"Hey lovebirds! Just up ahead is the foggy swamp! Home to the world's largest banyan tree and a tribe of crazy swamp people who feast on giant flies!"

Bumi stared back at the "lovebirds" with baited breath for their reaction to that word. But to his surprise, they didn't respond with anger or surprise. Even Kurusu looked surprised.

"Well isn't that something. Seems like yesterday, that would have caused you to leap out in anger, Avatar."

"Oh, he's all over that now. aren't you honey?" Yuno nudged his shoulder while smiling.

Aang didn't respond. His worry that Yuno planned to murder him may have abated somewhat, but he wasn't quite ready to make any kind of relationship between them official. He tried to change the subject.

"You've been here before right Bumi? You liked to mention it a lot."

"Well yeah, I did come through here once as like a kid or something."

"What do you mean as a kid? You are a kid, aren't you?"

"Yeah ok, Mr. smart guy. I meant when I was younger. Like 5 or something. Savvy?"

"Only once? Why haven't you come through since?" Yuno asked genuinely puzzled

Bumi bit his lips and turned his eyes towards Aang who nodded in understanding. He knew about Bumi's mother.

"You know it might be cool to check it out. Who knows if we're going to get the chance again, given what's coming?"

"Sweetie, I don't think that's the best idea. The world needs our help."

"The girl's right kiddo. Unless we absolutely have to, we really shouldn't stop."

"Yeah, I've heard some pretty screwy stuff about this place. Didn't seem that strange my time through but you never know." Bumi's smirk did not indicate worry.

"I get what you're saying, I just… I don't know. I feel like something's calling to me."

"Probably your stomach calling. You could use a nice juicy steak mate. Being vegetarian can't be good for you."

"Oh hush. It's the best way to go. No death. No conscience. How can you live any other way?"

"Uh, boys…"

"Man's gotta eat baldie. That's how I live."

"Boys…"

"Shame! To think I call you a friend!"

"Boys! Tornado!"

The team turned to find a massive tornado bearing down upon them. It came so fast they didn't have time to respond.

….

"Rei. It's… good to see you again."

"You!? Sozin? What's the meaning of this? What are we doing here?"

Yukii's head leaped up. Firelord Sozin? Impossible. No way they were being brought before the Firelord himself. But here they were standing before the current most powerful man in the world.

"Holy shit! What the hell are we doing talking to the fucking Firelord! That's crazy! What the actual fuck!" Kosoka looked around petrified.

"Actual fuck indeed! Why are we here? Why did you have that cyclops bitch capture me and my son? What the hell do you think you're doing?"

"I'm trying to make things right. Another chance. For you. For everyone."

"For everyone? Does that include everyone you've killed? You murderer!"

"I did what I had to! That's why you're here! I'm doing what I must! I'm protecting those who matter!"

"Oh, we matter to you? Do we? Or do you just want to finish the job? I won't let you kill him! I won't!"

The Firelord looked genuinely shocked.

"I would never do that! If I wanted that, I would have had you assassinated! I wouldn't have bothered bringing you across the ocean!"

Yukii's mother wanted to shout some more, but she really just looked confused.

"Then what's this about?"

"Please. Come with me. I'll explain everything." He turned to the kids for the first time.

"If you can just wait here, please. We'll have everything sorted out shortly. No need to worry."

Worry was the only thing the two boys could do. Looking around at the guards and standing in the home of the most dangerous people on Earth. There was literally no other option. Except for Kosoka to do what he did best. Bully

"What the hell did you do you freak? How'd you get on the Fire Nation's bad side? Hey, you aren't writing in your journal right now, are you? Look at me!"

Yukii ignored him. Writing was the only way to take his mind off all that was going on.

From behind a nearby curtain, prince Azulon's eye narrowed.

Had father truly lost his mind?

….

"Hello? Kurusu? Bumi? Uh… Yuno?"

The avatar couldn't see any of them no matter how hard he looked. All he saw were trees and the occasional animal scurrying about. No people though.

