Cosmic Bending

By: Sandreline

Hello, everyone! I am so glad that all of you are enjoying this story! Thank you so much for such positive feedback! It makes me want to get an update to you sooner. ^_^

Thank you all so much. Please feel free to inform me if I take this too fast, and if you have any ideas! I will gladly give credit to any who have a twist for the story to take.

Note: Talent Scout pointed out that I have Iroh with the group; it was the Sky Bison that taught the Air benders to air bend, etc etc. Well, this is fan fiction. It is an alternate version of the story! Things change, go with the flow! It's not like they were big factors in the story! I just had to adjust things to better fit. I am sorry you did not like it and I do appreciate the criticism, but please do not attempt to tell me what to write in my story. Thank you.

Special thank you to Neko Loki – you are amazing, and your reviews are taken to heart and greatly appreciated!

Chapter 3: Market Mess

"I want some Flaming Fire Flakes, and some Fire Gummies, too!" Sokka asked the store owner as the Water Tribe warrior pointed to each of his selections. "Oh, and some Sizzle Crisps!"

"Is that all, sir?" The patron asked with his grey eyebrow raised in question.

"Yes!" Suki interrupted as she waved her hands in front of her while shaking her head. "That's all!"

The elder man nodded, handing over the pouches of desired confections while accepting his payment. Sokka eagerly dug in while sharing with his girlfriend as they continued to walk along the market streets, all the while chugging water to keep his mouth from fire bending.

"What should we do next?" Suki asked as she looked around. "Oh, look! Sokka, there is a band!" She smiled, grabbing her boyfriend's arm and pulling him closer to the music.

Sokka simply opened his large mouth as his face turned red from the Sizzle Crisps as he reached the bottom of an empty water canteen.

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"Iroh, level with me please." Toph began the conversation as they enjoyed the tea. Her blue cloudy eyes were able to meet his as if she could see him, setting her cup down with enough force to almost break the tea cup in typical Toph fashion. "You are planning on getting Zuko and miss 'I-fell-from-the-sky' together, aren't you?"

Iron smiled his famous fatherly smile. "What would you think I would do that, Toph?"

The Earth bender snorted. "It's funny how you think you can cover it up, General. I may be blind, but I can see the picture better than you." She smirked. "I want in. Sparky's heart rate shoots up when around her, and I think it will be very amusing to have her around."

"Really?" The grey haired man asked with a tilt of his head.

"Yup!" The young woman added with a smile. "Besides, Sugar Queen is bothered by her! It's hilarious how angry she gets. She thinks Aang has a crush on Wings."

Iroh let out a laugh while he leaned back; folding his hands on his jovially round stomach. "I was wondering when you were going to come up with a nickname for her, little one."

Toph shrugged. "I like to keep people on their toes." She reached over for a cookie. "So, what's the plan?"

"To see what the universe may reveal." Iroh stated as he took a sip of tea.

Toph frowned. "That's it?" Iroh raised an eyebrow in response as the bender shook her head. "We can do better."

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Serenity's eyes roamed the people around her, watching their interactions with one another as Zuko walked at her side.

Zuko's eyes roamed the roaming eyes that were on his companion, and he did so with a glare.

He hadn't the faintest idea if the powerful warrior beside him was ignoring the pointed stares, or if she was possibly that dense. But every male eye was on her as they walked down the market street. The Fire Nation royal had to admit that she was a stunning sight. Her incredibly long silver hair had taken on more of a golden tone in the sunlight, and it swayed behind her while she floated at his side. The red of her fire nation robes allowed her pale skin to stand out. Her blue eyes were wide in curiosity, which were only brightened by the wide smile that stretched her lips as she observed the on goings of this new experience around her.

He hadn't the faintest idea of why he found himself so fascinated with her. Perhaps it was because she was a powerful warrior with unknown potential. He did not know why he suddenly wanted to send a fire punch at every male that was looking at her as if she was a rare fire diamond.

He also hadn't the faintest idea why he cared if someone else cared; or why he cared at all, for that matter.

"Zuko," the woman asked, bringing the man out of his thoughts by the tug of his sleeve. "What are those?"

