Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender. It belongs to its creators Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko and Nickelodeon.

Prologue

Years have pasted since the Avatar brought an end to the Hundred Years War, Sozin's War. The world has finally entered an era of peace in large thanks to Avatar Aang and Fire Lord Zuko. Their efforts have slowly, but, surely been mending the rifts between the nations of their world. Between Aang's efforts in settling disputes and quelling possible rebellion, and Zuko's decisions towards making restitutions for the atrocities of the Fire nation, they have made great strides in restoring friendly relations between the other nations.

Such restitutions includes the return of all Earth Kingdom territories save for a number of colonies that were allowed to stay in order to offer Earth Kingdom citizens services at the cost of the Fire Nation. Services, such as, carpenters and engineers to help rebuild and improve town destroyed during the war. Colonies protected by handfuls of soldiers who also, at the request of local towns can offer their service as guards against bandits, rebels who refuse to accept the presence of the Fire Nation colonials, as well as rogue Fire Nation soldiers and generals who refused to accept the end of the war without anything less than absolute victory for their "Phoenix King" Ozai.

While Zuko reformed his nation in order to regain the trust of the rest of the world, Aang continued his duties as Avatar. To that end he mediated many diplomatic meetings between the Fire Nation and the other to further rebuild relations with the other nations. When not mediating such meetings he traveled the world trying to maintain peace between the colonist and native peoples who had not yet let go of their anger towards each other. This included capturing rouge Fire soldier and Earth rebels who tried to stir up a new war in their own quests for revenge. Often, Aang also had to setup meetings between the colonies and local Earth Kingdom towns and villages in hopes of quelling the still harsh feelings between the two sides.

As difficult as their tasks were, their efforts were well worth it as war would not return to this world for centuries.

During their lifetimes Aang and Zuko remained the best of friends. Along with their wives Katara and Mai they raised their own families and had many reunions with their friend and family Sokka, Suki, Toph, Iroh, Ty Lee and many others. Each respected for their parts that brought an end to the darkest period in the history of their world.

Aang, hoping to prolong this new found peace for as long as possible also spent much of his life preparing safeguards in the form of a society that became known as the "Union of the Elements". This Union was created to insure that the Avatar could never be used as a weapon the way that Fire Lord Sozin intended to use Roku and the Elder Monks intended to use Aang. As members of the Union their loyalty was not to their own nations, but, to the same mission as the Avatar, maintaining peace and balance in the world. As such the Union would provide protection to any members that may otherwise be coerced into forsaking the world and living under the thumb of their nation's leader.

This prompted the Fire Sages to quickly join the Union in hopes that no future Fire Lord could successfully threaten their lives and force them to betray their beliefs. The Water Shamans and Earth Scholars followed suit, having faith in the Avatar, while not wanting the fire nation to become closer to the Avatar than any other nation. The Order of the White Lotus, who fully supported the Union from the moment Aang suggested it, choose to have representatives of the White Lotus become members while remaining a completely autonomous society.

All that was necessary to complete the Union were representatives of the Air Nation. This became most time consuming part of his efforts to preserve the world as he now knew it. In his attempt to rebuild the Air Nation, Aang founded the New Order of Nomadic Monks. Consisting primarily of non-benders, Aang sought out anyone in the world seeking to start a new life after the destruction they faced in their current life. People seeking a life of pacifism, free from the desire of worldly possessions, free from their anger and sadness, and hope to find enlightenment and peace of mind.

Leading these people to the three vacant Air Temples, Aang taught them the philosophies of the Air Monks as well as the airbending forms to help them to understand these new ideals and help defend them selves. While not one of them could ever become an airbender, Aang insisted on everyone learning the forms and for them to pass on these forms throughout the coming generations. For Aang this was not only a way to continue the legacy of the Air Nomads, but, a way to ensure that future Avatars would learn the airbending arts and become fully realized Avatars.

When Aang believed they were ready Aang introduced, the council, the leaders of the New Order of Nomadic Monks. After many years Aang had succeeded in creating the Union of the Elements and had new hope for the future of the world. With the Union realized he spent his finally year giving his undivided attention to his loving wife Katara and visiting he friends, his children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren.

Aang died quietly in his sleep at old age. With his death, came the "decline of benders".

250 Years Later

It has been over three centuries since the end of Sozin's War and the world has managed to maintain its peace. Over these years the world had few changes and has not progressed as quickly as it had before. This has been a result of one of the changes that has had a most significant impact upon the world, the population of benders.