"Strange. This is the first time I've been away from Yuno in days. So why don't I feel safe?"

"Because you're not safe. You haven't been safe for some time my boy."

His head whipped around. That voice. It couldn't be.

"Gyatso? Is that you?"

No response. But that didn't stop him.

"Gyatso? Where are you? Gyatso? Gyatso!"

….

"You're a fucking disgrace. You know that right?"

"No mama. Please stop."

"How can I stop if you never learn? You never change, you know? No matter how much I try, you just won't stop failing!"

"Mama, please stop."

"No! Not until you learn to behave!"

"Aang! Aangie! Sweetie! Where are you? Help me!"

….

"Mom? Mom, is that you?"

"Who else honey bun? Who else could it be?"

"No, no. This isn't right, is it? It's crazy! I'm going crazy, I know it!"

"Come here Flopsie! Give mommy a hug!"

"No get away! Aang! Somebody!"

….

Kurusu was having his own… experience. But as an adult with more experience, has was taking it better. Marginally.

"Daddy? Daddy is that you?"

"What? My son? How is this…"

"Daddy… I need help. Please…."

"I… I don't understand. Why are you here? I left you in Ba Sing Se."

"Daddy I need you… It hurts… It hurts…"

"What is this? This is isn't real? What the hell?"

"Righto pal. This ain't real. None of this. Well except for me."

He turned about. His eyes widened in shock.

"Who the hell are you?"

….

"Yukii. Uh, Kosoka right?"

"Lady, we just traveled across two continents together! How could you not know my name?"

"Right, sorry. One of my weak points. Anyway, you can rest a little easier. The Firelord has provided a home for us. He didn't expect an extra. AKA you Kosoka. But he can accommodate for that."

"Why the hell did that cyclops bitch kidnap me then? Why am I here? Can't you tell him to send me back? It's clearly you too he wants! I was just an innocent bystander!"

"An innocent bystander who aided that cyclops as I recall." Rei stared hard at him, causing him to recoil from her stare.

"In any case, he can't afford another ship at the moment. The war and all. So, for the moment, you're stuck with us."

"But I have friends! Family! They're wondering where I am!"

"So, do we! Maybe you should have thought about that before you sold us out, hmm?"

"You? Friends? Maybe you, but him?"

She punched him in the face, and knocked him to the ground. Both boys stared with wonder at the petite woman.

"We're the only friends you have now. So, get used to it you little bastard."

The boys stared at each other. Kosoka turned away.

"Great. Fucking great."

….

"Gyatso, wait! Come back! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! Please wait!"

No response. The voice had gone silent, which was even worse for him.

"Please, I tried to come. Really, I did. Please, don't run away. I know you're mad."

Through the tears, he couldn't make out any sign of his old tutor.

"Please, I'm sorry! Please be mad, I deserve it. Just don't leave me alone. Please don't leave me alone!"

"You're not alone, sweet cheeks. You never have been."

He looked about. That… wasn't Gyatso's voice.

"I… who…"

"Don't worry your pretty little bald head. Just listen to what I say and everything will make sense, mmk? Turn around and look to the horizon. See the big tree?"

Looking back around, he could indeed see off in the distance, a particularly enormous tree. It stood out from all the rest.

"Great. Just make your way to that and I'll tell you the rest. Love to say more, but nothing good in life is free. Know what I mean?"

"Hey wait! What's going on? Who are you?"

Nothing. Pure silence again. Just him and a lot of foliage.

"What the hell is happening?"

….

"Are you crying? Typical. That's all you're ever good for. Sobbing up a storm."

"Please mama. Please stop."

"I'll stop when you learn to behave!"

"Behave?" Yuno's demeanor changed. "You want me to behave?"

"Yes. Behave. Why are you smiling? That's not behaving!"

"Have you forgotten? I did behave. It was you never behaved. I tried to teach you. But you wouldn't listen. Neither of you would."

"What are you talking about? Shut your mouth you stupid bitch?"

"No. No mama. Not anymore."

"What are you doing? Yuno? Yuno?"