Golden eyes followed the hand that was pointing to a side band that was playing in the street. Sokka and Suki were on the other side of the gathered crowd, but Serenity was pointing to the instruments being played by a several elderly men. Zuko smiled at her interested expression, and found himself pulling her closer as he pointed to each one with a small smile of pride. He first took her attention to a plucked, zither-like instrument with several strings. "That is a Zheng." He told her, before pointing to a pear-shaped loot. "That is a Pipa."

"And that coiled horn?" Serenity asked as her eyes focused on the instrument being blown into by a bearded man.

"Oh, that's a Tsungi horn." He told her. He let his finger move to a fiddle-like instrument that reminded Serenity of a violin. "And that one is an Erhu."

In a flash of teal, a violin and bow appeared in her hands. Serenity felt the energy of Neptune surge through her as she stepped forward, lifting the famous violinist's instrument to rest under to chin as she raised her right hand to steady the bow.

(Now would be a good time to play Vanessa Mae's "Red Hot". I thought it fit the mood of the Fire Nation music perfectly. You can YouTube it. )

Zuko watched with a panicked look as the woman pulled an instrument out of thin air and stepped forward into the band's clearing before he could stop her. However, as soon as the first string made a note, he found himself whisked away into another world.

Serenity smiled to the members of the band as they nodded her in to join them, and she let Michiru's spirit guide her as she let her fingers fly and the bow glide.

Zuko felt at peace and more so he felt as if there was a message in the music. He looked across the crowd to see Sokka and Suki watching with wide eyes before he turned his attention back to their new ally.

Serenity felt it- the fire in the music, the culture of the land she stood on. She felt the fire of love and comfort. She felt the fire of war. The history of the land flowed into her and out through the violin and she felt a renewed passion in fulfilling her purpose in this world.

She could feel Mars' power surfacing as fire engulfed the violin and bow, and yet it did not burn. The crowd applauded the young woman who they believed to be a fire bender as the music picked up speed while preparing for the end of the song.

In her heart, she could feel the pain of Rei that people would use the gift of her home planet and abuse its power in such a way. However, Neptune brought forth the tranquility that she radiated and once added with the Lunarian's natural love and hope in everything, the crowd could do little less than bask in the magic they viewed.

The song came to an end, and the flames from the instrument dissolved instantly in black smoke as the cosmic ruler gave a bow. The applause was deafening as gold pieces were thrown to the band members and cheers were shouted for more.

However, the crowd began to become frenzied, and Zuko rushed forward to grab Serenity's arm. He easily slipped them out and away, pulling her into a side street away from prying eyes as the instrument disappeared in the same teal flash. His own golden glare was lowered as he looked over his shoulder to ensure they were not being followed while pulling the smaller woman to him.

Serenity looked around him with wide blue eyes, before looking up at the scared face. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to bring us so much attention. I could not control my actions." She told him.

"It's ok; I don't think we were followed." He told her.

"Guess again." Came a strange voice.

Serenity turned around, her back to Zuko's chest as a group of four Fire Nation young men came out. There were around Zuko's age, one or two perhaps a year or more older. They were looking at Serenity with blazing eyes, causing Zuko to place an arm around her waist in warning. "Go away," he warned them. "You don't want the trouble."

"I think we just might, if trouble looks like that." One said as they approached.

"That was a talent, little fire bender." The first one's friend stated. "You're a pretty thing. I bet you would be fun."

Serenity's eyes narrowed at the men. "It would be very fun for me to put you in your place." She snapped.

"Oh, she is a spit fire alright!" The third remarked.

"Why don't we borrow you from your boyfriend for a little while, spit fire?" The last one asked from the back of the group.

Serenity growled as her temper snapped. She took one step forward, a bow and arrow made of pure fire forming in her hands. "I'll show you fire." She told them before releasing her attack. "Flame Sniper!"

The tallest of the group stepped forward, bending a wall of fire to deflect the arrow. However, this was not normal fire the gang of benders was dealing with, and the arrow went right through to pin him to the wall.

Zuko did not hesitate as he raced forward, fire blazing in his fists as he leapt in the air to kick down a second attacker. He exchanged a few fire kicks with the third, the two fighters circling each other as they looked for an opening.

Serenity knew that if she now used anything other then fire to help Zuko that it would bring them unwanted attention. She leapt to the side as the fourth man who had stood in the back of his friend's charged forward with the intention of grabbing her. He followed her, but lost sight as she flipped into the air and over his head. A tap on his shoulder had him turning around only to land a punch in his jaw from the silver-haired woman.