Since the death of Avatar Aang, the number of benders born in the following generations has declined. This decline has become more noticeable with the deaths of Avatar Sui of the Water Tribe and Avatar Tsao of the Earth Kingdom. A world where the population of benders had been nearly a million had now dwindled down a couple of thousand.

As a result of the decline the development of each nation had slowed to a crawl as the bending arts had been cornerstones of their civilizations. The Northern and Southern Water Tribes built their homes with waterbending, just as earthbenders build the cities of Ba Sing Se and Omashu. Without bending the expanding and founding of new cities were no longer even considered. The lack of firebenders has resulted in a step back in the technological advances of the Fire Nation. Without firebenders to enhance the flames necessary to forge steel and power their steam engines their engineers and scientists had to redevelop their methods to work without a firebender's aid.

These efforts lead redeveloped technologies such as over haul of all steam powered ships, and a redesign of the tank-trains into "Railroad Trains" that ran along a pair of metal rail rather than on various terrains that required power that the new engine could still not produce without firebending enhancements. Through forethought the Fire Nation shared this technology for these new "benderless" trains with the Earth Kingdom. This allowed the Ba Sing Se to replace their earthbender driven monorails and new transport system throughout the Earth Kingdom. In exchange the Fire Nation were provide with the services of earthbenders who were given the difficult task of creating bridges that spanned the gaps between the many islands that made up the Fire Nation. This service became the most impressive development since the Fire Nation airships were created. Of course the airships were still in redevelopment to function without firebenders.

These are but a few example of how the world has been adjusting. The people have resigned themselves to the coming extinction of the benders and have actually been take this significant lose in stride. The only ones who refused to give up on bending arts is the Union of the Elements. The Union, who already shouldered the responsibility of keeping the lost art of airbending alive, were still intent on uphold the remaining arts as well.

At least the leaders of the Union were still intent on continuing with the legacy of benders. However, many members had begun to question the need to maintain the Union. Only the Order of Nomadic Monks had unwavering devotion to the Union knowing the importance of remember such legacies as the knowledge of airbending was more than a fighting style they could never truly master but a part of their lives and culture that they refused to give up in honor of the Avatar that had giving them their peaceful lives.

However, the Avatar is the very reason that the other "Elements" were questioning the need to continue the Union. Avatar Ruko, of the Fire Nation, was believed by many to be the last Avatar the world would ever know. And tonight Ruko would decide the fate of the Union.

Out in an isolated home lives the elderly Ruko, alone with his loving wife. On this night Ruko lays upon his deathbed surrounded by his family as he awaits the arrival of his dear friends, the current leaders of the Union of the Elements. Knowing that his end was coming, he had sent word for them to see him as soon as possible. He knew that they would arrive soon expecting to voice his opinion on the future of the Union. His opinion would either renew their faith in their cause or result in the immediate disillusion of the Union.

The bedroom door open and everyone turn to see five elderly people enter. Ruko smiled at the sight of his old friends as his children solemnly left the room knowing that their father had very important business to take care of before his passing. Sitting around their dear friend were the leaders of the Union, Ken the Fire Sage in red robes, Hai the Water Shaman in blue and white robes, Kun the Earth Scholar in green and dull yellow robes, Cheng a representative of the White Lotus wearing white robes bearing the emblem of a white lotus tile and Ruko's closest friend Feng one of the Elder Monks of the Nomadic Monks in orange and yellow robes.

As Ruko greeted his friends, his wife Mei sat by his side refusing leave partly out of concern for her husband and because she never got over the fact that Hai had once been Ruko's girlfriend in their youth. Mei had always had the suspicion that Hai still held a torch for her husband and had wanted to steal him away. Suspicion that had only been valid until the day of their wedding when Hai had reluctantly given up on the idea winning back his heart and choose to wish him a happy life as his friend.

After everyone had been greeted and seated, Ruko prepared to explain why he had requested their visit. "Friends," said Ruko, "I have called you all here tonight is to discuss the future of the Union of the Elements. Many have suspected that I am the last Avatar that will be born. In spite of the efforts of Avatar Aang and his Order of Nomadic Monks no airbenders have been born and thus the Avatar cycle will soon be broken."

Feng bowed his head down and spoke apologetically, "I'm sorry Ruko. I know that it was Avatar Aang's hope that in upholding the legacy of the Air Monk that we would eventually revive the airbenders in order to continue the cycle. We have failed to…" Ruko interrupted, "Do not apologize my friend. Feng, I know that Avatar Aang had not expected the Air Nation to have been revived by now." "That is kind of you to say but the cycle…" Feng said before being interrupted again, "Trust me Feng, you and the monks have carried on the task left to you admirably."