"What I should have done long ago mama." She smiled at the apparition's frightened face.

….

"Come here Flopsie! Give me a hug!"

"No! stay away! Help! Help!"

"Help! Help!"

The shout wasn't coming from him. It was coming from the river. He quickly turned about, noticing his mother was gone.

"That's right. She's gone. She's gone. She's…"

He started to sob again. She really was gone. Gone forever.

He wiped his tears as the shouting continued and ran forward. He didn't look back.

….

"This… is the future? What I'm seeing?"

"Not quite. It's a possible future. One that might happen if things go down the current path."

"The current path? What the hell does that mean? Make sense imp!"

"If you keep doing what you're doing. That's what I mean. Like aiding the Avatar for instance."

Kurusu's eyes lit up. He turned to the little floating creature.

"You want me to betray the Avatar? How in the hell does that help anything?"

"Oh, I don't know it for a fact. Except that maybe, you know. I think I might know a way to help prevent it."

"You can prevent it? Then do it! Now!"

"Uh uh. Everything has a price Mr. Police chief."

Kurusu blinked a few times to make sure he wasn't hallucinating. No. The fiendish imp was still floating there.

"Why? Why would you want that? What do you want?"

The imp smiled maliciously.

"A good show."

….

"Hey there son! Mind giving a brother a little hand?"

"Hey, I remember you! One of the swamp benders!"

"Oh, have we met little boy? Seems like I would remember you. Mind giving us a hand though? We've got a pretty crazy little girl chasing us around with a knife!"

"Oh boy. Normally, I'd call this a swell time. But right now." Bumi just shrugged.

"You have a strange definition of swell boy. Should I be concerned?"

"Back in your cage mama! Back in your cage!"

Both men turned to the source of the noise and the sound of shouts.

"Right now mate, I'm the last thing you should be concerned about."

….

The only thing Aang was concerned about meanwhile was reaching the tree. Anything to get his mind off the voice of Gyatso and his fellow airbenders which were now all around him.

"Why did you leave us? Leave us to burn?"

"Don't leave us. Don't leave us again."

"It hurts. Daddy, it hurts."

"Please stop. Please, please stop."

"I can't! I can't make it stop! The flames! They won't stop!"

The all powerful avatar was in that moment powerless and could do nothing but run from the sounds of his fellow comrades.

"Come back! Come back! Don't go! Don't go!"

At this point, he couldn't take it anymore. He opened his glider and soared into the sky.

Even at this height, he still heard the shouts. The cries. It was so bizarre. The beautiful view permeated by the shrieks of the dead.

"Make it stop!"

He touched down on top of one of the massive tree's branches. He gripped his ears, trying to blot out the sounds.

"You don't have to be afraid, you know."

That voice. The voice he didn't recognize. Looking up, he finally met the source.

A pale boy with red eyes smiled at him warmly. Genuinely.

"Don't have to be afraid? Everyone I love is a ghost and haunting me!"

The boy chuckled. But somehow it didn't feel mean. Or offensive.

"There's no ghosts here."

"But they're so real! So real!"

"They are. And that's the power of the swamp. The lesson it teaches. That all life is connected. Time is an illusion. And so is death."

"So is death? I don't understand."

"This swamp. Do you know what it is? It's the roots of this massive tree, spreading for miles and miles. Connected to everything. Just like us. That's how the swamp shows itself to us. As those we know. Because we're all connected. Bound to each other. The ones we love never really leave us. Hence why death is an illusion."

Aang stared at the strange boy for a time but nodded. He looked back to the masses. The masses he had buried. But who he knew now were not really dead. Not to him.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry I wasn't there when you needed me. I won't let you down again. I'll do you proud."

The anguish vanished from their faces and they slowly faded away with sad smiles on their faces. Gyatso took the longest to vanish, but eventually he too disappeared.

"That's some serious baggage you've got there kiddo. I don't envy you."

"And you are…?"

"Avatar Akise. Your past life. Nice to meet you. Roku wanted to do the job but considering how badly he screwed up in his life, I thought maybe someone a little more successful could do the job." ….

