Author's Notes: Hey so I'm back with the second chapter of the story. I will do my best to update the story once a week, but it varies depending on my work schedule. I'll do my best to crank out the updated chapters that way I can move on to creating new chapters sooner. Anyways, as usual let me know what you think of the story and any suggestions on how to make it better. Oh, I almost forgot a disclaimer. I don't own Azula or any of the other characters from Avatar the Last Airbender. Nor do I make any money out of this; this is just for your pleasure to enjoy something that I myself enjoy.

Azula confidently strode down the dimly lit corridor as she made her way to the dungeon to pay a visit to their new prisoner. After discussing what to do about him with her father and his advisors, it was decided that it would be Azula's job to interrogate him to see what he knew. When she finally reached the cell, she nodded at one of the guards who promptly unlocked the door and Azula ushered in. The inside of the cell is exactly what one would imagine – cold, dark, dreary and the only signs of life was the solitary figure passed out on the floor. Azula merely smirked at the prone figure and proceeded to kick him in the stomach to wake him up.

"Get up!" Azula spat.

"What the hell!" I groaned as I clutched my side and used my free arm to stabilize myself as I slowly stood up.

"If you wish to live I suggest you start talking! What is your name?" Azula yelled at me. I swore I saw lightning flashing in her eyes as she glared me down.

"I am Austin Bourne of the United States Marine Corps." I replied as I started to regain my composure. I looked around and clearly saw that he was no longer on the battlefields of Iraq; no, I was in a tiny cell god knows where. Just great. I'm locked up. This can't be good. Where the hell am I? "And who are you if you don't mind me asking?"

"Well Austin Bourne of the United States Marine Corps, I am the great and powerful Princess Azula, heir to the throne." Oh so this crazy looking chick is a princess. "Where is it that you hail from?" Azula was eyeing me carefully, watching my every move.

"Actually it's just Bourne, Austin Bourne; and I'm from a place that you've probably never heard of. In fact I was kind of hoping that you could tell me where I am." This strange place I was in was nothing like I had seen or heard of before. Besides, I'm pretty sure I would have remembered something about people shooting fire out of their hands.

"Well, Austin Bourne, you are in the greatest nation of all the land, the powerful and mighty Fire Nation." Azula beamed with pride as she said this, a small blue fireball coming out of her open palm to illustrate the point. How the hell can she do that?! Can everyone just nonchalantly produce fire out of thin air?!

"H-how are you able to do that?" I gawked in both awe and fear.

"It's rather simple actually, many people in the Fire Nation are able to firebend, though I do it far better than everybody else. The question is, how were you able to do it?"

"I-I have no idea. One second I was on the floor and felt this sudden urge emanating deep within me. Next thing I know, fire is coming out of my hand."

I was beyond confused with the situation but Azula continued to berate me with questions. "Perhaps you had this ability all along but never unlocked your potential until being put in that stressful situation." Her look then turned to one of a death glare. "Your clothing appears as if you are from the Earth Kingdom. Defecting from the Fire Nation carries a very serious penalty." She lit her hand up once again to illustrate her point.

"Look, Princess, I have no idea what in the world you are talking about, but all I want is to just go home. I somehow ended up in this whack ass place by what I can only imagine was due to that brief case."

Azula, noticing what I can only presume as the very obvious expression of shock and disbelief on my face, extinguished her flame. "You truly are not from around here, are you?"

I quickly shook off the look of shock and answered her question. "No. I most certainly am not. So if I could just grab that suitcase that I came here with and be on my merry way and out of your lives that would be great." I started making my way out of the cell when her hand intercepted my path, pushing me backwards.

"You will do no such thing. I will discuss with Father what your outcome is going to be. Until then, you will remain locked up in this room until I say otherwise. If you even so much as think of escaping, I will be having a lot of fun at the expense of your suffering. Got it?" She spoke in a no-nonsense matter that made even the guards shudder in fear.

For my part I just stared coldly back at her. "Got it." If she wants to play hardball by trying to scare me into submission I'll play some damn hardball. Game on bitch.

Azula must have not been used to people responding to her threats of fear in such a manner as she hastily exited the room without saying another word, the cell locking behind her as she disappeared from my sight.

What the hell have I gotten myself into?

