A/N-
This is going to a fic taking place one year after the finale. It is not going to be very shipped focus. Even though there will be some scenes…But other then that. Enjoy!
"Some say the world will end in fire;
Some say in ice.
From what I've tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To know that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice"
Fire and Ice-Robert Frost
Chapter One- Impromptu Trip
Aang had been living in the Southern Water Tribe with Katara and her family. Everyone showed him a great welcome after he defeated the Ozai, which could be the reason why, but he was very grateful for their hosbiltality. However it was very hard for him to enjoy his new home when he spent the majority of his time going around the world. Visiting leaders and doing his Avatar needs.
Often times he would just go visit his friends. On a whim he would take Sokka and go visit Suki. Or have Katara join him on a visit with Toph. Or just go by himself to visit Fire Lord Zuko.
It had been one year to the date since the world was restored in balance, the war was over and Ozai was defeated. Aang decided to make one of his impromptu trips to the Fire Nation.
He had begun to pack up Appa to make the trip when Sokka walked past him. He looked upon the Avatar and gave a small laugh.
"Just got back and you are already leaving?" He said.
Aang turned around, " Well you know what day it is, " He stated, "Figured it would be great if I go visit Fire Lord Zuko…."
"You still call him that?" Sokka said as he walked up to the airbender, "That whole title doesn't sit with me. Makes me think of Fire Lord Ozai."
Aang tossed up a bag upon Appa's saddle, "Well Zuko is nothing like his father. We know this." Then he jumped up onto his saddle. "You want to come with me?"
Sokka thought about it then shrugged, "Nah, Dad wants me to stay here and talk about what I'll do when I become chief."
"Alright then" Aang said as he sat down on Appa. He grabbed the reins "Appa yip yip!" And they took off.
Zuko walked through the halls of Fire Nation. He had royal advisors; military leaders surround him all day. He just wanted a rest from it all. He tried to find Mai, however she was busy taking care of family matters in another part of the Fire Nation.
He had gotten one chance of piece and quite, he found himself a room where he could just sit down and relax for ten seconds. When a messenger came bursting in.
"Excuse me, Fire Lord sir…."
"For the love of.." He growled. "Can't I have one moment? Unless this is the Avatar I do not want to be disturbed. Now GO!"
The messenger stood there, "Ummm sir?"
"Why are you not gone yet?"
"It is the Avatar. He is here to see you."
Zuko looked at the young servant, "Oh…Well thank you very much."
Zuko rushed out to the main square to see Aang and Appa standing there. Aang saw Zuko coming and got a huge smile on his face. He gave his bow to the Fire Lord, to which Zuko returned.
"It's great to see you again Fire Lord Zuko." Aang greeted him
Zuko rolled his eyes, "After a year it still doesn't sound right." He laughed, "Just please, Zuko from now on. We've been through too much for formalities."
"Of course Fir…Zuko."
They spent most of the day walking and catching up. Telling stories about what has been going on in their lives, laughing at jokes. By the way they had been acting with each other no one would think that only a short time ago Zuko was chasing Aang around the world.
They made their way outside to the turtle duck pond where they got a chance to sit down.
"So," Aang asked, "have you been to Ba Sing Se at all?"
"A bit ago." Zuko said, "I went alone. Mai didn't want to come with me. " Zuko looked to Aang, "I heard Toph has been there a lot too."
Aang nodded "She is still having trouble with her parents. She runs away for a few weeks, then her families' guards take her back."
"What about you?"
"Katara, Sokka and I have seen him a good number of times." Aang was silent for a moment. He began to think of a plan. One then came to him "WE NEED TO GET EVERYONE BACK TOGETHER!"
"What?"
"EVERYONE!" Aang said as he jumped up, "ME, YOU, KATARA, MAI SOKKA, SUKI, AND TOPH!" Aang saw the look of concern of Zuko's face. "Come on Zuko. All of us, together at your uncle's tea shop in Ba Sing Se! None of us have been together a whole year."
"That is true." Zuko said still with hesitation in his voice. "How are we going to do this?"
"Well…" Aang started the pace as he thought. "You and Mai can come with me, we'll pick up Katara and Sokka. Then we'll head over to Kyoshi Island, get Suki. Then I'm sure Toph will be in Ba Sing Se already. "
"I would be nice to see everyone again." Zuko said, finally agreeing with Aang's plan. He gave a shrug. "Ok, lets get ready."
"We're doing what?"
"We are gathering everyone together and heading to Ba Sing Se."
"Didn't we go there two months ago."
"Well, yeah, but we haven't seen everyone together in a year."
Mai let out a sigh as she leaned on a doorframe watching her boyfriend pack up his stuff. Zuko looked up, and saw Mai with her usally bored face. He walked up to her and took her hand.
"I promise this is going to be fun." He said, "you liked last time we were all in Ba Sing Se together. Right?"
"And that water tribe boy drew me like a man?" She let out one more sigh, "Fine, I'll go and pack."
She gave Zuko a small smile as we left to her room to go and pack. Zuko went back to his packing, when all of a sudden he heard a knock at the door.
"What is it now Mai?" He smiled as he turned around. Only to see one of his military advisors, Corporal Shen standing in the doorframe. "Oh Umm…Sorry."
"No sir, you must excuse me," Shen said, giving a bow. "I just received word from…. Are you going somewhere Fire Lord Zuko?"
"Oh Yeah," Zuko said rubbing the back of his neck, "The Avatar and are going to Ba Sing Se to visit my uncle. We are meeting up with some of my old friends."
"Well sir, this might now be the best time." Shen said, "We just got word about this." He handed Zuko a scroll.
Zuko opened the scroll and skimmed through it. It appeared to be talking about a new group forming…somewhere. Zuko didn't think much of it. Ever since he was crowned Fire Lord there has been a number of groups forming who were said to be Ozai loyalist. Usually it was just a group of five to six people just not happy with the way things were running. They plan a take over but usually they fall apart within week of Zuko getting the notices. After the tenth time he heard about this he just gave up caring. He tucked the scroll into his bag and looked back to Shen.
"Doesn't seem to be anything to worry about." He said, "Still seems the same old news. Wait it out."
"But sir…"
"Don't worry!" Zuko said again as he finished packing. "I won't be gone to long. And if it hasn't been broken up by the time I get back, then we'll take care of it." He picked up his bag and headed back out to the square. Where he saw Aang waiting there with Appa. Soon Mai followed out.
Aang gave a bow, "Greeting Mai. How are you doing today?"
"Fine." Mai answered.
Aang slammed his foot on the ground, raising the earth up to Appa's saddle and had Mai and Zuko got in.
"Alright! We ready!" Aang called, "YIP YIP!" He yelled as they took off to Ba Sing Se.