Author's Preface:
No, this is not an April Fool, I really am starting to work on a new fic within the Avatar universe. It has some similarities to Lost Roads, which I hope to resume in the near future.
So, first and foremost, an apology to those who have been waiting for the next chapter of Lost Roads: I was hopeful to get the project done before the final episodes of Avatar had aired but this was not to be. It has taken me a long time, and a lot of work, to get myself back to the point where I can write again. A lot of things have happened in the interval between then and now – work-related things, heartbreak, loss of inspiration, loss of a computer, other things.
But, hopefully, I've come back with this. It's a teaser of a prologue, but I promise there is a lot more where this came from. I've spent a lot of time outlining this story and I think you'll find it to be engaging, twisting, turning, and filled with all sorts of wonderful drama.
Prologue
Four years have passed since the "Hundred-Year War" ended as suddenly as it began. Many changes have taken place around a world once ravaged by war.
Avatar Aang, after successfully bringing the war to an end, has embarked on a quest to find out if any Air Nomads do survive after so long a time. Spurred on by rumors and stories, he seeks to restore balance to the world through the resurrection of the Air Nomad culture. His travels have taken him across many parts of the world, but few have heard from him since he departed on Appa to begin his latest quest.
Fire Lord Zuko rules the Fire Nation with a firm but just hand. Unlike his father and his grandfather, Zuko has embraced the ways of peace. His policies have helped the Earth Kingdom cities and towns rebuild and have brought hope to the parts of the world that his forefathers ravaged. Many in the Fire Nation are pleased and relieved that they are able to help, but there are still whispers and rumbles of discontent to be heard, if you know where to listen.
With the cessation of hostilities, the Water Tribes have come together. Communities that were once divided and apart by cultural boundaries once more realize the values of friendship and family. They have sent a representative to be the ambassador to the Fire Nation – Katara of the South Pole. Katara's role is to work with the Fire Nation to aid in the rebuilding of the Water Tribes. She has seen little of her family since accepting the role, but is still very stubborn and passionate – traits that suit her perfectly.
Her brother, Sokka, has spent much of his time traveling in the Earth Kingdom with Suki and Toph. The end of hostilities made it difficult for him to settle down once more, so he spends his time helping wherever there is need for it and, otherwise, enjoying a fairly carefree life not unlike that of a vagabond. He keeps in regular contact with his sister, letting her know how he is getting along.
Toph has grown and matured beyond her years. She retains much of the trickster mentality that she had in her youth but she has also found a stable rock in her companions. Back in her native country the Earthbending master has been particularly helpful in reconstructing – even going so far as to Earthbend an entire village from scratch in two days. Puberty has brought on new challenges for her, but she remains determined and stubborn in the face of these new challenges.
Leaving the Kiyoshi Warriors in good hands, Suki has spent her time traveling with Sokka and Toph. She and Toph have come to a much better understanding between each other, but Suki's feelings are primarily for Sokka and for Sokka alone. Her time spent with him has brought her much closer to him – close enough that she cannot see anyone but him in her future at this point. On their travels she acts as the voice of logic and reason – though never for long – and keeps Sokka from doing anything too stupid – a task which is nearly impossible sometimes.
Mai occupies a central position beside Fire Lord Zuko. Though she has not been officially named as his consort, most within the Fire Nation expect the Fire Lord to name her his consort before the year is out. The four years has lightened her mood significantly though she still has a morose moment or two – they are very few and far between. Although the Kiyoshi Warriors act as official guardians to the Fire Lord, even they recognize that Mai is his unofficial protector and they respect her for that.
Finally finding acceptance with the Kiyoshi Warriors, Ty Lee has a family at long last that she can call her own. The former acrobat spends a great deal of her time with Mai and Zuko, who she sees as a brother she never had. Time has brought beauty to her as well several inches, but neither has dulled her skill or celerity. Several of the Kiyoshi Warriors have also taken to learning from her – which has made them a far more potent force than ever.
Calling Ba Sing Se his new home of sorts, Iroh has settled down in his new tea shop, which he runs with pride and joy. Frequent visitors to it include Sokka, Toph and Suki, Katara (when she is traveling), Fire Lord Zuko, and even Aang has been spotted there once or twice. The members of the White Lotus also frequent the place to play Iroh in Pai Sho and discuss philosophy. Iroh has no desire to remain a part of politics, choosing instead to devote all his energies to his tea shop. He does offer help and opinions to Zuko when the Fire Lord seeks them, but Iroh is largely retired.
Princess Azula remains safely enshrined at the Caldara Mental Facility, which resides on one of the many volcanic islands that makes up the Fire Nation. She is monitored constantly, and very few people come to visit her. Under the care of the doctors at Caldara she has regained much of her sanity and self-esteem although it is not likely that she will see release from the facility for a long time to come. The doctors all speak highly of her recovery and the seeming change that has taken place with her, but some are wary of what might be lurking behind her golden eyes.