Who, afterward, yelped and held her hand. "Oh, his jaw bones are hard!" She cried out while clutching her hand to her chest.

A few more blast of fire to her left had her turning to look at Zuko, who let out a huff of fire from his nose as he finished off the other two. He quickly went over to her at seeing her holding her hand. "Are you alright?" He asked, gently taking her injured appendage in his own to look it over.

"Yes, I was more shocked then anything." She told him with a nod.

Zuko nodded and took her other hand, leading her away at a run. "Come on, we need to get out of here."

She had no arguments there!

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Thankfully, Serenity and Zuko were able to enjoy the rest of their visit to the fire nation market.

Zuko was a bit uncomfortable, however. Well, it was more that he was unsettled. The woman beside him had a glow to her… of course she had a glow, she was from the Moon and the freaking Queen of the Cosmos…

The fire bender found himself mentally shaking his head again to clear his thoughts. He just could not understand how being in this female's presence caused him to completely let go of everything he had learned. He was supposed to be a tight-lipped, in control Prince. And yet, he felt so comfortable with Serenity that he found no trace of a bad temper in him at all.

The two had even been sharing laughter as they toured the city, Zuko answering any and all of her questions about the new country she found herself in. The fire bender also had found out a lot about the woman herself. It would seem that his home and her home had many things in common, and she admitted that she felt more comfortable because of this. He told her more about the rest of the Avatar group, and she told him about her friends, the warriors that were sworn to protect her.

"It was Michiru's way of letting me know that she is still with me. The fire came from Rei." Serenity told him as they walked together, their arms linked. Zuko did not even feel awkward about being so intimate with her this way – she made it seem so carefree.

"You gave a wonderful performance." He told her, one corner of his lips turned up in a smile.

"Thank you. I was only able to play at all because of Michiru. She was a world-famous violinist." Serenity told him, blushing ever-so slightly at the praise.

"Perhaps you could join my Uncle and me when we perform." Zuko told her.

Serenity raised an eyebrow teasingly. "Oh really? And what do you play?"

Zuko puffed out his chest slightly. "I happen to be a talented Tsungi horn player."

Serenity's eye blinked in surprise. "The heavy-looking horn that was wrapped around the older man's neck?" Zuko nodded, and Serenity let out a warm laugh. "I look forward to hearing you play," the next part she leaned forward to whisper. "Prince Zuko."

"As you wish," Zuko leaned forward to tease her in reply, "Princess Serenity."

"Are we interrupting something?" Aang asked.

Zuko and Serenity leaned away from each other with straight backs as their Avatar friend appeared in front of them.

"Hello, Aang." Serenity greeted with a warm smile as she slipped her arm out of Zuko's. "How was your trip to the market?"

Aang smiled brightly. "It was great! Katara and I had so much fun! So, how was your first trip to a Fire Nation city?" He asked her.

"I had the most wonderful time. Zuko is the perfect tour guide." Serenity smiled to the woman just two years younger then her that had the gift of Neptune. "Hello, Katara. Did you find everything you wanted?"

Katara nodded her head, holding a bag in one hand. "I did." The blue eyes of the water bender looked away after so spoke to older woman.

Zuko scowled at Katara's attitude. "Come on; let's meet up with Uncle and the others so we can get out of here. The officers will be starting their after market sweep soon."

"Good thinking, Zuko!" Aang agreed as he moved to walk beside the newest member of their group. "I got Appa some treats so he wouldn't feel so left out."

Zuko and Katara walked behind the two most powerful people in this world, both of them in silent contemplation as they listened to the conversation. "I am sure that he will love that, Aang." Serenity told the younger boy.

Sokka and Suki had already met up with Iroh and Toph and the two groups of four became complete once more. They walked out and away from the city to a safe location where the Avatar called for his sky bison with what he called the 'Appa Whistle'.

"I fear I my old bones may be getting to me." Iroh voiced as he moved to get in the saddle of the flying beast.

"Allow me to assist you, Iroh-sama." Serenity smiled as her staff suddenly appeared in her hand. With a wave of the weapon, a black tear appeared in the space before the group on the ground, and a second next to Sokka, who was sitting in the saddle already. Who also let out a very girlish squeal at its sudden appearance.

