Intersecting Points

by VIKAN

When Mustang drags Ed into a mission that ultimately lands them in a world consumed by war and people who can bend the elements to their will, they're desperate to leave - but is it possible to do without interfering with a battle of destiny and fate?

10. Wanton In Fullness

Intersecting Points

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Part II - 5

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Wanton in Fullness

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/ "Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple." /

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When Aang woke up, his first memory was definitely not one of falling asleep.

He blinked owlishly at his blurry surroundings. Three blinks afterwards, his vision cleared and he was taken back at what he saw.

He was . . . in a forest?

Moreover, he was standing?

Aang had no recollection of ever suffering from sleepwalking, so he was momentarily shocked to feel upright that he almost fell over. He took a step back and his foot bumped into something small and soft.

"Momo?" he murmured, his mouth dry. The lemur blinked up at him, cocking his head to the side. He climbed up his leg and settled himself atop Aang's shoulder.

Aang absently scratched the animal's neck. "Where are we?" he asked, not expecting an answer but nonetheless hoping he'd get one.

The forest he was in was indescribably different from the one that surrounded the Air Temple. By all appearances, it looked like any other forest; saturated vegetation scattered across the ground and large trees provided shade to everything underneath it.

But it had a strange air to it. The atmosphere felt elevated and somber. A small rodent scurried by so quickly Aang wasn't able to identify what animal it was. He could hear birds and crickets conversing. Overhead, animals leapt from branch to branch, rustling the leaves.

Momo chirped, nuzzling his ear. "I have no idea," Aang said in reply, taking a few unsteady steps. After the fourth step, he regained his normal gait and explored the forest. The air was moist and salty, and a pleasant breeze splashed his face.

How did he end up here? The question repeated itself in his head with every soft step. Last he remembered, he was in the beach house on the Ember Islands. Was he still in the Ember Islands?

He didn't even remember going to sleep. The gleaming sunlight that poured through the trees' leaves proved that the previous night had already passed. He must have fallen asleep, then. There was absolutely no other explanation as to why he would be unable to recall the night's events.

The night's events…a chill bloomed in his abdomen. He didn't remember falling asleep, but he did remember that something did happen at night.

An image of wide, golden eyes flashed in his mind and Aang physically recoiled at the memory.

He grabbed for the nearest tree to maintain his balance as the memories of the night mercilessly rushed through his head.

Someone gasping for air – someone sobbing with fear – someone shouting with pure rage –

"Oh, no…" Aang moaned, clutching at his head.

He had attacked Ed – almost killed him.

I wanted to hurt him! I wanted to kill him!

How could he do that? It wasn't possible.

He looked to his hands and blanched, recalling what they had done. The actions seemed so unbelievable that Aang couldn't possibly imagine that he could be capable of doing it.

But I did. I tried to kill him. I wanted to kill him. I wrapped my hands around his throat and SQUEEZED –

Aang banged his head against the hard bark of the tree. He felt physically ill. Momo jumped at the action, flying to the ground and staring up at Aang with terribly confused eyes.

"I hurt him," Aang told the animal.

Momo sat back, cocking his head.

"Me," Aang clarified, his voice leaning dangerously close to panic. "Me, Momo – me! I tried to kill someone…I tried to kill Ed!"

Momo's left ear twitched.

Aang's back slid down against the tree, and he sat heavily on the moist ground. He cradled his head in his hands. "Why would I do that? I – that's not like me… I would never hurt someone!"

The flying lemur didn't respond, but Aang heard the unspoken 'but you did. You hurt him.'

"I know," Aang murmured. "I was mad…I know I was. But I wasn't that mad!"

Memories flashed again, images with greater detail and thicker clarity.

They were in the beach house, all of them gathered in the main room for tea. Ed had gone to bed, and Katara had followed him later with the intention of healing an injury Ed had sustained. Aang had heard an odd noise and had gone to investigate. When he reached the door to Ed's bedroom, his memory seemed to grow a life of its own and began to lash out.

Aang wrapped his arms around his legs, placing his forehead atop his knees. "But it wasn't . . . it was an accident. Ed didn't mean it – Katara said it was a mistake…"

("Aang —please! Let him go! It was a mistake! It wasn't — Aang, stop it! You're killing him!")

Even in his head, Katara's petrified voice sent chills down his spine that rattled his insides.

When Aang squeezed his eyes shut, the memories became horribly vivid. He had Ed against the wall, his hands wrapped around the other's stuttering throat. Katara was behind him, desperate hands on his shoulders trying to pull him off, screaming and sobbing her pleas for him to stop! Please, Aang, stop!

Then, stronger hands were on his shoulders, and Aang was on the other side of the room and Mustang was there, yelling at him – What the hell do you think you're doing!?

Aang recalled shouting back at Mustang, but he couldn't remember what he was shouting. Excuses? Defenses?

Perhaps it was the distance, or Mustang's booming voice, or perhaps even Ed's gasps and coughs, but at that moment he had realized what he had done with horrid lucidity.

Katara had been between him and the other man, trying to keep them separated. Aang was staring at Ed, his emotions throwing havoc as he took in the other boy that lay on the ground, coughing violently at the sudden intake of breath.

Katara's voice was shrill, panicked, as she trying to explain what happened to a terrifyingly tense Mustang – it was an accident, I swear! He didn't mean it! Aang, please say you didn't mean it! Say it was an accident!

But Mustang was looking down at him with hard eyes and a fierce glower, his expression nonnegotiable – Enough! I don't care what the reason is, you do not lay your hands on him! I don't give a damn if you're the Avatar – if I see you try this again, you will deal with me. Do I make myself clear?

Katara's voice rose an octave as she desperately tried to speak on behalf of Aang – please, you have to understand! He didn't mean to! It was a mistake!

Mustang's voice, however, dropped an octave – get out, the both of you.

Shaking hands pushed him out of the room, and when he reached his own room, it was like he woke up from a terrible dream. Before he knew it, he had been shaking too, absolutely overwhelmed.

His expression must have made it clear that he regained some sense, because suddenly soft hands cupped his cheek and he was staring into Katara's red-rimmed eyes. Oh, God, Aang – are you OK? – It wasn't what it looked like, I swear I'm alright, it was just an accident. See, I'm fine Aang. It's nothing, it's OK – and then she was sobbing, and the words were tumbling out of her mouth – It was an accident, Aang – w-why wouldn't you listen to me! It was an accident! You could have k-killed him! God, Aang you could have killed him!

He wasn't responding, which had rattled Katara even more. She shook him by the shoulders frantically – Aang! Please, say something!

He did. His voice matched hers in mortification. He apologized relentlessly and tried to explain to her what had occurred – I'm sorry, Katara! You have to believe me, I don't know what happened! It wasn't me – I didn't want to do it – it wasn't – I'm sorry – but even he couldn't understand what he was saying.

Katara seemed to be relieved that he was finally aware of himself. She wrapped her arms around him, listening to his babbling. An hour must have passed, the two sitting on the bed, her arms around his, his arms limp against his sides, before she left the room.

His memory ended there, and Aang let out a breath he didn't know he was holding in.

Momo gently gnawed on the sole of his shoe. Aang reached out to stroke the back of his head. "I really didn't want to do it…" Aang tried again, voice soft. He didn't want to attack Ed. He really didn't, but strangely enough, something inside him was pushing him to do it – do it – do it – he's a threat! – it's a threat – eliminate it – !

"I messed up, Momo," Aang said. "I messed up so bad, and I don't know if I can fix it. I don't think anyone will want me to fix it…"

("Aang —please! Let him go! It was a mistake! It wasn't — Aang, stop it! You're killing him!")

Katara's petrified eyes – Mustang's furious eyes – Ed's desperate eyes – they all haunted him. None of their eyes showed any room for forgiveness. How can he even ask for forgiveness for something as unforgivable as his actions?

Aang looked at his hands, as if hoping the answer would be there. Instead, he spotted a gruesome bruise on his wrist, almost like the shape of fingers. He felt nauseous when he remembered how Ed's metal hand had been desperately clawing at his wrists while he strangled –

Aang stood up quickly and began to pace around. Twigs and leaves crunched under his foot, but the noises were drowned out by his mental anguish. How can I do something like this? Ed's my friend, I know this! We're friends! I would never do something like this!

Momo joined in on his pacing, eager to move around.

"He's my friend," Aang said out loud. "Ed's my friend. We may have started off…badly, but even that wasn't my fault! I didn't mean to say all those things, back then. Really, I didn't! It's just…it's this…feeling."

Momo made a few clicking noises from behind him.

"I don't know what it is!" Aang said, exasperated. "If I knew what it was, do you really think I wouldn't do something to stop it?"

When the lemur was silent, Aang picked up his pace. "I would, Momo! I'd do everything I could to stop it! But I don't know what it is. I thought I had it under control in the beach house…but then…."

Aang shook his head. "OK, I'll admit I was mad when I saw that he hurt Katara – but I wasn't that mad! I wasn't! Momo, you know me! I wouldn't have outright attacked him! Yes, sure, I would have been angry, but I would have listened to them explain what happened."

He let out a large sigh. "I know Ed would never hurt Katara. He talks big, sure, but he's a good person. You heard what he said, didn't you? About using the Firelord as the toll?"

Momo had managed to trot beside Aang.

"Oh, right, you weren't there," Aang changed the direction of his pacing after he began to get dizzy from going around in circles. He walked straight, instead. "Sokka had offered the idea of using the Firelord as the toll, and Ed outright refused, saying using a human life goes against all his morals, even if the Firelord was evil. Don't you see, Momo? Ed's a good person! And yet…a part of me vehemently believes he isn't – and I don't know why."

