Hey everyone, It's been a while. I'm going to get back on the grind to write stories again. So expect me to be active every now and then.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Avatar. Been awhile since I wrote this. Doesn't make me feel any better writing it again.

Chapter 4: Not a vacation

Naruto was running in straight line with no current destination. He knew that if he stopped he would be fucked because the path behind him was disappearing at a faster rate. As he ran he began to experience fear and regret and memories began to pour in. He was scared. He was truly scared of losing everything over again.

He lifted his head and looked in front of him and saw Aang, Katara, and Sokka. They stood there with a smile on their faces. Naruto reached his hands out and tried to reach after them but they kept getting further and further. Would they abandon him too? Was he going to be alone once again? Would things go back to the way they were?

Naruto stopped and noticed that there was nowhere to go. Everything was dark and it seemed to hold no light. Was this his future? Nothing. Just an empty void. He felt a glare behind him and knew whose eyes they were. Yellow golden eyes stared at his back as if he was lower than trash. It looked at him like he was not worth anything. He felt so lost and alone. He needed someone to be there but no one was there.

"Die already!"

XxX

Blue eyes shot open with the look of fear in them. His breath was out of control and was trying his best to regain it. That dream still haunts him. It was like it was trying to break him every time and it felt like someone was choking him. He rubbed his neck to try to relive it but it was hard to relax. He sighed and laid his head back down on his beach chair. He looked out into the sea and smiled. He just needed to breathe normally and relax.

The day started like any other day on Kyoshi Island. The town was currently cleaning after the party last night. If Naruto were, to be honest, he would say that he had fun. It wasn't every day that he had time to party and that was probably the second party he's ever been to. The first wasn't much of a party because it involved two people but he still counted it as one. Everything was calm and quiet and it seemed like nothing could ruin this day. Naruto was currently chilling where they had landed before they got captured. It was a sight to behold and admire. He had put his seat in a crater that he had found.

His past will catch up to him one day but for right now he had more important things to do. He needed to make sure his friends got to their destination. Naruto was more worried about Aang. How would he handle such a thing as war? War meant killing people and that didn't look to be on Aang's mind at all. The kid was more of talk it out than fight it out. It was impressive how Aang's attitude never followed his body. He may think that he may solve it with words but Aang knows how to defend himself if that doesn't work. He would make sure Aang is okay mental wise. Physically, he's fine and is able to hold his own ground.

Katara was an okay person. She's more than okay, she's great. She has a motherly personality that wants to make sure that everything goes well. She worries about all of them even if she doesn't express it toward him. Her waterbending is on an amateur level. She had no skills in using it but that didn't mean she has any potential. He believes with enough work she may be a master herself but she had a long way to go. He hoped that she could see her own potential because he can see how she's a bit hesitant. She doesn't have any confidence in her skills but he will help her grow out of that.

Sokka is the oddest one of them all. He doesn't have any bending abilities nor can he fight properly. He lacks training because he's been self-taught after all the warriors went off to war. Naruto can see the loneliness in his eyes and the fact that he sees himself as a failure. He always brags about being the best to hide the fact that he's a rookie at everything. One can only go so far as being self-taught. He needs someone to guide him and learn proper techniques. When Naruto saw Sokka at the dojo he was an entirely different person. He had the eyes of someone who wanted to be better than yesterday. Someone who wanted to grow stronger and be able to make a difference. Naruto respected Sokka because, in a world full of benders, non- benders weren't much of a threat. Only those who were really skilled could challenge one and win. Naruto would help him grow but he will have to forge his own path soon.

This was the team that he was working at this time. He liked what he had and they would become strong but they needed to grow and he felt that this journey would do more for them than the world. He smiled and closed his eyes, "I can't wait."

"Wait for what?"

Naruto was a bit spooked by the answer and jumped a bit, "Can you not?"

Katara chuckled at his reaction, "Why? I'm just having a little fun." Not every day you can sneak up on Naruto and make him jump.