"Ah, thank you, my Lady." The elderly man said as he stepped through the portal, appearing at his desired destination as the black slashes in space disappeared and he took a seat.

"That is creepy, but nifty." Sokka pointed out.

"What ever you say, squealer." Toph laughed.

Zuko helped Serenity up onto once more, thankful that Toph was not able to pick up his increased heartbeat as the Lunarian's hand wrapped around his own. She smiled warmly up to him as he lifted her up, and she sat at his side with all their supplies between her and Suki.

"Appa, yip yip!" Aang patted the bison's head as the beast in question let out a roar before leaping into the air.

"Serenity, I almost forgot to tell you that I really enjoyed your performance." Suki commented.

"Oh, thank you Suki. I did not know you were there."

"Yeah, we were." Sokka added from the other side of his girlfriend. "Just be careful next time; your playing gave you a lot of attention." He moved to take a rolled piece of parchment from his shirt and spread it out before him.

"Actually, it wasn't her playing." Zuko mumbled.

"What do you mean, Prince Zuko?" Iroh asked.

Serenity blushed. "We may have had a bit of a problem with a few boys in the market…"

Toph let out a laugh. "Well that's no surprise. I'm sure Sparky took care of them for you easily enough."

Serenity blushed a little bit more. Zuko was lucky; he was able to hide his. "Actually, she was fine on her own. She has the spirit of the Fire Nation." Zuko smirked to her when the silver-haired woman looked to her left to meet his gaze.

The others missed the nudge that Toph gave to Iroh, who was seated on her other side, and the older man's belly rumble with a hidden laugh.

"Are you both alright?" Aang asked from his place on Appa's head.

Serenity smiled brightly, putting the worried gazes of her new friend's at ease. "Perfectly fine." She answered.

Sokka spoke up, having been observing his map of the four nations. "Well, we are still a few weeks ahead of schedule. It will only take us two days to make it to the capitol city." Sokka pointed to a marked place on the map. Serenity crawled forward to take a look.

"The city is in a volcano?" She asked.

Iroh nodded. "Caldera was built by our ancestors who were able to channel the heat from the underground lava streams. It is also how we are able to have such lavish hot springs. The volcano walls also act as a defensive barrier." The former General rambled on.

"Were they not worried that the volcano would erupt when they built their city here?" The cosmic defender asked.

"The volcano is dead." Zuko answered.

"Oh." Serenity muttered.

"If we are so far ahead of schedule, maybe we can use that time to train more." Suki added. "Go over the fine points of the plan and make sure we are all prepared."

Sokka nodded. "We have to make some changes, now that we have an all powerful angel with us!" He paused, rubbing his chin with his hand. "I wonder if she uses that portal we can get her to help with the big parts..."

"With Serenity helping, there is no way that we will fail!" Aang added.

Serenity blushed, and only Zuko noticed Katara's scowl.

"Or we would take a little time to relax before we train." Toph spoke up.

"What?" Katara interjected. "We can't do that! Aang still needs to learn how to re-direct lightening! If he doesn't, than Azula just may kill him next time! We need to take this advantage."

"Look Sweetness, I never said we wouldn't train at all." The Earth Rumble Champion crossed her arms over her chest. "However, I for one am getting sick of all the constant worrying – and I am not talking about me, but the fact that I have to feel all of yours." The blind girl pointed out.

"She may have a point." Suki added. "It will give us a chance to charge our batteries."

"Wasn't that the point of today?" Katara retorted.

"I thought the point of today was to get supplies at the Market, which we did." Toph answered smugly.

"We aren't that far from Ember Island." Zuko brought up. "We can stay at my family's vacation house. It hasn't been used in years. And it's on the beach in a secluded cove, so no one will see us."

"You guys have a vacation house?" Sokka asked in surprise.

"See, everyone else agrees." Toph all but purred.

Katara let out a sigh. "Fine, let's go."

"Yes!" Aang cried out. "Which way do we go?"

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What do you all think? Thank you again for all of your wonderful reviews! I am hoping this story will inspire other Sailor Moon / Avatar crossovers – there is only one other story in this genre! Come on people, there are so many possibilities!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! Be safe, and thank you for reading!

-Sandreline