He brought both his hands up and scrubbed at his face. "None of this makes sense," he groaned through his fingers. "I don't know what's happening to me. I mean, I'm the Avatar – I'm not supposed to want to kill people!"

A horrible voice spoke up from deep within his mind – Then what do you plan to do about the Firelord?

Aang froze mid stride, Momo bumping into his calves. Even his mental babbling froze along with him. The question hadn't been spoken out loud, but it had startled Aang so badly that it might as well have been shouted at him.

"I…" he began, but nothing else followed. He worked his mouth, but he could not produce an answer.

Then what do you plan to do about the Firelord?

Something heavy seemed to sink into his stomach when he realized the answer –

I don't know.

Aang shook his head bitterly. "No, that's it. I need to stop thinking about this. It happened, it's over. I'll figure out a way to fix it, I know I will. It's fine. It'll be OK."

He smiled down at Momo, but it was strained and hurt him to do so. Momo tried to mimic his expression and it gained a chuckle from Aang. He crouched down and scratched the lemur's back fondly. "Thanks for putting up with me, buddy."

He stood up and stretched. A realization suddenly occurred to him.

"Hey, Momo…" he began, eyes roaming his surroundings. "Is it me, or does it seem like this forest never ends?"

He had probably been pacing for a good half hour at this point, and so far he had not seen an ounce of civilization. Green and blue hues overtook his line of sight, with the added strokes of brown. He remembered there being a wooded area a few yards behind the beach house, but it looked nothing like this. How could sleepwalking possibly leave him here?

"Where in the world are we…?" he murmured out loud.

As a response, Momo jumped to the air and began to glide upward. "Wait, Momo!" Aang called after the animal, but then a realization struck him. Of course. He would definitely be able to better gouge the area from a higher vantage point.

With a long inhale, Aang bent his knees into a deep crouch. He threw his arms to his sides and jumped, manipulating the air around him to help propel him upward. He spun a few times as he gained momentum and height, then extended his hand when reached the very top of a tree. He latched onto a sturdy branch and balanced himself on it gracefully.

An uninterrupted stream of wind met his face. He was blinded for a few seconds by the sun's enthusiastic glare. Momo was perched on the top of a tree right beside him. Aang grinned at him, but his grin ultimately collapsed when he took in his surroundings.

He wasn't in a forest – he was on an island.

He turned his head every direction he could, then bodily turned around to view the rest. A vast ocean surrounded him – vast. There wasn't a shore in sight. No mountains in the distance, no land in the horizon. All that lay before him was a wide canvas of blue, with an equally blue sky to mimic. The sun was the only thing that seemed to contrast the infinite color.

He had been gaping for so long that the wind had dried out his mouth. He closed it and thickly swallowed.

How in the world did he end up on an island by sleepwalking…?

"Something tells me I wasn't sleepwalking," Aang said, but the wind's roars drowned out his voice. "Momo!" He called out, loudly. "Let's go down!"

With Momo behind him, Aang hopped down, moving the wind to cushion his fall, allowing him to land softly on both feet. Momo took his place on his shoulder.

"You know," Aang said to the lemur. "If you weren't here with me right now, my first guess would be that I was in the Spirit World…" He chuckled nervously after that. The fact that he wasn't in the Spirit World gave him little comfort, especially since his ability to still bend completely factored out that possibility. If he wasn't in the Spirit World, then where was he?

Momo began to nuzzle at his ear. Aang turned to regard him, "What do you think, buddy?"

The flying lemur made a few clicking noises, then sailed off his shoulder and deeper into the forest. It was so sudden that Aang hadn't even registered it until Momo had completely vanished from his sight. "Hey – Momo, wait up!"

He sprinted into where he assumed Momo had gone, pushing shrubs and low tree branches away from his face. He almost tripped on an overlooked rock when he reached a small, open field with Momo sitting in the center of it.

"Momo!" Aang huffed. He folded his arms and scolded, "Don't run off like that! We don't know where we are and the last thing we need is to get separated."

Momo was unfazed by the reprimand. He turned his head, and Aang looked up to see what had caught the lemur's attention.

He unfolded his arms slowly, taking in his strange surroundings. An odd symbol was embedded on the ground. It was in the shape of a hexagon, and the way it distinguished itself from the dirt made it seem as if it wasn't drawn like that, but rather, like it had always been like that.

Aang took a few cautious steps before circling symbol, examining each corner with bewilderment. He crouched and attempted to earthbend the ground where it lay, but it wouldn't budge in the slightest.

What was happening to him? Sleepwalking, waking up on a deserted island, a ground that wouldn't bend – his day just kept getting stranger and stranger. Nothing was adding up nor making any sense.

Momo was circling the symbol, sniffing and scratching at. The flying lemur seemed just as confused as Aang was.

Aang stepped into the center of the circle and sat down, folding his legs beneath him. Momo approached him, putting a small paw on his knee. "I don't know, Momo," Aang said helplessly. "Something really weird is happening here. The comet arrives in a few days and I wind up on an island? It just doesn't make any sense."

He needed to get out of here.

He didn't have his staff, so he couldn't simply fly away. Maybe he could bend the water into ice and make a walkway and walk out of the island…but there wasn't a shore in sight. He wouldn't know which way to walk, and the wrong direction could send him walking for days and days. The ocean was huge, and for all he knew, he could be in the center of it.

A realization struck him. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his flying bison whistle. Appa would be able to find him. He always came whenever Aang blew the whistle, no matter where he was. Aang put the whistle to his mouth and blew for an extended period of time, air hissing out of the small hole.

Momo's ears twitched, and that was the only reaction that the whistle generated. Aang remained sitting on the ground, waiting, but nothing came. The minutes dragged by slowly but Appa never arrived. He blew the whistle a couple more times, and by the sixth time, he gave up.

Aang groaned out loud, throwing his head back. Momo mimicked him.

Well, there goes his last possible alternative. He had exhausted every option he had. He officially had no idea what to do.

Actually…not every option.

There still remained his last route that he usually reserved for when he was in desperate need of guidance…

He turned his head to Momo. "Do you think he'd know what to do?" Aang asked, then shrugged. "Well, there's no harm in trying, I guess."

He shifted into a more upright position, placing his elbows on his thighs, wrists poised on his knees. He closed his eyes. He heard Momo take a few padded steps away from him. Aang inhaled deeply, then exhaled steadily. He forced his concentration to remain fixated on one goal.

Then he felt it. His body felt lighter, nimbler. He felt his senses melt away, then reform into something more defined. The weight of his body disappeared, then reappeared as air. His mind faded away from the physical, then to the spiritual.

He opened his eyes and Avatar Roku sat across from him.

"It is a pleasant surprise to see you again, Aang," the spirit said, his voice echoing with something otherworldly. His words matched his expression; he regarded Aang with the slightest of smiles, but his eyes danced with delight.

Aang returned it with his own smile and a respectful nod. However, he skipped the pleasantries. "Avatar Roku, I need your help."

"Oh?"

Aang waved a hand at his dimmed surroundings. "Something weird is happening, and I have no idea what to do. I don't know how, but I somehow ended up on this strange island…At first I thought I had been sleepwalking but then…I'm not sure but I think it's something spiritual. This symbol is like nothing I've never seen before, and when I couldn't bend it I knew for sure that it's not from this realm. I was hoping you would know."

Aang sincerely hoped he didn't sound as frazzled as he felt. Roku's expression didn't seem to change, but the delight was gone from his eyes when he looked down at the symbol he sat on. The silence was suffocating Aang.

"I'm afraid I don't know where you are," Roku replied.

That was certainly not the answer Aang was expecting, and it felt like the spirit's words had punched him in the stomach. "Y-You don't?"

"I have never encountered something like this in my lifetime. Your predicament is…very strange. You say you don't recall arriving here?"

Aang nodded. "I just woke up standing here."

"That is very unusual," Roku said. "And unheard of to me." He tilted his head, giving one last of examination before concluding, "I haven't the slightest idea where we are."

Aang groaned and hung his head.

"Perhaps," Roku began. "I can help you in another matter; your spirit seems troubled, and not because of your current predicament."

Aang paused at Roku's words. He shifted where his sat, thrown off by the older Avatar's statement. Aang bit his lip, then answered, "I am troubled . . . and yet, I don't know why."

He was sure Roku knew why; the previous Avatar's spirit lived within him, and he surely must have felt the turmoil he had been experiencing these past few days.

Aang had wanted to be more to articulate in expressing his troubles, but he didn't know how to put into words the strange rigidity between himself and Ed. The more he tried to explain it, the less sense it made to him.

He wasn't even confident Roku would be able to help. This sort of problem didn't exactly have a precedent. How often was it that a person came crashing down from an entirely different world?

Aang couldn't read the expression on Roku's stoic face, but if he were to venture a guess, he would say he seemed contemplative. Roku spoke, "As you are the aware, the role of the Avatar in the physical world is to bring peace, and our ability to bend the four elements does not signify strength, but rather balance."

"Yeah, I know," Aang sighed. "I'm the bridge between the Spirit World and the physical world, and I must keep peace between them and ensure harmony – but that doesn't explain what's been happening to me this past week."

Roku, unsurprisingly, was ever patient with Aang. "You are part spirit, Aang, therefore not only are you the strongest being in this realm, but also in the Spirit World due to being surrounded by spiritual energy. You hold powers within you that significantly differentiates you from humans – one power in specific."

Aang nodded. "The Avatar State." He was aware of the information Roku was giving him beforehand. The lessons the Air Nomads had bestowed upon him were forever fresh in his mind.