"So what up with Aang and you. You patched everything up last night." He didn't want any trouble between the group.

Katara smiled and nodded her head, "We apologized last night. And thank for that by the way."

"I don't know what you talking about." He began to shoo her away, "Now let me relax in peace water girl." He had stomach pain from all the food that he had eaten last night. Sokka could sure eat because after he began to throw up Sokka kept eating his share. Crazy bastard that guy was.

"Aw, Is the big bad naruto having a bad day?" Maybe teasing him could make him smile a bit more. She and Aang had to carry him to his bed last night because he had passed out on the floor.

"Yes I am, in fact now start packing up we leave at in the afternoon." He actually likes the short vacation that they had here. It was very relaxing. He turned his head and saw Sokka in the distance, "Ah here comes my loyal assistant."

Sokka came in running and stopped when he was in front of them, "Zuko… here… where's Aang?"

Katara stood up once he said that, "Are you serious!?" She knew that they had stayed way too long on the island. Now the people were in danger of being attacked and possibly killed.

She looked over to where Naruto was sitting, "Naruto we-" She noticed that he had disappeared and left a note. She read it over and a serious look overtook her face, "We need to move fast."

Naruto was running through the crowd of people and was currently searching for the Airbender. He had no clue where he could be but he wouldn't stop. This was a serious issued that they had at the moment. They needed to leave as soon as possible. Zuko was a ruthless person and would burn this village to the ground if it meant that he would find the Avatar.

Naruto spotted Appa, "Appa, get ready to take off!" Naruto ran past him and heard a growl as a response. He didn't want to leave in a rush either but they needed to do what they had to do.

Naruto turned a corner and saw Aang being surrounded by the same little girls that kept following him previously. He watched as Aang played with them and hated that he had to interrupt them, "Aang!"

Aang looked over and saw Naruto and waved at him. He noticed the serious face he had and knew something was wrong, "I'll be right back girls." They all had frowns on their faces but choose to wait. Once Aang was in front of Naruto his smile faded, "What's wrong?"

"Zuko."

"Here?"

"Yea."

Aang grabbed his head in frustration. Why couldn't they leave him alone? He was starting to get tired of them chasing him even if it hasn't been that long. It was like they didn't want him to have some peace. Now he felt at fault that they may cause harm to the villagers. Aang turned around to tell the girl to hide safely but was stopped by Naruto's hand.

"They don't have to know."

Aang was a bit taken back by that, "What do Mean? They have to know." He wasn't going to let them handle it on their own.

"Well keeps this a secret while we and the Kyoshi warriors handle everything. We just have to force them out." They couldn't take that risk and leave dangerous people to roam the island.

Aang nodded his head at the idea. Panic wasn't the best thing that they could do at the moment. The villagers were in a happy mood and he didn't want to ruin that by saying that the fire nation was here. They didn't want to get involved in the first place and this was the only way to keep them out of it.

Aang walked back to the group of girls and gave them an innocent smile, "Sorry ladies but my friend over there needs my help with something." He noticed how sad they had become, "But don't worry once it's done I will come back."

One of the girls walked forward and smiled, "Promise?"

Aang's eyes widened and didn't know what to say. He knew what they needed to do after the fight and coming back wasn't an option. He was lost of words and just stared at her. He didn't want to promise because he knew that he wouldn't return.

Naruto appeared next to him and gave them all a grin, "Don't worry my young beautiful ladies. We just have to go away for a while but we'll come back so don't worry. It could be a long time but we'll be back." He didn't say that they were leaving he just let them know that they would be gone for a while. The little girl smiled and walked away with the rest in tow.

Aang watched them leave and frowned. He would make sure that this place was safe from any harm. This was a peaceful island and as the Avatar he would make sure he left it like that, "Okay let's go."

XxX

(On the shore)

Sokka had gotten the Kyoshi warriors and had explained what Naruto had written in the note. It said not to tell anyone and make sure the Kyoshi warriors know. Causing a panic was the worse thing you can do so they agreed and went off with them. They were currently hiding in the woods as the ship stopped. Nobody has bothered to come out so they prepared to ambush them when they could.