Ruko breathe a sigh and continued his explanation, "One week ago I had come to the decision to dissolve the Union"

"What!" "You can be serious!" shouted Ken and Hai respectively.

Ruko held up his hand and silenced his upset friends. "However, since then I have learned that is not a wise decision. Having spoken to past Avatars I have learned the true purpose on our Union."

"The true purpose?" asked Cheng as the other silently sat there wondering what Ruko meant. They knew the purpose of the Union, didn't they? It was to protect the Avatar from the being manipulated by nation they were born into and to ensure that he or she became a fully realized Avatar.

"The Union was given tasks in order to protect each other and to ensure that the Avatar would stay true to his purpose.", Ruko stated, "But Avatar Aang knew that the Avatar spirit and the bending powers would be lost when the Avatar Cycle was finally broken. So Avatar Aang, with the guidance of the Avatars that came before him, took steps to revive the Avatar Cycle."

"Revive the Avatar Cycle?" asked Cheng, "What do you mean revive the Avatar Cycle? If broken, is it really possible to fix?"

"Yes Cheng,", Ruko said, "it is possible, with the Union's help, that the Avatar will eventually return along with the benders whom we all know have been slowly fading from this world. This night, while I still breathe, the last benders that the world will know are being born. After I've breathe my last breath, those who are born with the potential to bend shall be denied their power until the Avatar's return."

For the first time tonight Kun spoke, "What do you mean "potential to bend" Ruko?" Kun, who was a master of neutral jing, had been patiently listening to Ruko. As a natural with neutral jing he easily waited patiently with his instructors as he learned how to earthbend, sat in university lectures, or sat quietly studying in libraries. While a definite bookworm Kun was without doubt one of the greatest earthbenders alive. Kun was also considered one of the greatest minds in the world as he can quickly takes in any situation understand it, and immediate think of several solutions to almost any problem he encountered. This meant that Kun rarely asked questions as he usually understands things before people even finished explaining. Hence, why everyone in the room stared at him for ask a question, though it was a valid question as no one else understood what Ruko had meant.

Ruko smiled at the thought that Kun was stumped over what he said and explained, "As you all know, there was a time long ago when humans were unable to bend the elements. People learned how to bend by observing the natural benders of our world such the dragons, badgermoles, sky bisons and the moon. Since those times the nations were formed and benders with natural ability were born into their respective nations." Ruko paused for a moment and looked at each of his friends in the eye as though he was about to share a secret with them and was taking one last moment to decide that he could truly trust them with it as he took an extra long look into Cheng's eyes. "The reality is people have always had the potential to bend any of the elements." Everyone had a look of surprise or shock on their face.

Cheng looking both surprise, shocked and confused finally voiced a question everyone else wanted to ask, "You're not seriously saying that anyone can become a bender of any element? That contradicts the significance of the Avatar, the only one able to master all for elements!"

"It seems I haven't explained this very well.", Ruko said as he began to clarify, "The benders that we know of, benders such as you four have a significant affinity towards one element and naturally learn to develop their power up to a point. However, people without an affinity towards one element can, through discipline and understanding can develop an affinity towards any one of elements just as our ancestors did ages ago."

"That is why Avatar Aang founded our order," said Feng, "to create new Air Nation, complete with airbenders."

"Yes," replied Ruko, "that is why the New Order of Nomadic Monks was created."

"But, we've failed to learn airbending, to give birth to new airbenders."

"No Feng," Ruko exclaimed, "your order has not failed. You have learned the forms, the philosophies, you understand the air element and you have the heart and spirit of a true airbender. You have simply been denied the power to airbend."

"With the genocide of the Air Nomads," Ruko continued, "the power to airbend has been lost to all but the Avatar. The moment that Avatar Aang died was the moment that the balance between the elements was destroyed. Only after all of the bending arts have vanished can a new balance be created. This is the true reason that the Union was created. The Union must pass on the knowledge of the bending arts at least until the day the Avatar returns or else, they may never return."

Ruko began coughing prompting his wife to give him some water. He than laid there, quietly breathing, suddenly feeling much more tired than he had a few minutes before. Looking at his friend again, he consider his wording for how he would define their purpose in hope that his word would help prevent the Union from ever being corrupted and farther ensure the Avatar's safety.

