ship.

“What!” I screeched, the candles flames rose up from my anger. He sputtered, forming syllables that he couldn’t quite get out from his lack of breath.

“Well?” I questioned. “I don’t have all day.” It’s another minute before I get my answer. He stood up straight, seemingly having steadied his breath again.

“She’s- She’s awake.”

We ran to the room she was staying in and bursted through the door. While I was expecting to find her sitting in bed, I instead found her standing with an icicle to one of my soldiers' necks. As soon as she saw us she tightened her hold on him.

“Come any closer and I’ll slit his throat before you can even blink,” she snarled. I raised my arm up feeling the heat of my firebending encase my arm before Uncle grabbed my arm and pulled it down. He stepped forward with his arms in the air.

“We wish you no harm, miss,” Uncle said calmly. Ateera, or whatever her name is, rolled her eyes and snorted.

“Yeah, okay. Like I’m going to believe a bunch of Fire Nation soldiers.”

“If we wanted to harm you we would have left you for dead you ungrateful water peasant,” I snarled. I’m starting to think we should have left her there to die. 

She dug the icicle further into his neck. “Call me that again Flamey and I’ll show you what this ‘ungrateful water peasant’ can do.”

I growled and raised my arm again, ready to set her on fire when Uncle stepped in front of me.

“What my nephew means to say–” as he stepped forward, sending me a withering glare “–is that we found you in the forest, fatally wounded and brought you back here. You almost didn’t make it.”

Her eyes narrowed as she looked around the room. It was a spare room often used for medical needs. There was a somewhat comfortable bed, a table, and storage for medical supplies.

When she looked back, she looked thoroughly confused. “Why? I’m a waterbender and friends with the Avatar. You have no reason to keep me unless…” she trailed off, then so small I almost missed it was a sharp intake of breath. Her eyes snapped to mine, and I could’ve sworn I saw a flash of fear, but it was gone before I could be sure. 

She gripped the soldier in her arms tighter and he whimpered in pain. “If you think I’m going to let you bring me to one of your prisons for waterbenders in the Fire Nation you're wrong.”

I opened my mouth ready to yell at her about what she was talking about, Uncle Iroh stepped in again.

“I promise you. I promise you we would never turn you in and let you go to those prisons.” She eyed him warily and loosened her grip on the soldier.

“You really saved me, a water peasant, out of the goodness of your heart?”

No.

“Yes,” Uncle responded. I looked at Uncle incredulously, but it seemed it was serious. I turned back to the girl who was eyeing the soldiers beside me. After studying us she turned to the soldier in her arms.

“Are you the person who patched me up? she asked him? He nodded furiously.

She tilted her head back at us humming thoughtfully. “The soldier who patched me up and General Iroh can stay to fix the bandages I’m currently leaking through.” My eyes moved down to her torso and sure enough, she was bleeding through them. I narrowed my eyes at her. By the way she was acting you would never guess she was injured.

“The rest of you will go if you want your friend to live,” she continued.

“I think not,” I snapped. “I’m the prince and captain of this ship so I’m staying as well.” She sized me up and met her stare head on. Her dual-colored eyes of blue and amber gold never left my gold ones. As we stared on, I could feel my cheeks heat up.

“Okay,” she said, her eyes never leaving mine. “You can stay.” I broke the stare immediately once she said that, barking orders at the soldiers behind me to leave. It was a poor attempt at me hiding my red cheeks as I could practically feel her lips smirking at my back.

When the soldiers left and closed the door, she dropped the soldier she was holding to the ground and the icicle melted back into water splashing onto the floor. Her hands went to her side as she shuffled back to the bed.

I watched with cold eyes as Uncle rushed forward to help her settle onto the bed. After doing so, he started the kettle for tea as the soldier grabbed bandages, a poultice, thread, scissors, and a needle. When he brought them over to the hurt girl she snapped at his skittishness. 

“If you think I’m letting you touch me when you’re shaking like a leaf during a sea storm, you’re wrong. Give me the supplies.” She snatched the items out of his hands and rifled through them frowning. The girl looked up from them, looking around the room before settling on the basin of water in the corner.

“Hey Flamey, bring that water basin, will you?” she asked. I bristled at the thought of bringing a waterbender a basin full of water.

“Absolutely not,” I snarled. She’d probably use it to try and kill us like she almost did a moment before.

She snorted, as if knowing the thoughts running through my mind. “I’m not going to use it to kill you, if that’s what you're wondering. For one, I’m injured.” I watched in almost amusement as she struggled to get her shirt off. After struggling and failing she grabbed the scissors and started cutting it off. “And for two, if I wanted you dead, you’d’ve been dead the moment you walked in that door. Now get me the damn water, I need it to heal my wound.” 

I shook my head. “No way, I’m not risking it.” I motioned for the soldier in the room to take the water back. When I turned back to her blood rushed to my cheeks. Her shirt was off leaving her upper body in a half shirt and her lower body in bandages. I watched as she unwrapped the bandages to reveal the ugly wound. Sending a glare my way, she scooped up some of the poultice. As she applied it, she let out a hiss, but she didn’t stop. It was gentle, the way she applied the poultice.

“Stop staring, perv,” she said. My head whipped up to see her with her head tilted to the side and an eyebrow raised.

“I-I-I’m not,” I sputtered. “I’m not staring at you!”

“Uh-huh, sure,” she snickered, returning to her wound. I turned my head away from her, pointedly staring at the Fire Nation banner on the wall instead of her. However, after a minute of silence I couldn’t help but watch her from the corner of my eye. She was slightly bent over, her brows furrowed in concentration. My eyes trace her until I get to her left arm. It was bandaged from shoulder to wrist, but I don’t remember seeing an injury that extensive on the report. Her eyes flashed towards me and quickly looked away, pretending I was never looking at her.

“You can look now,” she said a few minutes later. I turned my head back noticing she was comfortably sitting under sheets on the bed. Uncle was bringing her tea, and she took it, sniffing it lightly. 

“Chamomile and lavender?” she asked Uncle. He nodded at her proudly as if she was special for guessing the type of tea. 

She took a sip, closing her eyes to savor it. When she opened her eyes looked over to Uncle. “Delicious. Perfect to help me sleep.” She then glanced at me. “You both can leave now. Barricade the door or whatever. I want sleep.”

I sighed deeply at her demands, but Uncle and I followed them anyway. As we left, I didn’t acknowledge anybody and went straight to my office. Slamming the door, I slumped into my office chair suddenly too exhausted to do anything.

That girl was going to be the death of me.