"Father. A word if I may?"

Sozin looked up and smiled, before bidding his advisors away.

"My son. I'm proud of how you've handled yourself this last month. It has been a stressful time for you. I'm sure."

You have no idea, Azulon thought. But he kept that to himself.

"Father, I admit I'm confused. Why are we keeping foreigners here in the city?"

The pause that followed did not alleviate Azulon's fears.

"Father?"

"Rei is… a very old friend. She saved my life. And I promised to return the favor if ever need be."

"She didn't seem very glad about that in all honesty."

"She's just confused. Nothing more. It's a new era for the world and she needs time to adjust. Just like everyone else."

Azulon tried not to show his own confusion. And disbelief.

"Is that the only reason she's here? As a favor? Surely you have plenty of those around the world. I don't see anyone else from another nation being given free asylum."

His father smirked.

"You're a bright one aren't you?" He paused a moment, debating what to say.

"Fine. I confess. I do have another reason for bringing them here… But that is for another time."

"Another time? You can't share it with your own son?"

"Not now. You have enough to think about right now. The future awaits, and you must prepare for it."

Azulon couldn't keep his confusion off his face anymore. Did his father really think an answer like that was going to make him question this any less?

"I can tell you aren't satisfied. Understandable. I promise all will be revealed in time. Don't you trust me?"

Truth be told, Azulon found himself asking that a lot more as the years went by. But as the respectful son, he merely nodded and turned to leave.

"Azulon. One more thing. You've been a lot more quiet than normal since the comet. One might even be forgiven for thinking you were avoiding me."

The future Fire Lord turned around careful not to betray his feelings.

"Avoiding you? No father. Never."

"Then what is the problem? And don't tell me there isn't one."

"I simply… I suppose I have been wondering about… the Air nomads."

It was brief but Azulon noticed the crack in his father's countenance. The Fire Lord wasn't happy to hear that.

"Ah yes. Quite a nasty bit of business that."

That's putting it mildly, his son thought.

"I know that must have been a traumatic experience for you. My advisors suggested I not bring you along for it. But I insisted."

"You… Insisted? That I come along?"

"I took no pleasure in it. But a strong Firelord has a responsibility to look danger straight in the face. If you wish to be a true leader, you must see your decisions in action. You must observe the results. And the consequences."

"And were the consequences… worth it?"

"Do you think we were wrong? Is that what you want to ask?"

"I just… I just want to be sure that there was no other way. That the comet was the only option."

"I knew avatar Roku. Did you know that?"

"Yes father. You told me before."

"Did I tell you how stubborn he was? How he refused to see any other side but his own? How he would have destroyed everything we seek to build?"

"Not quite those words, but something along those lines."

"Then how do you expect the new avatar to be any different? He is after all only Roku reborn."

"I understand the need to destroy the Avatar. But everyone else. All those children…"

"Future assassins. Future revenge seekers. Too dangerous to be left alive. Of all the nations, the air was always the most far detached form the world. Persuading them would be near impossible. Believe me I tried."

"So, genocide was your second choice?"

"A necessary choice. Do you dispute me?"

His displeasure was now quite evident. Not something to be ignored.

"No. No father. Of course not."

"Good. A little skepticism is good. But doubt in the cause is unacceptable. Understand?"

The boy nodded very quickly and strode out. He didn't look back.

….

"So, my past life, huh. I feel like I could have benefited from a talk with you earlier."

"You and me both honey bun. How I wish I could be alive right now to give you the hug you deserve. You look like shit."

"Uh, I thought death was an illusion."

The boy smirked. "You catch on quickly. You know what I mean though. I was your past life. The past you. As much as I want to ease your burden, all I can offer is advice."

"Well with all due respect, I could have used your advice a lot sooner than this! Err… Sorry."

"Don't be. You've had a rough time, haven't you?"

"Well… Yes. Yes, I have. I mean I get what you say about them not being dead but still…" His voice trailed off and he began to shake.

