A/N: Set within the timeline of the original A:tla series, and including several interactions with canon characters, without use of OCxCanon romance, this story shows a rebellion in the works, hidden from the viewer, and altogether unrecognized in the victory of the Avatar in ending the War.
And From the Ashes May We Rise To Reverse Your Evils
I
She set the note down.
"Omashu," said the lady across the table, patting her mouth deliberately. "But why?"
The girl shook her head and exhaled. "The Lady did not explain. There must be trouble about."
The girl, named Kunie—a woman not yet eighteen and with a burning heart—took up the trinket that had been enclosed. It was a fine jade necklace, long and beaded, which had been faded by time. "It is indeed from our friend in the Capital," she added. "This is a precious possession of hers, but why she has brought this news puzzles me. The Capital is the safest place in the world." Grabbing the note she read aloud, "'You mustn't come… You are not safe here. Go to Omashu. Its seclusion is more reliable and my student will be able to accompany you.'"
Kunie surveyed the paper. The scarlet ink was laid out frantically.
"You must obey her," said the older woman, her unwrinkled face stern. "The boy is here. We should make him wait no longer."
The girl could but nod and be silent. Walking to the window, she unbarred its shutters, inviting a gust of chill air to rush in. Low dark clouds overshadowed the grand mountain city. The streets were empty.
"Come child," the lady beckoned toward the door. The girl followed. On the ground floor of the inn a young man awaited them and stood ceremoniously as they appeared.
"Madame, miss, I am sorry to bring such unexpected news. My master said it was with great cause that she redirects you to Omashu."
The lady looked grave.
"Quiet, quiet. You must not speak freely of such matters." She drew closer to him. "You know the walls are not as solid as they used to be and the faces in our nation are not as true." He nodded in complete confidence and apologized briefly. He then addressed the girl.
"I must request that we depart soon, before the weather worsens. We have not time to lose."
"Very well," she responded. Distraction was present in her face and the boy took notice. She was lost in her thoughts, her mind racing and wholly consumed by the curiosity of the letter from her friend in the Capital and by the eerie sensation encompassing her. What dangers could await in the grand Capital, the City of Walls? Apologetic for her bitter remark, Kunie added, "I do appreciate your generosity, good man. Traveling alone for so long has created a lonesome heart in me. I will gather my things now and return within the half hour." She gave him a brief smile and mounted the stairs.
As she had promised, she returned in a short time, her broad pack heavy upon her. "Dear, young Kunie, I will pray for you and your companion," bade the lady as they departed. Kunie said good-bye to the great inn and city in the mountains for the rain-trodden forests in the south and greeted the journey ahead of her, the vast dark abyss of the unknown and unforgettable before her.