Roku continued, his voice slow and smooth. "The Avatar State is a defense mechanism, designed to empower you with the skills and knowledge that gives you supremacy in both worlds. But, it should not be forgotten that it is more prominent in the Spirit World."

Aang bit his lip, refusing to let his frustration be shown. "I still don't understand. What does the Avatar State have to do with Ed?"

"Your spirit is troubled," Roku repeated, but for a reason Aang couldn't understand, it sounded more prominent now. "Your ability to use the Avatar State has been strained."

Perhaps it was simply in his head, but Aang felt a deep throb at the center of his back. "I…yes. Ever since the fight with Azula, I haven't been able to enter the Avatar State."

"Indivertibly, your control of the state, whether you are aware of it or not, is also overwrought."

Aang blinked, cocking his head. "What do you mean?"

"The strength of an Avatar is dissimilar on both planes; in the physical world, you can bend the all four of the elements. But as you are aware, in the Spirit World, that power is inaccessible. Instead, in that realm, you possess entirely different abilities, as well as different senses. The senses that enable you to communicate with spirits. The senses that enable you to extricate light spirits and dark spirits."

"OK…" He wanted to ask again how this information related to his predicament with Ed, but he was sure Roku knew what he was talking about.

The spirit spoke so eloquently that Aang latched onto every word with great attentiveness. "Because you have impaired your access to the Avatar State, you also inadvertently ruptured the flow of your powers and senses of both realms. You are permitting the two to intertwine, allowing the senses you would normally have while in the Spirit World to seep into you while in the mortal realm."

Aang allowed the silence to drag on as he attempted to put meaning into Roku's words. "So you're saying I'm subconsciously emitting my Avatar Spirit?"

And, strangely enough, simply saying it out loud seemed give him awareness of it. He could feel it, but it was so minuscule and dull. Like a thin, silk sheet was wrapped around his body lightly, barely touching his skin. The pores on every part of his body seemed to be leaking small dosages of energy. It was so strange – how could he have not noticed it until now?

"Subconsciously," Roku agreed with a small nod. "Previously, you were not wholly conscious of this action, of which is understandable. Your chakra is partially blocked, condensing your Avatar powers, but the damaged link is allowing it to outflow in diminutive amounts."

"Previously? Do you mean…?"

"Subconsciousness is only half of your consciousness, Aang. One half is allowing the action to take place, while the other is unaware. However, you are aware now, are you not?"

"So you're saying I can stop it?" Aang asked hopefully.

"That question," Roku stated. "Can only be answered by you."

Aang minutely cringed at the vagueness of the answer. He waited for Roku to continue, but the spirit was staring at him expectantly. Did he want Aang to actually try and stop it? Now?

Aang frowned but nonetheless closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath. If Roku thought he could do it, then surely he should be able to. Aang took another steady breath, concentrating on the minute vibrations of power that seemed to be leaving him. He exhaled slowly, then with immense concentration, he willed the energy to stop and –

Aang opened his eyes.

It…stopped?

He blinked. It did. It stopped. He couldn't feel any type of energy leaving him anymore. But – it couldn't be that easy? He hardly put in any concentration!

"I did it?" Aang said, but he couldn't help but word the statement as a question.

Roku smiled at him. "Well, of course. You've been doing it repeatedly the last few days. As I said, the action was subconscious. You were neither aware of doing it nor stopping it. You shouldn't underestimate your own will, Aang."

Aang smiled sheepishly. "Alright, but this still doesn't explain anything. I've known for a while that Azula's attack skewered my Avatar State, although, yeah, I didn't know it in this much detail – what I still don't understand is how it relates to this this strange feeling I get from Ed – and why it's so intense."

"I am limited with my knowledge, Aang. I hold wisdom, not answers. Concerning your friend, my knowledge extends the same length as your own."

A grimace crawled over Aang's face. Obviously, Roku wouldn't know anything about Ed. How could he? Roku was a spirit that lived within Aang – as much as Aang wanted to believe, Roku wasn't all-knowing. He couldn't possibly have an explanation for why Ed was causing so much disorder.

"However," Roku spoke up, his voice firm yet gentle. "What I have just told you does hold some correlation with your predicament."

Aang sat up straighter. "How so?"

"Your fractured linkage has allowed your spiritual power to seep. It has also heightened it, and made it incredibly acute without your consent."

Aang nodded to express his attentiveness, but nonetheless remained silent.

"I have lived a long time, Aang," he began, the slightest of quirks forming in the corner of his mouth. "But I have never encountered what you have; other worlds are not unheard of, but they are shrouded with rarity and mystery – but all realms share one thing, although it may go by different names in other worlds."

Roku continued. "In our world, we call them spirits." He held up a hand and turned it over, saying, "And in every world, no matter what they are called, there are those that follow the light, and those that dwell in the dark."

Aang opened his mouth to respond, but then closed it slowly. He recalled his own words. Many days ago, after his first encounter with Ed, his friends wanted to know why he had reacted so violently. Aang remembered explaining to them that Ed had felt like a bad spirit, but quickly retracted it when he realized how ridiculous it had sounded.

Now, though…now it didn't sound so ridiculous. Maybe Ed wasn't a dark spirit, but he definitely had the air of one, for whatever reason it may be. So then, was Aang sensing that dark spiritual energy because of his broken link? Was he sensing the most extreme impression because his body was emitting small amounts of his Avatar Spirit?

"But last night," Aang murmured. "It was so strong. Maybe it was because my emotions got mixed in, but it was so strong…and I know for sure Ed's not a spirit…"

"The Avatar State is a defense mechanism," Roku repeated patiently. "For someone such as yourself, who has not yet mastered full control of it, your Avatar State is activated reflexively during situations of extreme emotion. As you are now, your Avatar State is restricted, and when the reflex is triggered, it cannot release itself as it would, and instead is constrained and causes great conflict inside you."

Aang blanched. "Then what am I going to do when I face the Firelord? I can't take him on without the Avatar State – I don't stand a chance against him! But…if I can trigger the Avatar State…does that mean I would have to," Aang swallowed thickly. "Kill him?

He unpleasantly recollected how he had felt when he saw Ed last night with his blade so close to Katara's neck…Aang had wanted so badly to k –

He bit his lip. Would that be how he'll feel when confronting the Firelord? He didn't ever want to experience such opaque emotions as those again.

He met Avatar Roku's eyes slowly. "Everyone expects me to take a life in order to end the war, but I don't think I can. I know I don't want to…"

Roku nodded. "In my time, I was presented the choice to either be disciplined and show restraint, or take action. I thought I had made the correct choice of showing restraint, but it backfired. Firelord Sozin took advantage of my mercy. If I had been more decisive, and had taken action when it warranted it, I could have stopped Sozin, and ultimately, could have stopped the war."

Aang shuddered at Roku's remorseful words. The older Avatar continued, "I offer you this final piece of wisdom, Aang. You must be decisive."

Then, as suddenly as he came, Roku's spirit dissipated into the air. The sounds of bugs chirping filled the silence as Aang mentally brought himself back into the physical world.

Momo fluttered to the ground and reached Aang's knee. Aang smiled down at him. "Well, one of my questions was partially answered, I guess. I hate to say it, though, but even with Roku's wisdom, I still don't know what to do about the Firelord."

Decisive. How could be decisive on such a subjective matter? Roku was obviously casting his regrets onto Aang, hoping that he wouldn't make the same mistakes as him, but Aang wasn't Roku.

"I need another perspective," Aang decided. "I need the wisdom of the other Avatars."

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Zuko emerged from the forest somberly, pulling twigs and leaves from his hair. He was not surprised to see that neither member of his small search party had returned to their meeting point.

Zuko sat on a small boulder, allowing himself a sigh of relief at the brief comfort. He stretched his spent legs and ran a hand down his weary face.

He did not have an exact estimation of the hours, but he was sure that he had exhausted the entirety of the day searching for Ed. He, along with Mustang and Uncle, had set out on the first crack of daylight in search of the boy. Now, the sun hid itself behind the faraway mountains, overly saturating the sky with a dreadful orange.

The long hours of the summer's day were regrettably uneventful. Last night's discovery that both Ed and Aang had vanished had thrown everyone into disorder. It was a blur of chaos, confusion and outrage.

It was evident that Katara and Mustang were both deeply disturbed by the events that transpired, although they both expressed it in strikingly contrasting ways.

Katara was absolutely frazzled. There was no other way Zuko could describe it. In his time with them, and in his time against them, he had never seen the Water Tribe girl so unnerved. Her normally composed stature had dissolved into a body of nerves.

She had spoken so fast when she explained what had happened with Aang and Ed that Zuko knew he had missed some parts of it. With a hand cupping her neck, the other latched onto her brother, she had consistently repeated that what had occurred was an accident, and that both parties regretted their actions, and that she regretted causing it. With each apology she issued, she stole a glance at Mustang.

The older man obviously functioned much better under duress. He maintained his cool composure throughout the night after learning that Ed had disappeared. He didn't bother describing what had happened like Katara did. Instead, he announced he was going out to search for Ed, and suggested that they go search for Aang. Hours later he had returned, face controlled, saying that he would continue the search in the morning when it was brighter out. He had excellent control over his emotions; however, the insistent clench of his jaw gave away to his clear frustration.

He was angry, and everyone could see it. The tension around them was absolutely smothering. Mustang had witnessed Aang attack Ed, and that clearly infuriated the man.