IRAQ

The bullet riddled Humvee pulled back into base as various soldiers rushed to the vehicle to help out. Stretchers rushed the wounded to get them immediate medical attention. Allen stepped out of the vehicle, with Smith in tow, and was on a mission to get some well-deserved answers. Allen stormed into HQ and walked right past the first person at a computer on his way to the lead man.

"Hey you can't-"

"Shut it!" Allen barked back at the man before slamming open the door to head honcho Major General Kevin Dela Cruz's office.

"Just what in the hell do you think you're doing!" howled Dela Cruz.

"What the hell kind of mission did you send us on!" came the retort from Allen.

"That's classified."

"Well then you better start declassifying it. That wasn't just no bullshit escort mission. Bourne was given a suitcase by the man we were supposed to escort and next thing we know he's disappearing out of fucking thin air never to be seen again."

"What do you mean he disappeared? What happened to the package he was given?"

"Bourne disappeared and all you give a damn about is the stupid package!" Came the retort from Smith

"And what about Miller?" Allen chimed in. "We have to go back and get him!"

"We…we can't do that." Came the meek reply from Dela Cruz.

"Oh? And why the hell not!"

"Because! The mission wasn't sanctioned and no one can know why we were there to transport this man. You were never supposed to find out the true purpose of the mission. It was supposed to be a simple extract, in and out, like it was nothing."

"Yeah, well, it wasn't. Who ordered the mission?"

"I don't know." Dela Cruz replied sternly. "I take orders from higher ups just like everybody else. Now I have to cover up this mess and make it seem like it never happened for all of our benefits. As far as Bourne and Miller are concerned, they're on their own."

Fire Nation

Azula strode down the halls grimacing at the servants as she walked by. She was on her way to meet with her father to relay the information she just learned as well as to discuss the future of her prisoner. The thought of the prisoner brought a grimace to her face. How dare he not tremble in fear before my threat! I will make him pay dearly for this Azula thought to herself.

Azula pushed open the grand doors to the war room where she found her father discussing plans with his advisors. The sound of the doors opening caused all of the men in the room to look up from what they were doing.

"Ah yes, Azula, how did your conversation with the new prisoner go?" Spoke Ozai as he stepped away from the large table.

"It was not as useful as I thought it was going to be. One thing is for certain, he's certainly not from around here, spirits knows where he's from, and his knowledge of our world and our people is nonexistent."

"What do you suggest we do with him, Fire Lord?" Commander Xiao asked. Xiao was one of Fire Nation's best military advisors and was charged with organizing the coordination of the eastern front in the Earth Kingdom Campaign.

"If I may," Mako interjected, "I suggest we use this man to our benefit. Because he is not from here, he might possess knowledge that we do not know of that could be of great use to us. We could use this help win the war. We could strike some sort of deal with him. Our soldiers retrieved some sort of strange device that he brought with him, perhaps in exchange for that he could provide us with information."

"Very well then. Azula, you talked with the prisoner, what do you think?" Ozai deadpanned.

"As much as I dread to say it, I think Mako is right, though I don't think we should just give him what he wants. We have all the power, there's no point in relinquishing it. Instead I will manipulate him, bend him to my will. I'll make certain that we get what we want while giving him as little as possible in return."

"It is decided then. Azula, fetch the prisoner, bring him here."

"Yes Father." With that, Azula left the room to retrieve her prisoner. This is going to be fun.

xx

"So where exactly are we going again?"

"For the last time we are going to the war room to discuss what is going to happen to you. I swear if I have to tell you one more time there won't need to be a meeting to discuss your future."

"All right all right geez my bad." Why is this girl so damn uptight all the time?

We made our way down the long corridors, which were decorated with banners and paintings, highlighting the rich history of the Fire Nation. Eventually we came to a halt in front of large grandeur doors. Upon seeing us arrive, two guards opened the doors and we were ushered in. Upon walking in, we were met with stares of various individuals, some friendly and some not so much.

"Ah welcome, please sit down. Would you like some tea?" One of the older men spoke with friendliness. He was a gentle man, with kind features.

"Mako this is hardly the time for tea." Azula replied back, visibly annoyed.

"Nonsense," the old man beamed, "it is always a good time for tea." He handed me a cup and I hesitantly took it.