Suki watched on and prepared to strike. She had given positioning to the other warriors and when to strike. Sokka had explained that the best they had was to ambush them and hoped that it worked. This was her home and she would hate to watch it burn. She took a deep breath to calm down. She prayed that no one in the villages would get noticed and begin to get frightened.

Sokka watched on and was looking around and see if everyone was in position. He had his club ready for and was ready to give the signal. They needed to do this smart and make sure that it would go smoothly. He hoped naruto and Aang would get here because they were the main part of his plan. He would just need to predict when and where they would show up to see if anything that he had set up would work. A small misstep could be very deadly.

The ship began to open up and out came over 20 soldiers ready for battle. Zuko was in front of them to show that he was the one in charge. They had to completely turn around to come in this direction. It was a waste of time but it would soon be worth it because the Avatar was near and he could feel it. His soldiers stopped on his command, "Okay listen up! The Avatar is on this island and I don't care what you have to do to find him. I want him alive."

"Yes, sir!" They were prepared to finally have a chance of capturing him. They would be rewarded greatly after all of this was over. It was a workload for them because they had to go through a lot to get here. The prince was a very annoying person on their part. He constantly went on and on about capturing the Avatar that it soon became annoying to them. They were tired and just wanted to go home but couldn't because they needed to capture the Avatar to do that.

They walked a few steps before Zuko stopped them. He felt something was very odd and out of place. He also felt like he was being watched, "Come out here cowards!"

One of the soldiers rolled his eyes from under his helmet, 'I think he's really lost it now.' He was yelling into an empty forest. He was sure that he had lost his mind.

Five Kyoshi warriors popped out of the forest and were around the soldiers in a second. Zuko turned around to blast them but was kicked back when Suki appeared in front of him, "Girls be on guard and back each other up." She wasn't losing anyone today. Their main offense was their defense because they tend to fight together and watch each other's blind spot.

The soldiers looked around and some chuckled. It was 4 against 20. They knew Prince Zuko could handle the 5th one and had to focus on the four girls. It wouldn't be much of a challenge of their part because they were trained for situations like this.

One of the guards prepared himself and took out his spear, "Don't let them fool you. We can beat them!"

The guards charged at them and divided themselves into a group of five and each took one of them on. The Kyoshi warriors knew this would be tough but five on one was a pretty tough thing to do. They usually focused on working together but they didn't plan that they would split like this. The fire nation soldiers weren't so stupid after all. They actually had brains and were able to think of battle plans to overpower and separated the enemy.

Sokka watched on and noticed the quick change in their tactics. He didn't expect them to do that but it was something that the Kyoshi warriors can handle for sure. Katara was back at the village to make sure that no one noticed anything. She wanted to come but she could always act naturally in situations like this. No one would suspect anything.

Suki took out her katana and began to stab at Zuko but he kept up with her. She was actually surprised that he was able to keep up with her. Zuko was trying to shot fire but was always interrupted by the strike. Her methods were just to distract and hold him off while her friends take care of her guards.

"You think your little distracting plan would work? My men are trained to handle situations like this and won't be defeated that easily." Zuko jumped in the air and once he slammed to the ground a circular wave of fire went out around causing Suki to back off.

"You can't defeat me so hand the Avatar already!" Zuko was getting tired of this. He came for the Avatar, not to play dress up.

Suki got into her fighting positions, "He's not here, so take your men and get out of here. We don't need people like you on this island." She watched as her friends were easily able to hold their ground even if they were outnumbered, "Seems like your soldiers are having a little trouble."

Zuko watched as his men, now 15, tried to fight back but were getting pushed back, "Everyone get into the circle position!"

His men heard what commander had said and they looked at each other and nodded. They all lined up in a circle and would all began to shoot when they were in the range. The Kyoshi warriors back away and noticed that they couldn't get near them without getting burned. They tried to get close but would have to jump back before the fire reached them.