Zuko had been in the other room when the clash had occurred, but Mustang's furious voice reverberated against the wooden walls. Everyone had been startled at the sudden shouting match that seemed to be taking place in Ed's room, and when they all had run to see what had happened, Katara was pushing a stumbling Aang out of the room, shaking her head when she met their eyes.

"Don't," she said hoarsely, her voice thick with emotion.

Admittedly, Zuko had seen this coming.

Whatever this unexplainable strain between Aang and Ed was, Zuko knew it was bound to erupt. Aang had done a good job of pretending it wasn't there, but Zuko had seen his face contort every time his eyes landed on Ed. He had also seen how Ed had done a considerate job in staying as far away as possible from Aang.

Uncle had noticed it, as well. In fact, it was almost like the older firebender was studying it.

Yesterday, when Aang had taken a break from firebending lessons and went to help Ed and the others with decoding the alchemy circles, the General's eyes followed him.

"This will not bode well," he had murmured quietly, but Zuko had heard him. Mustang had followed Aang, leaving Zuko and Iroh in the courtyard under a pleasant shade.

"Uncle?" Zuko had asked, because he wasn't sure if the man was talking to him or to himself. He followed Uncle's gaze.

"The spiritual pressure between the two is fissuring."

Zuko frowned. "They seem to be doing well." He wasn't wrong. Aang and Ed had begun talking animatedly with one another, voices excited and faces eager. Whatever tension they had before seemed to be gone at that moment.

"Distraction is a wonderful thing," Uncle said. "But it only diverts; it does not impede. Eventually, this abnormal hostility will return when there are no distractions to confuse it. When it does, it will not bode well…"

Zuko's brow furrowed at the repetition. "Do you know something, Uncle? About what's happening to them?"

"I only know what I see. I observe, Prince Zuko, and after, create theories. There is no certainty behind a theory."

That meant he knew something. Zuko asked, "What's your theory, then?"

"The Avatar is so young. He has much to learn." Uncle sighed. "His Avatar Spirit has not yet matured, and he lacks control over it…he has so much power inside that small body of his. You might not have noticed it, but he seems to be unknowingly releasing small amounts of his powers every so often, especially whenever Ed is near."

"But you've noticed this?"

Uncle nodded his head slowly, his eyes never leaving the two boys. The words that followed were said unhurriedly, as if he were thinking out loud. "He has a sensory receptor that us humans lack, in which he is able to perceive sensations from spirits. The receptor is more acute in the Spirit World than it is here. For a strange reason, he seems to be exhibiting this sense, here, with great clarity. I presume because of the small amounts of energy he is releasing…perhaps."

Zuko's frown deepened as he tried to follow his Uncle's train of thought. "Aang is sensing Spirits?"

"The sensation of a spirit," came the gentle correction.

"From Ed?" Zuko concluded. Uncle must have reached the same conclusion because he smiled, pleased. Zuko shook his head, "that's not possible. Ed said there weren't any spirits in his world."

Uncle hummed thoughtfully in a manner that Zuko was very accustomed to. "Names are such extraordinary things, aren't they? We live in a land called the Fire Nation; our new friends live in a land called Amestris. But at the end, they are simply land, with different names, are they not?"

Zuko had more to ask, because simply being accustomed to his uncle's metaphors did not mean he fully understood them. He never got the chance, however. Where the others were gathered their excited chatter became loud enthusiasm, so Zuko and his uncle went to see what the commotion was.

A small locustrat scurried past his feet, bringing his mind back to the present. Zuko watched it burrow under the root of a tree with disinterest. The sun had completely set at this point, leaving no evidence behind to suggest it was ever in the sky. The moon took its place, but its light struggled to seep through the teeming clouds.

Mustang and Uncle would be returning soon. Zuko knew not to expect good news to follow them; he had a strong feeling that they would not have found Ed. The time between when Ed left and when they had discovered him missing was just enough time for the boy to gain some considerable distance.

He couldn't say the same about Aang, however. There was no timeframe for when he left. All that they know was that he had gone to the beach, along with Momo for some strange reason.

Katara, Sokka, and Toph had remained on the beach to search for him, hoping that the Avatar had simply gone for a swim in the ocean and would return any moment now. Zuko doubted that, and he knew they all did, too. But none of them said it aloud, choosing instead to keep their spirits high. Zuko had seen the footprints on the sand that Aang had allegedly left, and for a reason unknown to him they deeply disturbed him.

The sound of bushes rustling woke Zuko from his musings. He stood up quickly. A few moments later, Iroh and Mustang returned from within the forest. Zuko didn't relax just yet. He caught Uncle's eyes, and the older man subtly shook his head. Zuko's shoulders fell. With a frown, he met Mustang's eyes and said, "nothing."

If possible, Mustang's face became even more grim.

Iroh took a seat beside his nephew with a large sigh, hands on his knees. He brought a hand up and patted Zuko's shoulder firmly, but Zuko kept his eyes on Mustang, curious to see how he would react to a failure.

Mustang remained standing, arms crossed. Leaves and dirt were plastered on his blue coat, but Mustang didn't pay them any mind. He looked back into the forest and said, "It's getting dark. We'll continue our search in the morning."

Zuko pressed his lips into a steady line. "Are you sure that's a good idea? Ed could have covered a lot of ground by then."

Mustang was still looking to the horizon when he answered. "Maybe. But the darker it gets, the less visibility we'll have."

Zuko wondered if he heard bitterness in Mustang's voice or if he was simply imagining it. Uncle smiled softly, rubbing a hand up and down his knee in a rhythmic manner. "Let's hope the others had better luck in finding the young Avatar," he said.

Mustang did not say anything about that so neither did Zuko. Again, Zuko found himself wondering if Mustang was holding a grudge over Aang for what had transpired. Zuko would understand if he did. It was natural and he wouldn't fault the other man for it. But as of yet Mustang had not said anything that would garner Zuko's thoughts any merit.

"Does Ed do this often?" Zuko asked suddenly. Mustang turned around to regard him, so Zuko clarified, "running off, I mean." From what he heard from Sokka, it was something Aang did often.

It was Mustang's turn to purse his lips. "No," he answered after less than a moment's hesitation. "It's unlike him to just run away. He doesn't shy away from a confrontation. If anything, he goes around looking for one."

That sounded like Ed's character, Zuko consented to himself. Still, a lingering thought wanted to be expressed, so he asked slowly, "is it possible, then, that Ed and Aang's disappearances are correlated?"

The question garnered a frown from Mustang. "What do you mean?"

Zuko knew with absolute certainty that Mustang understood exactly what he meant. The man's eyes narrowed only slightly, but there was no animosity behind the expression. If anything, it looked as if he was trying to answer Zuko's question in his mind.

Zuko cleared his throat. "Well, Aang attacked Ed. If Ed is as confrontational as you say, is it possible that Ed went and sought out revenge?"

"That's a heavy, accusation, Prince Zuko," Uncle murmured from beside him.

"No, it's an understandable and logical presumption," Mustang cut in swiftly. He had uncrossed his arms and began brushing the dirt off the sleeves of his blue coat. "However, I'm going to have to dispute it. Ed is brash, yes, but he's not irrational. I can assure you that the two of their disappearances are unrelated."

Zuko pressed, "How can you be so sure?"

Mustang actually sighed at the question. He seemed reluctant at first to answer, running a hand through his hair. "Before you came into the room," he started, eyes darting to Uncle. "Ed and I got into a rather heated disagreement. I had told him that, because of what had happened, it would be best if we both left and set out on our own to the Capital."

Zuko nodded. "You wanted to leave."

"Please don't take it personally," Mustang amended. "You've all been so generous to us when you didn't have to, and we're immensely grateful. However, I had underestimated the tension between Aang and Ed, and allowed it to manifest into this. I understand it's out of all your hands, but for Ed's sake I felt it would be best to stay away from Aang."

"Then why did Ed disagree?" If anything, Zuko would think Ed would have jumped on the opportunity to leave their company. From the beginning, he had expressed his opposition to tagging along with their group. When Toph first offered, he refused. When Zuko offered, he refused. When Katara offered (and Zuko knew from first hand experience how hard it was to refuse her) Ed had refused. It was only when Mustang arrived in the picture, and told Ed that they were staying, that Ed finally managed to remain.

"He wanted to leave immediately," Mustang answered, effectively cutting off Zuko's train of thought. "That very second, in fact. I refused him, however, because he was in no shape to travel. I told him to wait until morning. Obviously, Ed did not take too kindly to that, and I did not consider how desperate he was to leave."

"And you're sure that's why he left? Because if that's true, then his obvious destination would be…"

"The Capital, yes." A muscle in Mustang's jaw jumped. He bit out, "Knowing him – and I do – he's on his way right now to the Royal Palace to steal the blood."

Uncle spoke up, his lax voice dispelling the vexing atmosphere Mustang was unintentionally creating. "We're in luck, then. I can assure you that it takes much more than a day's worth of walking to reach the Fire Nation Capital."

Mustang let his shoulders fall slightly. "I assumed as much. I just hope we'd be able to intercept him on his way there, rather than allow him to actually reach it. The last thing I'd want him to do is to try and steal the blood by himself, and that's probably the first thing he wants to do."

Mustang rubbed a hand over his face. Zuko pitied him. He can only imagine the type of stress Mustang was enduring from Ed's actions. He briefly wondered if it ever occurred to Edward what the consequences of his actions could have been. Knowing how restless Ed could be, the boy probably didn't spare it a second thought.

"Let's head back to the beach house," Mustang sighed. "We need to outline a plan for tomorrow, as well as get some rest."

Zuko nodded and followed Mustang. It was after his second step that he noticed that his Uncle had not stood up along with him. The older man remained sitting on the boulder, gaze lingering to where the sun had been a few moments before it set.