The past life placed his hand on his distraught descendant's knee. The two smiled at each other, though admittedly Aang struggled to do so through the tears.

"I know. 16 years in one of those temples doesn't really prepare you for the task of protecting the world does it? And hell, you only got 12!"

"Temples? You were an air nomad?"

"Oh yeah! And a damn good one too. Though I can't say I earned my mastership at 12 years old. You got one over me on that." He winked.

"A fat load of good that's done me." Aang grumbled.

"It will. Believe me it will. I won't sugarcoat anything kiddo. You've got a lot of work ahead of you and the first thing you've gotta do is figure out what you've got to work with. How are you doing with the other elements?"

"Well I've got air pretty much down." He tapped his forehead. "And I got a pretty good waterbending teacher. Don't know where she is right now, but she taught me some good moves. I should be good there."

"So Earth is next. Know anyone willing to teach you how to throw rocks?"

"I've got a pretty good friend. He can teach me a few things I reckon."

"Eh, it's a start. But you might want to get some kind of teacher or at least an Earthbending scroll. You can evolve at the same pace. Help each other get stronger. What about fire?"

Aang merely shrugged. Akise chuckled.

"Right. Well, food for thought. Something to consider. Personally, I think you could do pretty well with the other three. Firelord Sozin is an old senile coot by now, so you shouldn't have too much trouble bringing him down."

"Right. I hope. But first I have to reach him."

"The real challenge, huh? Well, from what you've told me, you've got that to figure out in Ba Sing Se. Right now, your task should be to make it there in one piece."

"Ok. Sounds good. What if I need to talk to you again?"

"Right. You know how you asked why I couldn't help you before? Well, there's only a handful of places where I can do that. Places high in spiritual energy. Places where I can reach across the veil so to speak. That's why I couldn't talk until now."

"So until I find another place like that, I can't rely on your aid?"

Akise smiled sadly.

"I'm not any happier about it than you are, hon. But rules are rules, you know? When you finally get a chance to chat, don't be shy! My door's always open!"

Aang's eyebrows raised. Unusual character. To think they shared the same spirit was hard to believe.

"Well thank you avatar Akise. It's good to know I'm not alone. I mean I already had my friends. But it's great to talk with someone who understands this burden."

"Yeah about your friends. Specifically, this girl you mentioned."

"Yuno? What about her?"

"Ditch her man. She's bad news."

Aang bit his lip.

"I agree with you to a degree. But at the same time, I owe her my life. I wouldn't have survived this long without her."

"And you might not make it much farther if you keep her along for the ride." Akise's eyes had lost all their playfulness. "I knew a few girls like that in my time mate. Nowhere near that violent. But it was never enough for them. She's going to keep asking for more and more until eventually you have nothing left to give. Better to ditch her now before it's impossible to control her."

"Well… it might already be too late."

"What?" He leaned forward; eyes worried. "Don't tell me you proposed!"

"No, of course not! But she seems to be acting that way."

"Damn. That's not a good sign." Akise paused, taking it in.

"And in any case, she clearly wants me alive. And so far, that's been a good thing."

"So far. Listen Aang. And listen well. You keep your eye on that one. And whatever happens, do not make it official. You understand me?"

"Right. Got it." Aang stood up.

"Thank you, Avatar Akise. You've set the path straight for me. I appreciate it."

"Oh please! Call me Akise! And you stay strong and fit young man! Talking to you is my job now!"

Aang flew off over the swamp, eventually finding Appa and soon after that his comrades in a clearing. Yuno was covered in blood.

"Hey guys. How were the hallucinations?"

They all stared at each other in silence. Clearly awkward.

"That bad, huh? Yuno, what's with the blood."

Bumi stared at her.

"You wanna tell him, or should I?"

"Oh I just. You know. I was hallucinating like everyone apparently and well… I thought some of the swamp benders…"

"Yuno… tell me you didn't-"

"No, don't worry your little head. I got there before she inflicted any permanent damage. But I think it's safe to say she's not welcome in this swamp anymore… Not that I would want to come back, after all this."