Yukko didn't like the looks of this so she charged, "Fuck this!" The guards all shot fire and she jumped over it and landed in the middle of the circle but quickly realized her mistake when they all turned around and shot fire at her.

"Ah!" Her scream was heard through the beach.

Suki turned her head at the scream, "Yukko!"

Zuko took the distraction and kicked the back of her knee which caused her to lose her balance and was kicked in the face causing her to fall over. She tried to get up but was stopped when Zuko put his foot on her chest.

"This is what happens when you mess with the fire nation!" He pointed at the remaining Kyoshi warriors, "Back down or your leader gets it!"

They looked on in fear and looked at Yukko who was on the ground with burns. This wasn't part of the plan at all. No one was supposed to be hurt. They dropped to their knees and dropped their fans. They felt like this would be the death of them and the villagers. The guards tied them up and lined them up.

Zuko grabbed Suki and made her kneel in front of her friends, "Your friends will have front row seats of their leader getting burned. Don't worry I won't kill you." They had wasted his time and they needed to pay for it. He would do anything to get the Avatar he looked at the three that were on their knees, "Now where is the Avatar?"

Suki eyes were wide open at the question and looked at her friends. She shook her head at them to tell them not to say anything. They couldn't hand over the Avatar to the fire nation. They didn't want to get involved but they knew that giving up Aang was like betraying Kyoshi.

Zuko noticed that she shook her head and kicked her in the stomach causing her to breathe hard, "I will ask one last time and if I don't get an answer she will get burned."

Suki opened one eye and looked at the three and tried her best to shake her head, "Don't… tell him."

Zuko noticed their silence and grabbed Suki by the hair, "Remember, I gave you a choice." He pointed his fist to her face and was ready to fire an attack at her.

"WAIT!"

Zuko turned around and noticed that Sokka was standing with his weapon out. Zuko recognized him. He was with the Avatar so that meant that he must be close, "Looks like he really is on this island." This was good enough, "Guards prepare to search every village on this island. Burn it if you have to. He'll come out sooner or later."

The guards did as he was told, while some stayed to hold on to the three and keep a watch. Zuko walked over to Sokka, "You're one of his friends so it's best that you come with me."

Sokka felt like he was ready to throw up his lunch and his knees were shaking. He didn't know why he was so scared of them. He felt relieved when everyone was around him but he was by himself right now. He was still not strong enough to fight someone like Zuko but he didn't want to sit back and wait for the others while they got tortured, "Leave t-them alone."

Zuko punched Sokka in the face and made him fall to the ground, "Where is he?" He was growing very impatient.

Sokka held his face and screamed in pain. This hurt a lot more than he expected. He took a full force punch. Zuko wasn't taking him serious last time but it seemed like he would kill him if he didn't say anything. This wasn't how he figured this would go, "I'm not telling you anything. So leave this island." Sokka stood up and tried to punch him but was kicked in the stomach.

"You do know that I can defeat you, so why even bother?" He grabbed Sokka by his ponytail and slammed his face into the sand.

Sokka struggled to get up. He was getting his ass kicked because he let fear overtake him. Naruto always told him that the moment you let fear into your heart then you have lost, "I know you're stronger than me but that doesn't matter." He stood up and tried his best to maintain his balance. He was feeling a bit dizzy and he tried his best to catch his breath.

Zuko kicked him in the face which caused him to fall to the ground once again, "It seems to matter right now." Zuko watched as Sokka struggled to get up. He was wasting time, "Stay down! Now to continu-" He felt a hand grab onto his boot.

"You not going anywhere…"

Suki was watching the whole thing and was crushed at what they were doing to Sokka. She knew the state of fear that he was in and knew he was no match but why does he keep trying, "Stop it Sokka! Please!" Tears began to fall down in her eyes.