"Uncle?"

Mustang also stopped, turning. Uncle gave no indication that he heard him. Instead, he spoke as if answering an unasked question, "Sozin's Comet arrives in a few days, and destiny cannot be set back any longer."

Mustang looked to Zuko with a quizzical look, and Zuko simply shrugged. Uncle stood up slowly, rolling his shoulders. When he turned to look back at the two of them, his eyes held their natural twinkle, but they were overshadowed by a cloud remorse.

Realization struck. "You're leaving," Zuko breathed.

Uncle nodded slowly, a sad smile etching his face. He kept his eyes on Zuko, but his words were directed at both him and Mustang. "I do regret leaving at such a trying time, but it cannot be stalled any longer, and destiny is refusing to be ignored."

Zuko opened his mouth to protest, but the words were like ash in his tongue. His throat suddenly became parched, and all the moisture seemed to instead go to his eyes. He blinked rapidly, refusing to show his devastation. To be separated from Uncle again…so soon after finally getting him back – it was like a snake of ice had coiled itself around his insides.

Mustang spoke up, "where will you go?"

"Ba Sing Se," Uncle said, a hint of pride in his voice. "It has been unrightfully under the Fire Nation's control for too long, and I must begin my preparations to liberate it."

Zuko finally found his voice after several silent tries. "By yourself?"

"No, no, although I am flattered you would think I am powerful enough to do so," Uncle chuckled.

He took a step toward Zuko, his eyes piercing into his very core. Zuko felt his hold on his emotions begin to crumble. Uncle put a hand on his shoulder, "This is not goodbye, Prince Zuko. We will meet again, I am sure of it. When you find your friends, come find me in Ba Sing Se. Let's share one more cup of tea before the War, hm?"

Zuko swallowed thickly. "We will meet again," he replied hoarsely.

Uncle pulled him into his arms, and Zuko hung onto him with all his strength. "We will meet again," Uncle whispered, and hearing the thickness of emotions behind those hushed words sent ripples down Zuko's spine.

Uncle pulled away slowly, and Zuko instantly felt cold.

The older man took a step toward Mustang and extended a hand, "until we meet again, Colonel Mustang."

Mustang took the hand without a second's hesitation. "Until then, General Iroh." He smiled, adding, "You've been an undeniable help to me in ways I can never repay…I will admit, there remains a lot of things I still need your help with, and I don't know how I'll manage without your guidance."

Uncle chuckled merrily, slapping the other man's shoulder fondly. "Not knowing everything is not a bad thing, Colonel Mustang. In fact, it makes you more susceptible to making good decisions."

Uncle turned to leave, but before he set foot into the forest, he said, "A baby lionturtle, immediately after birth, possesses no knowledge of the world around it, and yet still makes the right decision when it chooses to paddle itself into the ocean. I'm sure, you too, will know which direction to push yourself to."

When he was gone, Mustang turned to Zuko with the same quizzical look from earlier. This time, Zuko provided him with a verbal response: "Don't look at me. I've known him my whole life and I still don't understand what his metaphors mean."

---

.

---

When they reached the courtyard of the beach house, Sokka sat on the ground and immediately took off his shoes. He lifted it right side up and smacked on the sole. Sand spilt from inside it, and the more Sokka smacked the shoe, the more sand seemed to pile on the ground.

He repeated the action for the other shoe in silence. The stone ground was cool to touch, and the night was providing a chilly breeze that whistled around Sokka's hair. It was hard to see much in the darkness, but he could easily make out Katara anxiously fiddling with her shirt on the other side of the courtyard.

"Well, that was pointless," Toph said loudly, plopping down next to Sokka. She kept her feet planted on the ground, her arms around her knees. She continued, "I'm pretty sure we circled this whole island and still – nothing. Aang sure knows how to send us on a wild goose chase."

Sokka snorted in return. Both he and Toph had kept their complaining at a minimum while they were searching the beach, a mutual unspoken agreement that neither of them wanted to upset Katara anymore than she already was.

"You think she's OK?" Toph asked. She didn't have to say who for Sokka to know who she was talking about.

He could only sigh as an answer. He gave his shoe one last pat before tying it back on. "I don't know. She obviously wants us to think she's alright, but I can see right through her. She's blaming herself for what happened."

"That's stupid," Toph immediately said, garnering a small smile from Sokka. "If she thinks its her fault that Ed and Aang decided to flip their lids, then she might as well blame me for starting the Hundred Year War."

Sokka outright laughed at that. "You should try telling her that."

"I will," then, before Sokka could stop her, Toph shouted, "Hey, Katara! Come here!"

Sokka cringed at the volume, then outright winced when Katara actually listened. She walked up to the both of them, and Sokka's wince turned to one of sympathy. She looked awful, and the fake smile that plastered her face was devastating for Sokka to see.

Toph wasted no time getting to the point. "You've been moping around for too long. I'm sick of it. Get your head out of your butt and realize that none of this is remotely your fault."

Katara's fake smile fell, and Sokka was afraid she would start crying again. To his surprise, she scowled harshly at Toph. "Don't, Toph. I'm not in the mood."

Toph waved her hand flimsily, in an obnoxiously sarcastic way. "Oh, boo hoo. The Princess is too classy for a direct conversation with a peasant like myself, excuse me."

"What do you want me to say, Toph?" Katara bit back, her fists curling. "Do you want me to lie and say it wasn't my fault? Is that what you want?"

"I want you to stop moping around like some asylum patient, that's what."

"Not everyone is like you, Toph! We don't just bounce back from things like this! Some of us need to brood every once in a while, it's normal!"

"Alright…" Sokka began, knowing if he didn't intercept now, the argument could escalate into something uncontrollable. He knew precisely how intense arguments between Katara and Toph could get, and that was the absolute last thing they needed. "Let's just all take a deep breath, yeah?"

Naturally, he was ignored.

Toph crossed her legs and sat back, "I'm not asking you to bounce back; I'm telling you to accept it." Then, curtly, she added, "Get over it."

"Get over it?" Katara repeated, flabbergasted.

"You heard me."

"This isn't a game, Toph! Don't treat this like some sort of joke!"

"The only joke I see is you," Toph shrugged. "Honestly, they should give you an award for longest time spent sulking in one day."

Katara sneered. "It must be so easy for you, to not care about anything. To act like you don't care about anything and just treat it all like it's some big gag."

"At least I know I care more than you do," Toph said nonchalantly. Sokka swallowed nervously.

Katara's fists curled and then uncurled. "What does that mean?"

Toph looked like she was holding back a smirk; like she was waiting for Katara to ask that. "I'm actually putting in an effort to look for Aang, and what are you doing? Nothing – just pouting and brooding about what happened. We get it. Aang attacked Ed. It happened. It's not your fault. Get over it."

"I know what happened! I was there!" Katara exploded. She pointed down at Toph, her finger shaking, "Do you know how I know it's my fault? Because I was there! I let it happen! If I didn't go into the room – if I didn't try to wake Ed up – If –"

"If, if, if, if, if," Toph parroted. "That's your problem right there. You're making up all these lame excuses for why it's your fault, like some kind of martyr, when what you should be focusing on is how to fix it!"

"I am – "

"Sokka," Toph said loudly, cutting off Katara. Sokka jumped at the call. He turned his head to the girl sitting next to him, and Toph asked, "While we are all on the beach, looking for Aang, do you remember what Katara was talking about?"

Sokka frowned, "Uh, she wasn't talking at all…"

"Exactly." This time, she pointed up at Katara, but her glazed eyes were shooting through her. "Nothing. You didn't say a single word to either of us. Your head was not in the game at all, Katara. You were wallowing on all these what if's and didn't even put any of your usual effort into finding Aang. Tell me I'm wrong."

Katara's mouth moved, but no words came out. Sokka was equally surprised at Toph's blunt words. Huh. Maybe Toph wasn't purposely trying to pick a fight – for once, it looked like there was a point to her disputes.

Sokka noticed it, as well; he saw how Katara was out of focus. But he never would have said it the way Toph did. Katara was upset, he understood this. So upset that she moved about like a zombie when they were searching the beach. He didn't want to say anything. Katara needed time. Sokka would give it to her.

But Toph's blank eyes seemed to see more. Katara was still reeling from the events, and even though she volunteered to search the beach with them, her level of commitment and determination was not its not usual high.

"I just," Katara stuttered. "I didn't…I do want to fix it."

"Then forget about what happened before," Toph said. "And focus on what's happening now. Both Aang and Ed are missing. What are you going to do about it?"

Katara's mouth closed slowly, her jaw clenching. Sokka could see it – Toph's words were ringing loud and clear inside Katara's ears. She didn't want to admit that Toph was right, but at the same time she couldn't ignore the truth behind the words.

However, before she could say anything, Toph tensed. "Someone's coming," she suddenly said.

She stood up quickly. Sokka jumped to his feet as well, turning to the direction that Toph was facing. Toph was silent for a few moments, before she relaxed. "Oh, it's just the others." Then she frowned and added, "Iroh's not with them."

Sokka blinked. "What? Why?"

"How should I know?" Toph scowled. "They're heading inside the house."

"Then let's meet them inside," Sokka decided. He helped Toph onto the wooden porch, and waited for Katara to follow. He didn't need to; Katara was already striding into the house, her eyes blazing their normal blue brilliance. Sokka grinned.

"You give some pretty good pep talks, Toph," he said.

"I know right?" Toph snorted. "After the war, I think I'm going to be a traveling motivational speaker. You guys can be my regulars, I'll give you all a sweet discount."