"The Union must continue to search for the Avatar, seeking children born the moment I die and testing them to confirm they carry the Avatar spirit. You must carry on the tradition of finding and training the Avatar to be carried on beyond the return of the Avatar. Even during the coming age where the Avatar will not be able to realize his power we must do what we can to preserve the integrity of the Avatar as we await the return of the Avatar and his power to ensure peace."

Ruko turned to Ken the Fire Sage, "Ken you have carried on the firebending arts, what people have called the element of power. You must make sure that your students understand the true source of their power. That, despite its name, is not fueled by the desire for power nor the anger to defeat one's enemy, but from life itself. Firebending, in its purest form, stems from drive, purpose, the desire to live life to your fullest potential."

"Of course Ruko", Ken replied with a bow, "I will not allow the firebenders to corrupt this world as it had in the past."

Ruko looked to Hai the Water Shaman, "I trust that your students know the importance of change Hai. Not just for the sake of their training, but, in understanding the importance of change in the world and their lives."

"Yes Ruko, they understand and will pass on this simply fact that things do and must change." Hai answered.

"Good, good, for the world will change drastically during absence of the benders. There are already signs of the changes to come as engineers seek to advance technology without the use of benders. I heard from another friend of mine, a scientist, that he has discovered a way to create lightning or what he calls "electricity" artificially after a talented firebender accidently created an "electromagnet" while practicing his lighteningbending. He believes that if created and stored in a grand enough scale it could prove to be a power greater than steam engines."

"Ruko?" Hai spoke trying to gain his attention as his eyes showed that Ruko's mind had wandered off-topic.

"Hmm? Oh, course" Ruko composed himself as he remember where he was. "Thank you Hai, you've kept true to the waterbending arts. Now I must ask you to do something that I know you have been debating with yourself for sometime. I know you've considered the ethical questions of do this, but, I feel that it is something that must be done. Though, please do this in the most discrete fashion."

Hai and Mei both sat rather uncomfortably wondering what Ruko was talking about. Mei looked at Hai rather suspiciously as wild ideas and questions fill her head, none more outrageous that the idea that Hai was still able to carry a child at her age. Hai on the other hand waited to hear what Ruko was talking about as she consider his health and wondered if he'd forgotten where he was and actually suggesting having an affair in front of his wife.

"So please Hai", Ruko continued, "Pass on the knowledge of bloodbending to those that you believe can be trusted with it." Both Hai and Mei blush and felt ashamed of themselves over the thoughts that had crossed their minds.

After composing themselves and trying to forget the past few moments Hai spoke. "Are you sure Ruko? Bloodbending is a dangerous art and I have come to believe that perhaps it is better off forgotten."

"Perhaps, but when waterbending return so will the possibility of bloodbending and should it be rediscovered by future waterbenders that would abuse such a power the Avatar must be prepared to counter it. Please Hai, pass this knowledge to someone who would never wish to use it."

Next Ruko turn to Kun, "Patient Kun, I thank you for all the help you given me over the years. You taught me neutral jing and helped me to master earthbending even more than our own earthbending master. Your advice and sensible logic has helped me solve so many problems. Kun, you are perfectly suited to the element of substance. More than simply harnessing the power of the solid earth but understanding the essence of any situation. You must continue teach that patience and instill the desire to understand the world around them. This will serve future earthbenders as well as the Avatar who will need to discover his place in a world that will not understand his importance in their new world."

Ruko looked to the monk, "Feng, you have, perhaps, the most important task of all. You must continue to rebuild the Air Nation, increase the population, and find people who desire true freedom. Your order, which remain faithful to the element of freedom, must share its teachings with the people of the world. Free people from their worldly desires, free them anger and hatred, free their spirits as yours has been freed."

"Of course Ruko, I'll continue to do my best for your sake and for Avatar Aang's dream."

"Understand Feng, that the new Air Nation is the key to restoring balance to our world. We need airbenders in great enough number to avoid their extinction or else lose the balance of the world once again. If that happens, the benders and the Avatar will be gone forever."

"I understand and I will not fail Ruko. We shall all do what we can to restore the balance before the Avatar's return.

"Thank you my friend." Ruko said before turning to his last visitor, "Cheng, I have a favor to ask of you and the White Lotus."

"A favor, you do not have a task that you require of me?"

"Cheng, we all know that the Order of the White Lotus chose to maintain a degree of separate from the Union and that it only aids us for the sake of our world. The White Lotus has priorities beyond the request of a dying man, and I'm not talking about another Paisho tournament." Ruko chuckled with a tired grin.

