Hey everybody, this is my first fanfiction. I know it's kind off the left side of the things, but I would really appreciate reviews. Thanks.

The day was like any other. The sun wasn't shining, the wind was cold, the air smelled of salt, and the decks were slippery with sea foam. And here I stand, watching, waiting, hoping, that one day I might escape all this, that I would never have to endure such lasting misery. That I could go home.

It had been 3 long years since that fateful day in the sweltering heat of June. It is a moment I will forever regret. It was during the hottest part of the day. I was walking nimbly down the halls of the palace, fanning myself, not watching where I was going. I ran into a general who served my father's house, but who quickly became agitated and the tension between escalated from their. I jabbed and jibbed with my wit, at his cumbersome comments of "respect" and "honor". Both of our anger's flared like the temperature around us, until we verbally lashed out to one another. When I insulted him one too many times, he snapped. He threw down his glove to me and demanded satisfaction. I smirked at the prospect of killing the old fool and gladly accepted the challenge.

The next day, when it came time to duel, I stepped out into the Royal Courtyard with a swagger for my crowning moment triumph. But, the old general wasn't there, it was father. He had taken up the gauntlet, as I had found out later, when the general complained to him and decided to teach a lesson of his own. But, at that moment, I was caught off my guard. He assumed his position but not before I pleaded with him on the instance. To no avail, unfortunately. Up until this point, I had always been composed, but for once in my life I broke down in tears at the prospect of dueling my own father, my standard of perfection, my own Lord. He showed no hesitance. He thrust forward his fist and in one brilliant burst of fire he scarred my left eye forever.

I, Azula, prodigy and and heir-apparent to the throne, lost everything in two seconds. After the match I was banished from my father's house and his Kingdom, which I thought one day would be mine, and given the impossible task of finding the Avatar who had been missing for over 100 years. I was devastated. For a few months after, I couldn't speak to anyone, much less set to my task. It was like everything I had ever looked to was gone and I was branded a failure. That was three long years ago.

Since then my Uncle Iroh and I have reconnoitered the globe, searching for the figure who vanished almost a hundred years before. All of it had been in vain. We had gone from village to village, town to town, city to city, and every answer was the same: There is no Avatar. I am discouraged by our failures but even worse by the fact that it seems this person has fallen off the Earth. Oh, how I want to go home and be back in my father's good graces again and be with my brother. And then there was that: Zuko. I had always beleaguered him with taunts and jeers but he always stood his ground. Resolute and firm as a rock. Now, in retrospect, I wish I had been kinder to him. All those wasted hours, what a folly. And now, I stand before the arctic tundra, in a worn and battered ship, waiting for the tide to pull me into harbor, where I can search once more for the Avatar.

I look down at the gray waters below. So ardently tormented. I remember a story once, of my childhood long ago, where a man who had disobeyed his master and his voyage had been cursed. When all had seen lost, he jumped into the ocean and all was calm. Maybe then, that's when my own curse will end. When I surrender myself to the sea that seems to beckon me into it's icy grip.

I feel a warm hand on my shoulder. "Here, you'll need a warm coat." My Uncle holds up a large crimson coat for me.

"That's okay Uncle. I'm quite warm." I say in a somber voice.

He looks at me with those eyes that are filled with compassion and wisdom. "You shouldn't stay long out in the cold. You'll catch a fever."

"I know Uncle, I was going inside right now. How much longer until the tide rolls in?"

"At least another hour. You should go rest. We have a lot to do on shore."

"I will do that Uncle" I say politely as I can, "Thank you." We both bow and continue inside together.

But just as we were to the door, I caught from the corner of my eye something vivid. I turned about to see on the far bank a huge blue column of light jutting far into the sky. I rushed over the banister of the ship, amazed at what I was seeing. I was joined by my Uncle and soon the entire crew emerged from their quarters to gaze upon the spectacle. "Hand me glass!" I commanded. The telescope was handed up and I stared through it.

"That is no Arctic light." Uncle said.

"No, it isn't." I said not turning away from the glass and still staring at the light. "I believe it's a being produced on the ground. But what could it be?"

"Perhaps our visit won't be so boring as you thought."

"Maybe" was the only word I could think of.

Then, just as quickly as it appeared, it vanished. I retract the telescope. "We can't wait for the tide. Everyone into the lifeboats, we're going ashore now." The crew set about their business at lightning speed. Out of my ear I hear the drum beating and soon the marines appear on deck, clad in armor and helmets. We hurriedly make our way into the boats, braving the brutal wind and weather, and make for shore. While the boat tosses and turns on the rough waves one could feel an air of anticipation amongst the crew. Like an anxiety. Hushed rumors I heard going through the ranks that the light was a bad omen and that certain death approached. I ignore them. I am far too excited to let them put me down. Perhaps this was the prospect I'd been looking for in three years.

The craft hits the beach, and the ramp descends, everyone scuttles out into the sod as if they were expecting to be struck down. We quickly advance in battle formation, to what we thought to be the nearest village in the distance. The biting arctic wind nipping at my nose the entire time.

We finally arrived the village was utterly abandoned and devoid of life. All that was in view was the windswept tundra and their humble woolen wigwams. Cautiously, we enter what appears to be the village center. I shout in a loud voice, announcing we wished everyone to assemble there. A moment passed, then another. No one stirred. Realizing that nobody was coming, I tell a soldier to torch one of their huts. He quickly ignites the dwelling. Soon a man, a woman, and a few children race from the hut, and are seized by the men on hand. Soon all the other villagers, also appeared, and were ordered into the center.

I saw the growing mass until I gauged it to be the entirety of them had been assembled, I stand upon a small box and announce, "We have witnessed a light coming for the vicinity of your village. Now, as to if you know anything about it, we want to know. If anyone has anything to give willing, your village will be spared. If not..." I pause, "We'll torch the rest." I cringe at that thought. Like they really fear their tents being burned, they'll just build new ones in a day. Oh well, I can see that a panicked look is coming over the crowd, so maybe it worked better than expect. But finally, out of the crowd steps a gawky looking male of about 14.

"We have something."

"Excellent..."