---

.

---

The kids were already waiting when he and Zuko entered the beach house. Zuko immediately left his side, tossing small flames into the oil lamps that scattered the noble house. The room was swallowed by orange light, and from it, Mustang could make out the expression on each of the children.

Obviously, their search was also unsuccessful.

Mustang sat himself heavily on the first cushioned chair he saw. His legs burned from the exertion they had endured. The day had been exceptionally monotonous, and yet he felt completely spent.

"Where's the old man?" Mustang mentally matched a face to that voice. Toph. That was her name, Mustang recalled. The other two were Sokka and Katara. It felt like he had been gone much longer than it actually had been. He tilted his head back, slouching in his seat, allowing his thoughts to manifest.

"He went back to Ba Sing Se," Zuko answered. The foreign land's name meant nothing to Mustang, but the other children seemed to understand. He would ask about it later. It might hold some relevance in the future.

"What's in Ba Sing Se?" Sokka asked.

Mustang could not maintain focus on the conversation, try as he might. His head was buzzing softly, organizing his thoughts in order of importance. His mind was trickling with possible scenarios that could play out because of his current quandary.

"Some old friends of his. He said he needed to start preparing for its liberation."

With Ed gone, he was trapped here. Ed was the only one able to decipher the code and understand the entirety of the circle, therefore he was the only one capable to perform the transmutation. Not to mention, he had experience with performing human transmutation alchemy. Mustang possessed none of this knowledge – without Ed, Mustang would not be able to escape this world.

"Well, at least someone's doing something productive."

And now Ed was gone. Mustang held on to the only silver lining he could find from this mess – the fact that he knew where Ed was going. It only gave him a brief sense of comfort. He knew where Ed was heading, but he also knew what awaited him in his destination.

"He wants us to follow him after we find Ed and Aang…but seeing how we both returned empty handed, I guess that might take some time."

Mustang knew the horrors of war, and Ed did not. The boy was not taking anything seriously, focusing his attention only on returning home, and that annoyed Mustang significantly. He regretted not telling the younger alchemist to be more attentive, to be more careful, to be more cautious. If Ed knew what war actually meant, he definitely would not be as reckless as he was now. Fear was the most persuasive of emotions.

The Fire Nation Capital was perhaps the most guarded and armed place in this entire world. A person like Edward, who stood out like a sore thumb, and already an established enemy of the inhabitants, would undoubtedly be killed the moment he set foot on the soil.

"They couldn't have gotten that far. I mean, it's only been a day, right? How far can a person walk in a day? Plus, it's night now; they're probably sleeping in a bush somewhere. I'm sure they're not that far out of reach."

There was a miniscule of a chance that Ed's mission would be successful; that he would somehow delude the soldiers of the Fire Nation, steal the Phoenixdragon blood from under the Firelord's nose, and return back unscathed – but Mustang was not an idealistic person, and that small probability meant nothing to me. He was realistic in every sense of the word.

If Ed reached the Capital, he would not return alive.

"Sokka, you're forgetting that they both have a head start; they're always going to be one step ahead of us no matter how far we both walk. Plus, Aang's footprints showed that he walked into the ocean; we have no idea where he could end up."

Mustang could not allow that to happen. Getting Ed out of this blasted world, alive, was his main priority. He could not stomach returning to Amestris without Fullmetal – it was unthinkable. How could he possibly explain that to Alphonse? How could he look into those soul flamed eyes and tell him that his brother would never return? But instead, that Mustang was the one allowed to return? He couldn't – the shame would eat him alive.

"What are you suggesting, Zuko? That we just give up?"

Ed was his responsibility. The guilt was beginning to swell from his abdomen. Edward operated under his command; he was one of Mustang's men, and he held all of his subordinates' wellbeing in the highest of regards. He would not return without Edward.

"No. You told me that whenever Aang went missing, he always, eventually came back. We don't know where he's gone now, but there's a high chance he'll return. However, it's the opposite for Ed. We know where he's going."

Roy assumed responsibly over Ed to help him achieve his goals; to guide him toward the right path. He never wanted to do anything that would impede Ed from attaining his goal; on the contrary, he did almost anything in his power to help push the boy in the right direction. Even though Edward's recklessness made it difficult to avoid, Mustang never wanted to see Fullmetal partake in any mission that could endanger his life – the brat wouldn't believe it, but Mustang wasn't heartless. He cared.

"We do?"

As much as Ed wanted to make him forget the fact, he was still a kid. He was young, intelligent but incredibly naïve, and Mustang knew he would never be able to live with himself if Ed ever died under his command. There were enough children's blood on his hands, and he refused to allow Ed's to join the cluster.

"Mustang thinks Ed might be heading to the Capital to steal the blood. I agree with him, and we decided that the best course of action would be to intercept Ed on his way there, instead of letting him reach it. Right, Mustang?"

Because maybe, just maybe, there was chance that all of this was fault – that none of this would have happened if Mustang didn't rope Edward into tagging along to that dimly lit apartment where that insane man lived. If he had never pulled up beside Ed, had never convinced him to get in the car, had never persuaded him to accept the mission, then neither would be him would be here, and Edward would not be in danger.

"Mustang?"

Roy blinked. The children were staring at him, and Mustang slowly realized that they were trying to include him in the conversation.

He tried to recall what he was able to hear while he was thinking, then answered, "Zuko's right. We need to stop Edward from reaching the Capital."

The kids were looking at him expectantly. Zuko sat on a chair beside him, while Toph and Sokka sat across them on a wide seat. Katara stood in the corner, but was nonetheless attentive.

A thought suddenly struck Mustang, and it must have struck Sokka as well because the boy immediately piped with a sly grin, "You know what I just realized? Without Iroh, Mustang's the only adult here."

Roy didn't know what to do with that information. He was the absolute last person anyone should entrust their children to, and he would happily admit that he did not know a single thing about taking care of kids.

"It appears I am," Mustang replied, sitting back in his chair. "But that shouldn't matter. Back in my world, I oversee and command a group of subordinates who can be childish at times, so you all are quite mature for your ages. This shouldn't be a problem."

Zuko snorted at the word 'mature' and Toph picked her chin up. Sokka continued, "Oh, yeah. You're a military guy, right? What was your rank again?"

"A Colonel."

Toph yawned. "Is that supposed to be impressive or something?"

"Let's see," Sokka counted off his fingers. "If I remember right, it goes Private, then Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, then Colonel, then the Generals. Does it work like that in your world?"

Mustang nodded, impressed. "That would be the abridged version of it, but you're correct."

"You're pretty high up, aren't ya?" Toph said. Then added with a smirk, "I bet you're the type that wants to get even higher, though, huh?"

He matched her smirk with one of his own. "You can say that."

Toph looked like she had something to say for that, but Sokka spoke up first. He asked, "So, what rank is Ed?"

Mustang was momentarily thrown off by the question, but he refused to show it. He casually responded, "Who said Edward was military?"

"No one," Sokka said easily, shrugging. "I just guessed. You not denying it kind of confirmed it, though."

Mustang was genuinely impressed. The way the other children were looking at Sokka suggested that the Water Tribe boy was the only one that formed that hypothesis. Mustang knew for sure that Edward was not the one that told him, and he himself certainly did not let it slip. That boy might be smarter than he seemed.

His lips quirked. "I doubt you simply guessed. Humor me; how'd you come about that conclusion?"

Sokka grinned, "Well," He began, stretching out the word for a few seconds. Mustang caught Katara rolling her eyes. Sokka continued, "I noticed Ed almost always calls you by your rank, and I've hung around soldiers long enough to know that it's a military thing. Also, he can fight. If he managed to hold his own against Azula, then he's gotta be really good at it, too. So there's that. Plus, even though he complains and argues, Ed always does what you tell him – and he does it reluctantly, like he doesn't have a choice."

Sokka shrugged again. "So, I guessed that he's gotta be in the military too, and that he's probably got a lower rank than you. It's pretty much the only scenario that is believable enough to explain how you two know each other."

Mustang let out a small chuckle, noticeably astonished. "You're quite observant, Sokka. I'm very impressed."

The boy scratched the back of his head, abashed. "Eh, what can I say? I love to silently judge people from afar. It's a talent of mine."

"So, he's right?" Katara asked. She was silent for so long that her voice rang out clear and crisp in the large room. "Ed is a soldier?"

Mustang momentarily considered lying – momentarily.

Right when he thought about it, he realized it would be a wasted effort; even if he lied about it now, the kids wouldn't believe it. Sokka's words would remain fresh in their heads, and they would be forever suspicious of him because he tried to deceive them. No, he had to tell them the truth. Fullmetal would rightfully be pissed if he did, but Mustang considered this payback for the kid skipping out on him.

"To answer your earlier question," Mustang started, regarding Sokka. He was looking at the boy, but he had every one of the kids' attentions at his grasp. They hungrily leaned forward in their seats, silent with anticipation to hear what he had to say. "Edward holds the rank of a Major. He, just like myself, is a State Alchemist – an alchemist employed by the state military. His military codename is Fullmetal, while mine is Flame. I have been Edward's commanding officer for three years now, and I'm also the one who recruited him."

The silence was expected. It was a lot of information to digest, so Mustang would allow the hush to linger. Even Sokka seemed surprised at the revelation, most likely amazed that his theory was correct.

As the quietness stretched, noises from outside spilled through. The ocean's waves flapped in the distance, the wind whistled near the windows, and bugs conversed with themselves in the trees that surrounded the beach house.

Mustang realized suddenly that he really wanted a drink. A strong one. Preferably, one that would burn like acid down his throat.