"I suppose it's a little late to setup a championship match between players from both the White Lotus and the Union" Cheng said sadly.

"I make this request to the White Lotus. Please continue to aid the Union, help them to find the Avatar and follow the lineages of those we know to descend from benders. When the Avatar returns we must be ready to master our elements and reintroduce the bending arts to the world."

Cheng look at his old friend lay there, tired and said, "I cannot make such a decision on behalf of the White Lotus, but, I shall do all I can to convince the Order to fulfill your request. I know that we will do all we can to prepare for the Avatar's return. However Ruko, you have not said when the time will come. How will we know that the Avatar has truly returned? Will we have any clue that his return is near?

"Yes," Ruko said tiredly, "I had almost forgotten. When Avatar Aang made his plans to restore balance to the world, he spoke to an ancient spirit that warned him of how the bending arts would fade from the world after the Avatar cycle was broken. This spirit also told Aang of an event that would help restore bending to the world if the people of the world balanced themselves with the elements. With the Air Nation restored the world need only wait for an event that will awaken their bending potential."

"What is the event? When can we expect it?" Ken asked.

"Aang was given only one clue to the event. "When the drive for life is both encouraged and repressed, that power will awaken, the Avatar will return, a new balance will be created, and the cycle shall begin anew."

"That is all I can tell you my friends." Ruko sighed and looked to his wife and friends, "I thank you all for being here with me tonight. I have faith that Avatar Aang's plan shall succeed thanks to your efforts." Ruko smiled his wife Mei took his hand and gave it a squeeze.

Ruko and Mei's children reentered the bedroom and join their father's friends as they shared many different memories of their lives with Avatar Ruko. They shared funny stories that they laugh over, spoke of arguments and fights they had and about apologizes that follow. They spoke the biggest moments of their lives and of the seemingly most insignificant moments they could never forget. All the while Ruko lay there listening until he fell asleep. The stories continued until Mei noticed her husband grip loosen, and there they all sat looking at the peaceful man lying there perfectly still. There the friends and family shed tears for the Avatar, a husband, and a friend who was now gone.

400 Years Later

The lasting peace that the world once knew is gone. Without the Avatar to maintain the peace the world has followed a new cycle of human history, as it continues to dance an endless waltz of War, Peace, and Revolution. While the fighting has stopped once again, it only a matter of time before a new war begin whether between nations or within a single nation some people knew war would start again. However no one knew of the ancient powers that would spark the ambitions those who craved conquest.

In the Upper Ring of Ba Sing Se stood a rather large house where, in her room, sat a 15 year girl staring at her blank computer screen as she tapped her bare feet on the marble floor. "Man, I hate these writing assignments! It always take me AT LEAST three day before I figure out what I'm gonna write let alone actually start writing it. Man, it due tomorrow and I've barely figured out what I want to say." The girl bowed her head and sighed in frustration as she rubbed her eyes and thought about what she needed to write.

By the door a brown eyed girl in a blue dress showed up with a grin on her face as she ever so quietly sneaked her way into her friend's room. Intending to scare the daylights out of her friend she prepared to pounce until, "Hey Ren" said the girl with her hand over her eyes.

"How did you know I was here?" said Ren as she took a seat on her friend's bed. A grin appeared on the other girl's face as she turned to face her friend. She swept her hands away from her eyes and brushed her long black hair out of her face revealing seafoam colored eye staring at directly at Ren. With a cocky smile the green-eyed girl said "Easy, I could sense you."

Author's Notes:

Okay first and foremost I'd like to thank Xthedarkone. After telling him my story idea it was his approval of it is what convinced me to actually try to write it. For any of you Avatar fan who also like Kim Possible crossover story search for Xthedarkone and VINcredible I highly recommend the Rokubi series they made together.

Second, this is the first story I have ever written of my own free will. I've always hated writing anything; journal entries, creative writing, essays, reports, it takes me forever just to get started. A trait I share with that girl-eyed girl you just read about. So please be gentle.

So Read and Review, please no flame but I am open to constructive criticism so tell me what you liked or didn't like about this chapter and why.

Also while not mentioned in the disclaimer I also don't own Gundam in any way, shape, or form. Not Mobile Suit Gundam, not G Gundam, Gundam Wing, Gundam Seed, Seed Destiny, Gundam 00 or any other Gundam series. I just borrowed a fun little metaphor for this story.