Sokka tried to get up by using Zuko as support, "I'm not giving up!" He just wanted to close his eyes and just let the darkness overcome him but he knew that if he did that he may not wake up. He wasn't going down like this. His father trained him to always fight no matter what odds stacked against you.

Zuko was getting really irritated at this point. He looked at Suki and suddenly had a bright idea. Zuko grabbed Sokka by the neck and dragged him over to where Suki was. He set him on his knees in front of her, "It's a nice touching moment but why don't we end it here. Let you go down first." He grabbed Sokka's head and lifted it up so Suki could see him.

Suki began to cry at the sight of his face. His nose was broken and his face was bruised and swollen. He was also bleeding from his mouth and was trying his best to stay conscious.

Suki knew that Sokka wasn't supposed to come out at all until his friends arrived. They would gladly die to protect the island and its people. She knew he had no reason to come out for them, "Sokka, why?"

Sokka tried to open his eyes but noticed that his right one hurt too much so he kept it closed. He looked at her with his left eye and gave her the most reassuring grin that he could, "Someone told me that when a person has something precious they want to protect… that is when they could truly become strong." He coughed up some blood, "I wanted to protect you… and I'd gladly die trying."

Zuko had enough of the emotional talk and walked a few feet away from Sokka, "Enough of this!" He took a deep breath and shot a continuous fire shot towards Sokka

Suki watched in fear, "Stop! Please!" She saw his face and realized his eyes didn't hold fear anymore. It was like he was fine going out this way. She closed her eyes so she wouldn't have to witness his death.

"OH NO YOU DON'T"

Before the fireball even connected, something landed next to Sokka and blew the fire away. The force of the landing caused the ground to shake causing the guards to stumble. Naruto stood there with anger in his eyes, "Now you've made this personal."

Suki opened her eyes at the sight of Naruto standing in the way of Sokka's death, "N-naruto, thank you." More tears spilled out of her eyes.

Naruto didn't look at her, "Don't strain yourself too much. Me and Aang will take care of this." His plan was for them to keep them busy while he and Aang got there but it seems like he underestimated the fire nation. They really have become more brutal than ever. He took a peek at Sokka and grew angrier. No one does that and gets away with it.

Aang landed on the guy behind Suki and knocked him out, "Sorry that we were late." He used his airbending to push the guards behind the other warriors who immediately stood up and made their way towards Suki.

Aang untied their ropes, "Take Sokka and Yukko and get to safety." He looked at Sokka and was angered by his state, "Naruto…"

"I know." Aang wanted revenge but that wasn't the best answer for the moment, "I'm not in the mood to play good guy today." He got into his stance when the remaining 13 guards stood in front of Zuko.

Aang stood next to Naruto and prepared themselves for a fight. The guards charged at them while shooting fireballs. Aang got in front and blocked as many as he could with his staff. Naruto took out some shurikens and began to throw them. The speed of the shurikens where increase when Aang blew on them. Every single shuriken missed and landed around them.

Both Aang and Naruto didn't stop walking towards them. Naruto smirked, "You better run now or you going to get fucked up."

The guards were a bit hesitant at the tone the blond had. He had an aura that could kill anything in its way. They honestly didn't expect their day to turn out this way, "We're not backing down, especially with someone with poor aim." Naruto smirked and pulled on some wires that had been tied to his finger and the guards quickly realized that they had been tied up and couldn't move, "W-what is this?"

Naruto held onto the wires and his smirk suddenly turned sinister, "I could kill you with one pull." He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked at Aang, "I know." They both walked up to them and knocked them out.

Zuko looked in fear at the two. Once his men were taken out Naruto and Aang began to walk his way. They had serious looks on his face which showed that they wouldn't let him off easily, "Die!"

He began to shoot fireballs at them non stop in hopes of stopping them. Aang once again used his airbending to block all of his strikes. He charged at them in hopes of trying to fight them hand to hand. Split them both up when he jumped and landed in between them. He tried to kick Aang but he ducked in time to avoid a kick from Naruto. Zuko Shot a fireball the towards Naruto but was quickly deflected. Naruto grabbed Zuko but was kicked in the face. Zuko noticed that the blond took it and it seemed that it did no damage to him.