Katara was the one to break the silence. Mustang noticed how it was always her that took the initiative during stressful times, and it was always her that kept focus on the important matters. Her voice was timid and soft, barely above a whisper. "But…isn't he a little young to be a solider?"

"The youngest, actually. But, I don't think you are in any position to be asking that, considering your current circumstances."

They all seemed to flinch as one at the implication. Strange, Mustang thought. They all did not regard themselves as soldiers, yet here they were, key players in a global war. Mustang wondered what they considered themselves, if they ever put any thought into it.

"Yeah, but," Toph spoke up. She struggled to vocally express her thoughts. "There's no war where you guys live, right? Why would Ed want to a soldier?"

An especially loud wave splashed yards away, cracking like a whip. Mustang uncrossed his legs and sighed. "As members of the military," Mustang recited, the words almost nostalgic. "State Alchemists are privy to the most advanced alchemical resources, including exclusive access to the best research and are given a sizable research grant each year which can be put to any purpose a State Alchemist so chooses."

He sat back in his seat and shrugged. "That's what I told Edward when I went to recruit him. You see, a few years ago, Edward made a terrible mistake that had disastrous consequences. Both him and his brother suffered greatly from it. Edward joined the military so that he can take advantage of the military's resources and use them to help fix his mistake, and he's been doing so since his enlistment."

The blind girl visibly blanched at his words, but righted herself quickly. She shifted in her seat with a heavy frown. The other kids did not pay her any mind, but Mustang found the behavior curious.

Zuko coughed. "So, he's basically using the military for his own purposes." Then the boy's brow furrowed and he asked, "Wouldn't your military be mad at that?"

They would be if they knew exactly what mistake Ed was trying to fix, Mustang mused to himself sardonically. There were times when his mind would cynically wander, and he would begin thinking about the hypothetical fallouts that might result if the higher ups ever discovered that Ed had performed human transmutation.

The obvious result would be that Alphonse would be confiscated like some sort of object, hidden away in the depths of a lab to be experimented on. Edward would probably be imprisoned; he was too much a national symbol for the Military to kill him. His years as a State Alchemist had made him a prominent and beloved figure in the nation's eyes, and killing him would spark outrage. No, they would probably just imprison him for the rest of his life. Mustang would be executed without a second thought.

Mustang cleared his throat. "The treatment works both ways, actually; the military uses Edward for its own gains whenever it feels like it, sending him on missions and assigning him dangerous tasks. Because of his unmatched skill, Edward is one of our country's most valuable assets, and so the military would happily be taken advantage of by him, so long as they have him under their power."

Mustang allowed another weary sigh to escape him, waving his hand lazily. "I try and keep him as far away from the most hazardous and political operations so that he can focus on his goal, but if our country should ever be engaged in a war, Edward would be the first one thrown in the front lines, and there would be nothing I could do about it."

"Wow," Sokka whistled. He chuckled nervously, saying, "If that's the case, your country must be going crazy now that the both of you are gone, huh?"

"I'd rather not think about it," Mustang said, not unkindly. He didn't want to go down that mental road. Hopefully, the country was not aware of their disappearances, because that alone would create a tirade of problems that not even the Lieutenant could fix.

Mustang changed the tone of his voice, along with the subject. "I think that's enough talk about Edward, don't you think? Let's focus on the more pressing matter; finding him and Aang."

The foreboding atmosphere lightened noticeably. Sokka sat up straighter, "Do you have a plan in mind?"

Mustang nodded. "Roughly. Like Zuko said, Ed is heading to the Capital, without a doubt. The best course of action would be to try and intercept him on his way there. So, Zuko and I will head to the Southern coast, hopefully reaching it before Ed does. He has no knowledge of his surroundings, so there's a chance that he'd either get lost or he'll take a while getting there."

"What about Aang?" Toph asked.

Sokka spoke for Mustang, "Aang's bound to come back – he always does. So, we need to be here when he does." He turned to the older man, "You and Zuko will head out, while the rest of us stay here. We can search around the beach some more, see if Aang left us any clues."

Mustang nodded. He opened his mouth to vocally express his agreement, when Katara spoke up. "I'll go with Mustang, Zuko should stay here."

Roy didn't know who was more surprised, him or the other kids. Sokka frowned at his sister, "Katara, uh…"

"I'll go." She said, more firmly this time. Her eyes were resolute and her waver was unflinching. "We'll take Appa – it'll be faster, and I'm the best at flying him, next to Aang. I can fly Appa, and take us to the other side of the island without a problem."

Appa – the flying animal. Of course. Mustang forgot entirely about that strange beast. As much as he dreaded riding on that large chimera again, it was clearly his best option in getting ahead of Ed.

Katara's brother was still skeptical, "What if you're seen?"

Determination flared in the girl's blue eyes. "I won't be." Sokka sagged in his seat, obviously defeated. "I guess," he murmured.

Mustang stood up. "Then it's decided. Katara and I will leave first thing in the morning, while the rest of you scout the surrounding area. Does everyone understand?"

"Sir, yes sir," Sokka replied sarcastically.

"Sounds good to me," Toph said, standing up as well. The others followed her motion, and when Toph took a hesitant step on the wooden floors, Sokka grabbed her arm and guided her out of the room. She continued speaking as she was led out, "We can use Zuko's creditable Avatar Hunting Skills to find Aang in no time. He is a veteran at it, you know."

"That joke is even funnier the seventeenth time," Zuko drawled, following them out.

Katara didn't follow; she remained where she stood until it was only her and Mustang in the room. She took a few unwavering steps toward him, then met his eyes with unflinching resolve. "I want to talk to you."

Mustang nodded slowly, uncrossing his arms to dispel any intimidation from his stance. "Go ahead," he said. He knew precisely what she was going to say before she said it. He was aware of her nervous glances toward him, her small wince every time his voice rose even the slightest of octaves – he was already prepared for this conversation hours ago.

Katara's hand twitched briefly, as if it wanted to unconsciously reach for her shirt and fiddle with it. She controlled the impulse gracefully, curling her fingers into a firm fist. "I want to apologize," She said, and when Mustang opened his mouth to respond she cut in quickly. "No – please, don't. Just… just let me finish."

He pressed his lips against each other. "Alright."

She pulled her shoulders back, straightening her posture. She got directly to the point, words coming out quickly but lucidly, "I want to apologize. It was my fault Aang attacked Ed. If I didn't startle Ed, he probably would not have been so agitated and tried to…"

She trailed off, but then shook her head, the hesitation replaced with resolve. "It was my fault, and I'm sorry. I'm sorry that Aang hurt him. I know you didn't hear it when Aang said it, but he is sorry, too. He didn't mean to do it and he regrets it with all his heart."

She broke eye contact with him, looking past his shoulder. Her fists relaxed, her fingers becoming lax. She said, softly, "I know you care about Ed, and you're justified to not forgive us. Even if you hate us, I'd understand. I just want you to know that…"

The softness in her voice was gone when she met his eyes. "This doesn't change anything. We'll still do anything in our power to help you two get back home, starting with finding Ed and making sure he's safe. Even if you refuse our help, we'll still try as hard as we can to protect the both of you."

Her eyes seemed to light up the room with their fortitude, and Mustang was overwhelmed with a sense of déjà vu. Maybe this world isn't that different from our own, Mustang thought fondly.

She was apprehensively waiting for him to say something in return. He smiled gently at her, which seemed to shock her. Mustang wanted to laugh, but that wouldn't be appropriate. The poor girl was so unbelievably nervous that he knew he had to choose his words carefully in order to console her. "I don't blame you, Katara" Mustang placidly, as if it were obvious.

Her head snapped back to him, eyes wide. That was definitely the last thing she was expecting to hear, and it left her momentarily speechless. "Y-You don't? But…"

He shook his head. "Nor do I blame Aang. I never have."

Her shock didn't fade, her eyes disbelieving. Mustang shrugged, "What happened was unfortunate, and yes, I was angry. But I realized my anger was misplaced. I was not angry at any of you, I was angry at how uncontrollable the situation had gotten, and that was out of all our hands."

She must have prepared herself for a different response, because her determined exterior melted away into flustered, hasty to respond. "You're not angry? That's not – but…wait. No, I don't – but you should be! We – I… "

"Katara," Mustang said lightly. She stopped stuttering instantly, and Mustang smiled, continuing mildly, "There isn't reason why I should be angry. What happened was an accident, just like you said. I don't blame you. None of this was your fault. Please, don't blame yourself for something that was out of your control."

She looked like she was too stunned to speak. She shook her head, "Still, I didn't have to…I'm sorry about –"

"There's nothing to forgive, Katara."

She bit her lip, and Mustang wanted to applaud her for her stubbornness. Her eyes darted from side to side as she worked up a reply. Mustang patiently allowed her to sort through her thoughts, to settle the internal dilemma that was raging in her.

Her eyes softened, and she looked away. Very faintly, she asked, "…are you sure?"

"Positive," Mustang answered immediately. "I don't blame you, or anyone else for that matter. It's not your fault, Katara."

She exhaled rigidly, her shoulders shuddering. She met Mustang's eyes, the determination taking its rightful place in her blue eyes. "I still want – I'm going to fix it. Regardless, I'll do anything I can to make things right."

"I'd be honored to have your help," Mustang said.

At last, a smile broke out of Katara's face. The tension eased out of her body as her shoulders sagged. "Thank you," she breathed out, her voice as light as wind. She blinked a few times, then started. "Oh! It's getting late. I need to sleep!" Her voice had returned to its normal, clear level. Her features, no longer creased with worry, smoothened out and brightened her expression. "We have to be up early for tomorrow I'll see you in the morning, Mustang!"