"Fine with me. What about you officer Kurusu? What did you see?"

"I'd rather not discuss it." Kurusu shifted his feet uncomfortably. He had a hard time looking the Avatar in the face.

"All right fair enough. Well, believe it or not I'm actually glad we made this little pit stop."

"Pit stop? We were blown out of the sky!"

"Ok, fair enough. It was not one of our own free will. But I still had a nice chat, after some bad visions. But I think it was good overall."

Not for me, Kurusu thought.

"Who did you talk to Aangie? Was it a girl?" Yuno's eyes narrowed.

"No, just one of my past lives."

"Your past what!?"

"I'll tell you on the way. Now then-"

Aang stopped when he caught sight of a boy sitting down on a log. He couldn't see the boy's face which was face down writing in a diary.

"Honey? What are you looking at?"

"That boy."

"What boy? I don't see any boy?"

"Oh, hallucinating about boys, are we?" Bumi grinned. "Tough luck Yuno. Guess your Avatar's flexible!"

"I'm flexible? What does that mean?"

"Don't you dare, you ugly grinning brat! Aang, tell me he's wrong! You're not flexible, are you? You only have eyes for me, right?"

"I don't know what- Great. He's gone."

"What does it mean Honey bun? These hallucinations?"

"It means people we know. People we're connected to. But that boy… I didn't recognize him."

"Maybe it's someone you have yet to meet, sweetie. Did he look scary? If so, I'll gut him."

"No. No he didn't. But he felt familiar. I can't imagine why…"

….

"So this is home sweet home, huh? Not a bad setup I have to admit."

For once, Yukii had to agree with Kosoka. It was easily the finest house on the block. It put even the best condos back home to shame.

"Damn lady. That Firelord really has the hots for you huh? What did you do? Give him a massive blow- Ow! What the hell was that for?"

"Your dirty perverted mouth, that's what! Now get your ass inside before I give you another one!"

Yukii couldn't help but grin as the bully who had made his life so miserable ran inside from his mother.

"What a little punk! You should have brought him over to my place sooner. I could have smacked some sense into him, right Yukii?"

He smiled embarrassed. She frowned and placed her hand on his shoulder.

"You haven't said much this whole time. How are you taking this? Must be a bit of a shock."

"I… I guess I just don't understand why we're here. What does the Firelord want with us?"

His mother bit her lip, clearly uncertain how to proceed.

"He thinks he's doing us a favor. I… gave him something a long time ago. And in return, now he's taking us away from the Earth Kingdom… and the coming conflict."

"But what favor? What did you give him? Why didn't he ask us? Why did he have us kidnapped? Unless… he didn't think we would want to come."

His mother just stared.

"You're a smart kid. You take after your mother." She paused again.

"It's ok, mom. I can see you aren't ready to tell me. Just… will you ever?"

"Yukii I… I love you and you are the best thing that ever happened to me."

"Thanks mom. I feel the same way about you."

"But I've done… questionable things in my life. Things I still haven't totally come to terms with. And I worry that… I mean I know you're my kid and all. but if you knew…"

"Mom, I don't understand. What does that have to do with why we're here? You said you gave the Firelord something. Was that something bad? Was that the questionable thing?"

"No!" Yukii jumped back in surprise from her sudden exclamation.

"Great spirits, no! No, it was not questionable! Not at all! It… It was the greatest gift in the world. I just… I thought I knew him. I thought I knew who he was. And then to see what he's become… What he's done…"

"Yeah. I don't know how to feel about him either. And you're the one with the history."

She smirked remorsefully.

"Guess it shows how little I've learned, huh? Look, I'll tell you what's going on… I just… It's hard to explain."

"I understand mom. Just tell me when you're ready."

She nodded and pulled him into a lengthy hug.

"Stay strong my little man."

From the shadows, Prince Azulon stared. His fist clenched a little when the two hugged. Images of his own mother came flooding back.

"Mother, I hope you can't see me now. Us now. What we've become. And if you can, I'm sorry."