That kick hurt Naruto but he refused to just let that bring him down. He knew that this was no time to play games. This was more of a life and death game that they were playing. Only this time the whole village was on their shoulders.

With every punch Zuko gave out, fire came out along with it in hopes of striking one of them. He kicked Naruto in the stomach causing him to be pushed back and turned his attention to Aang. Aang's staff found its way into his stomach and he held it in pain. Naruto came behind him and kicked his knees causing him to fall to the ground.

Zuko was on one knee and tried to keep his composure. He was losing because he was actually scared. The look of their eyes pierced right through him. He Spun his legs around in a breakdown fashion and fire went all around him, "Don't take me too lightly." Zuko wasn't about to lose this battle. The Avatar was right in his hand and he needed to capture him now or he would get away.

Naruto and Aang were on opposite ends and watch Zuko who was in the middle. Naruto had noticed that some of the guards woke up and began to take the injured inside the ship. Sometimes he quickly forgot that they were humans and still felt some compassion for each other.

"Get out."

Zuko was a bit taken back by the blond's words, "I'm not going anywhere without the Avatar." This would end right here and now.

Naruto mentally slapped himself in the face. He knew what they had to do to keep the village save, "Aang go get Sokka."

Aang was confused, "Wait why?" He never received an answer. The silence was all he really needed to run towards where the Kyoshi warriors had gone.

Zuko watched as Aang ran, "Get back here! We are not done!" He stopped when he saw Naruto standing in front of him, "Move!"

"Don't you ever get tired of this? Chasing Aang all over the world. Is this really what you want to do?"

"Shut up! You don't know anything!" Zuko didn't need someone lecturing him on things they have no understanding in, "You think I have a Choice!" He didn't have a choice in this matter. He had to regain his honor and this was the only way to do it.

Naruto noticed that there was a strain in his voice as Zuko said that, "You always have a choice…" Seems like he was dead set on doing what he needed to do.

"Shut up! I don't have to take listen to anything you have to say!" Zuko began to rapidly shoot fireballs in rage. What did he know? He knew nothing of his current situation. He was really angry that he spoke like he understood.

Naruto sighed and lazily began to dodge the fireballs. The thing about the fire nation is that they can't really control their emotions to well. Fire is known for its rage and destruction. The moment an opponent gets into their emotions they begin to get sloppy.

"Why! Can't! I! Hit! You!" Were his skills really that weak? Why was this happening to him? He's been training for this moment for years. He's worked so hard and all of that for nothing, "AHHHH!"

Naruto noticed Zuko was beginning to get reckless. He heard Something in the sky and immediately pushed the trigger on his short sword towards it, "Seems like my ride's here. Catch us if you can princess."

Zuko ran towards Naruto but was too slow as Naruto was immediately pulled towards the sky, "What!?" Zuko looked up and noticed the bison and realized that they were making their escape, "NO! Everyone back to the ship! Now!"

The soldiers immediately picked themselves up and tried their best to get to the ship. Some struggled to get to the ship because of their injuries. They were shocked when something unexpected happened. Zuko used his shoulders as support to help one of the guards get to the ship faster.

"S-sir, its okay I can get there by myself."

"No time. Let's go men! We need to get moving as fast as possible!" He didn't have time to waste. The faster his men were on the ship the faster they could get the ship running.

XxX

Naruto was reeling himself towards Appa as he watched from the distance at the scene. So he at least cared somewhat for his men. Once he reached the saddle Aang and Sokka both looked exhausted, "Thanks, guys. Sorry for making you use your strength Sokka." Both Sokka and Aang were holding the wire while he reeled himself in.

Sokka was trying his best to catch his breath, "Don't swetsh it." He laid down and took a deep breath. It hurt to talk so it was best he should stay quiet. He closed his eyes and was asleep in a matter of seconds.