"Spirits you're just like Uncle" came the offhanded retort from Azula.

"Uhh thank you…"

"Mako. I am one of the advisors to Fire Lord Ozai."

"Thank you Mako. I'm Austin Bourne but you can call me Austin if you want."

"So tell me Mr. Bourne, where exactly is it that you came from? Princess Azula said you are not from this world. Are you from the Spirit World?" Commander Xiao asked.

"Well no, not exactly. In my world I come from a place called the United States of America. It is a country much like this one though we don't have kings or queens, rather a person elected by the people of the country run it."

"Hmm this is all very interesting news indeed. Tell me, how is it that you ended up here and why is it that you came to this 'other world' as you call it?" Mako asked.

"I'm not really sure to be honest. One moment I was engaging our enemy, then it suddenly became dark and I was sucked into some sort of portal of something. The next I know I'm dropped on a marble floor and getting attacked by a different kind of soldier."

"Ah so you were a soldier in your own world how interesting. Tell me, what is the war like there?" Commander Xiao piqued.

"I'm not really sure how to explain it really. We're fighting a war on terrorism, which is not really a war but more of a theological battle I suppose. I believe that I was fighting to liberate other countries of a tyrannical rule that wished to punish and harm its citizens. I sought to bring balance to the world and protect the people of my country from harm."

"Yes just like we are doing here! We as a great nation are looking to restore peace and harmony to the world through this horrid war. I believe it was destiny that you came to us in our time of need. How would you like to join us in our quest towards glory?" This commander guy is almost a little too ecstatic.

"Well I don't believe much in destiny but I would be willing to help out a person that believes in the same things as I do. But what is it that you have in mind and what do I get in return?" I wasn't quite sure I could trust this man or know what his real intentions are; but I figured that until I could find a way home I would do my absolute best to make most of the situation and stay alive the best that I could.

"How about you get to continue breathing and live in the best place imaginable." Wow the Princess really does drive a hard bargain.

"You know you really should work on your negotiating skills." I said as I shot her a glance.

It was at that moment I noticed an imposing figure in regal clothing. He had a look of disdain on his face, almost as if he was pissed off to be here. Must be this Fire Lord guy. He never spoke but merely just observed what was taking place in the room. I was studying him when one of the men's voices brought me back to the conversation.

"How about instead, you instruct our soldiers in your style of fighting and tactics so they can become better fighters, and in return, we will assist you in your journey back to where you came from. That's what you want after all isn't it?" Xiao spoke with a firm tone, going straight to the point.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. They're gonna help me get back home and all I have to do is whip some punks into shape. "Yea, sure, sounds great."

"That is most excellent news. Report to Commander Xiao in the morning, he'll give you your assignment. In the meantime, you will be staying here in the palace." Mako looked up to the Fire Lord for confirmation who just stared emotionlessly at him. Taking that as a yes, he continued to speak. "Your room will be down the corridor. One of the guards will show you to your room."

"Actually, I will be the one to show him to his room." Azula said as she stood up. "I will make certain that you don't do anything you shouldn't." Azula walked out the door leaving me in her trail. I guess that's my cue to follow her.

We continued to walk down the hall in silence as we approached my room. I wanted to say something to her, even just to break the awkwardness that was between us, but I had no idea what to say. Before I could formulate a inquiry, we stopped outside a door.

"Well this is your quarters; if you need anything just yell at the servants and they'll get you whatever your little heart desires." She spat with dripping sarcasm.

"Do I have to yell? And I think I can get whatever I need by myself."

"I find yelling and fear work best but suit yourself. I'll be leaving now."

"Yea thanks miss… miss… uhm, I'm afraid I didn't catch your last name."

"That's because you're not worthy enough to hear it. You will continue to address me as Princess."

"All right, in that case good night Princess." By the time I was finished she had already left for her room, completely ignoring anything I was going to say. Damn, well all right then.

Author Notes: I apologize for the delay in getting this chapter out there, I've been swamped with work. Hopefully the story is flowing better now and you're enjoying it more. I'll do my best to make sure the future chapters are posted in a timelier manner. Any comments or suggestions are highly welcomed and all you have to do is just leave a little review. Well that about raps it up for this chapter. Until next time