Katara wet a rag and was wiping the blood off Sokka, "They really did a number on you. Just rest up for now."

"How'd you guys know to get Appa?" Naruto knew that they needed to get out of the island to get Zuko to leave the island but he only realized it when they were fighting.

Katara put a wet rag over Sokka's head, "While I was making sure no one found out about it the battle, I saw Appa and then it hit me. If we left then I was sure Zuko would follow."

Naruto took a deep breathe, "Good thinking water girl. You sure saved us there." Naruto noticed Aang had returned to Appa's head and had been quiet, "Yo Aang? You okay?"

Aang didn't turn around, "All that happened because of me…"

Naruto sighed, "Listen Aang, You had no idea that would happen." Even he didn't expect it to escalate like that, "But you saved them at the same time. Give yourself some credit. The best part The villagers did not get involved in any crossfire. "

Aang didn't say anything because he couldn't he knew if he spoke he would begin to cry, "I-if only I h-had listen to you." His voice began to break. He was to blame no matter how you looked at it. He saw what they did to the Kyoshi warriors and Sokka. If he had listened and they had left none of this would have happened.

Katara picked herself up and sat next to Aang, "Its okay Aang… It's going to be okay." She hugged him. She knew that he carried a heavy burden on his shoulders. He was only 12 and such a burden could break you. It was understandable that you would feel guilty when things like this happened.

"I-im S-sorry." Aang began to cry his heart out.

Naruto watched as everything was happening. This journey was no vacation no matter how you look at it. It was dangerous and people will get hurt. He understood that but Aang was just beginning to understand the world. He doesn't know that this is only the tip of how dark the world really is.

He looked over to Sokka and mentally beat himself. To see his friend in such a state is something he never wants to see again. He will have to work twice as hard to get back to his original strength. He needed to get stronger. THEY needed to get to get stronger.

XxX

(Back in Kyoshi Island)

Oyagi was told what had happened and was relieved that everything ended without the village being harmed. Yukko and the rest of the Kyoshi warriors were currently recovering. He hated to see them like this but he was very thankful for what they have done for this village.

As he walked around his village he smiled. These people had known the power of the fire nation but they truly don't know the brutality that they were capable of. He hoped that they never live to see that day and they could keep living in peace. It was his job to make sure to make sure that everyone was safe. But even he felt powerless. He was just an old man that was powerless. All he could do was just watch as everything happened around him.

As he walked he stopped when he saw Kyoshi's statue. She was really one of a kind. She would do anything in her power to make sure to keep the island from the darkness that the world was full of. Those kids really did him a favor for making sure it was all kept under wraps. He hoped that they would come back someday. He just hoped it would be in a more peaceful time.

He was lost in his thoughts that he didn't notice a little girl tugging on his robes, "Oh, I'm sorry. What is it?"

"When is Aang coming back?"

All he could do was a frown. How could he answer that question, "He's off doing something important. He will be back soon sweetheart. How about we go get you something to eat?" He smiled when he saw her smile.

He looked back at the Kyoshi statue and smiled. They did their part, "Seems like I need to do my part right here." He couldn't do much but he would do anything he could to make sure the village was safe.

XxX

(With Naruto)

Everyone was currently sleeping after they been flying for a while. Naruto took to watching where they were going, "Don't worry Buddy, You'll get to rest soon. Let's just keep going for a bit more." Appa roared in satisfaction.

Naruto reached into his pocket and pulled out a letter. It was given to him by the Oyagi. He said someone entrusted him with the letter. He didn't open it because he was scared to see what was in it. He took a deep breath and opened it up and began to read it. He smiled and then suddenly began to have watery eyes. He folded the letter and put it away. He hugged his knees and put his head down. It seemed that the team really did hit one of the lowest points in their journey.

That day Aang wasn't the only one who cried.

I want to show more of the brutal side of the fire nation in this story. I understand not much was show on the show because of obvious reasons. What I want to do is make it a bit more realistic.

Hope you all enjoyed it.