Huh, Mustang thought as he watched her leave the room with her head held high. I guess I'm not that bad with kids after all.

---

.

---

Ed sneezed loudly.

He wiped his nose with the sleeve of his coat. Someone better not be bad mouthing me, he thought pessimistically.

He felt like absolute, utter, and complete crap.

He was terribly sore all over from the horribly uncomfortable position he had slept in. Camping while also trying to lay low was not an easy thing to do, nor was it pleasant. He had transmuted a shallow trench just below a large tree to doze off for a few hours, but even that didn't grant him enough sleep to stave off the ache in his feet.

Walking sucks, Ed decided while he mentally prepared himself for the day's inevitable trek through the forest. It felt like he had been walking through this God forsaken forest for years, when in reality he knew it was just a day. Well, a day and night. Unless he was counting last night, then it was one night, one day, then one night. How long ago was it since he left? Was it yesterday or the day before that? Ed didn't know, but what he did know was that he didn't care.

He squinted at the sun's harsh glare, then looked down, blinking a few times to dissolve the spots that danced in his vision. Ed clapped his hands and transmuted the earth back to its original flat surface. There, now there was no proof that he was here.

Ed rolled his shoulders, stretched his arms, and walked.

Mustang was probably having a stroke at the realization that Ed had left. Good. A little brain aneurism should teach Mustang a thing or two. Who the hell did that bastard think he was, dismissing Ed's arguments without even considering them?

Ed was angry just thinking about it. He steps grew heavy and leaves crunched beneath his boots. That goddamn son of a bitch. Ed had told him – repeatedly! – that he didn't want to stay with those kids. He told him! But did Mustang listen to him? No!

Ed was sick of it. He was sick of getting dragged around. Sick of having his leash yanked at every time Mustang gave it a small tug.

He was sick of standing still, not going anywhere, not getting anything done because he had to wait for the stupid comet to come – and he had to do it while staying with that damn group of kids.

Ed frowned. OK, maybe those kids weren't that bad. In fact, he thought begrudgingly, they were really helpful and at times, could be really fun. But Aang…Ed shuddered at thought of the other boy. He involuntarily rubbed at his neck, wincing at the contact to the tender skin. That kid was not ordinary. He was not right. That brat was like a demon, a monster, a –

Ed shook his head. No, he would not be deterred. This was all Mustang's fault – no one else's. It was Mustang who had forced him to stay with those kids. None of this would have happened if Mustang had listened to him! If they had just broken away from those kids and continued on without them, then Aang would not have gone bat shit crazy and tried to kill him.

No, Ed didn't blame Aang. If anything, he had seen this coming from miles away; he knew it would happen eventually. That terrible, horrible, foreboding feeling that quivered in the pit of his stomach was anxious to erupt. He felt like an abused bottle of soda, shaken and throttled without mercy, with a loose cork barely hanging on to the rim. Any minute now, he would burst.

Ed wondered if that was how Aang was feeling all this time. Was he also battling sinister feelings that seemed to be eating him from the inside out every time he and Ed were within arm's length? If he was, then that night when he attacked Ed was definitely when he burst.

Ed rubbed a hand down his weary face. What was the point of thinking about it? He had spent the majority of yesterday replaying the night's events over and over and over again in his head, analyzing how it had happened, searching for ways that could have prevented it. It was exhausting and pointless; It did nothing for him but cause more mental fatigue.

None of this will matter once I reach the Capital, Ed proclaimed loudly in his head. Once he reached the palace and stole the blood, all he had to worry about was finding Mustang and transmuting themselves out of this world. Then he could completely forget about this hell. Then he would finally see Al.

He knew he was getting close to the Capital. The room he occupied in the beach house had a dusty map of the region, and Ed was able to pinpoint where he was and where the Capital was.

He was a lot less further from it than he originally feared. In fact, the island he was on was adjacent to it – all he had to do was find the shore and then find a way to cross the thin waters that separated the two islands.

He, without a doubt, knew he was getting close. Yesterday, walking through the forest, the air was damp and thin, the atmosphere calm and transparent. Now, salt mixed in with the wind, fanning his face with cool air. The southern shore was close. Ed could literally taste it.

His body shook with a sense of thrill. He was close. So close to getting home.

All he had to do was sneak into the castle and steal the blood. It was so easy! The inhabitants of the castle would be so preoccupied with readying themselves for the war that they would hardly notice one person roaming the halls. Ed could steal a soldier's uniform, slither his way into the Firelord's quarters, and rummage through his royal crap until he found that blood. If he's discovered, he can simply transmute his way out like he always does.

After that, he would just need to retrace his steps and find Mustang. Hopefully, the Colonel won't be that mad that he had left and –

"Halt!"

Ed tensed so badly he was sure his blood vessels froze in their tracks as well. He was utterly preoccupied with his own musings that he didn't notice that he was being followed. You've got to be kidding me!

"Turn around. Slowly."

Ed willed his body to release him from the shock. He swallowed thickly, noticing that his heart was beating too loudly. No – it's fine. Everything will be fine. Just stay focused. He controlled his face to express a fierce scowl, then turned around.

He expected one person to be behind him from the voice that shouted. Instead, there were half a dozen Fire Nation soldiers crouched behind him, fists extended in an offensive manner, feet wide and ready to attack.

"You guys lost or something?" Ed bit out, trying to keep his voiced leveled and casual. Inside, his heart was beating wildly. Shit, shit, shit! He was screwed. He was so God damn screwed. Of course his luck would run out. Of course the worst possible thing that could happen to him at this moment would freakin' happen. His day had literally just begun, too.

Ed's fingers twitched, ready to clap these assholes back from where they came. He scanned his predicament as quickly as his mind would allow him – there were six guys. All soldiers. Obviously, all firebenders. They were dressed head to toe in that ridiculous armor they called a uniform. Helmets fully incased their heads, gloves wrapped around their hands. One of the soldiers was standing a step ahead of the others. OK, then he was the leader. Ed took note to watch out for him.

The leader took a step forward. He (or she? That uniform really didn't reveal much) was the only one that wasn't rooted into an attack stance. His voice was metallic from behind the helmet when he announced loudly, "You are under arrest for your various, treacherous crimes against the mighty and indomitable Fire Nation. If you refuse to submit quietly, we will gladly use force to bring you in."

"You've got the wrong guy, buddy," Ed said, waving lazily. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

The soldier reached up and pulled off his helmet, throwing it aside with little care. "I think you do, rat."

Ed's eyes widened a fraction, then he glowered. "I know you – you're that asshole that kept shooting fire at me from that damn blimp!"

"And you," the man said harshly. "Are the damned golden rat that destroyed the Fire Nation's esteemed weaponry and disgraced our Princess." He picked up his chin and spat, "A thieving rat, as well. You lack every semblance of honor."

"Thieving? Wait…are you talking about your stupid red shirt?" Ed said, glancing at his transmuted coat with a frown. "You seriously have a grudge on me because I took your shirt? Geez, are all you firebenders so damn dramatic?"

"Do not insult our people, you rat!" The man hissed.

"Stop calling me a rat, you piece of shit!"

"I'm going to enjoy melting that infuriating tongue of yours," the soldier sneered. "The Fire Nation shows no mercy for traitors, regardless of their age, and neither do I."

"A traitor?" Ed snorted. "I'm not a traitor – I'm neutral. You guys are the ones that attacked me first, remember? I was just walking and minding my own business – like I'm doing now! Your whole system is broken!"

"By orders of the virtuous Princess, we are to bring you in for absolute judgment in the Hui Se province, where her Excellency awaits you."

"Yeah? Tough. I'm not going anywhere with you assholes."

The soldier widened his stance. "We were told to bring you in alive…but not undamaged."

"I'd like to see you try!"

The piece of shit smirked. "I'm going to enjoy the promotion I receive for bringing your charred body to the Princess."

"I'm going to shove that promotion up your – ack!" Ed jumped to the side, narrowly avoiding a stream of fire that shot at him from his left. The streak of fire collided with a tree, its flames coiling around its unsuspecting trunk.

That leader soldier probably thought he could distract Ed by riling him up, letting his lackeys spread around him. But Ed wasn't stupid. He was used to being miffed and taunted by pompous bastards, so he didn't miss how the soldiers silently broke apart and surrounded him.

"You guys want a fight? I'll give you a fight!"

Ed dropped to his knees, clapping. He slammed his hands to the ground, and a pillar of earth shot out and hit the soldier that thought he was slick enough to sneak up from behind him. That asshole went flying, his back slamming into a tree. He dropped to the ground like a sack of potatoes. One down.

Ed rolled around quickly, knowing that the soldier to his right was about to shoot a fireball at him. The flame went flying above his head, toward another soldier. The unsuspecting soldier yelped and quickly bent the fire away from his body. Ed took advantage of the confusion; he ran toward the tree that stood behind the soldier and clapped.

Ed didn't have time to see his transmutation take effect. Fire burst from under him, dancing around his feet. He hissed and jumped back. The alchemy-afflicted tree had already accomplished its mission when Ed stood; its thick branches had wrapped itself around two soldiers, curling around them like a hungry snake, unrelenting in its grasp.

Ed allowed himself a brief smirk. That makes three. All that's left is that gorilla-looking leader and his two grunts.

"Don't let him clap his hands!" The leader shouted, looking absolutely infuriated. "Burn his arms off if you have to!"

"Screw you!" Ed shouted back.

Two soldiers ran toward him from either side. Ed prepared himself for bullets of fire to fly at him, but he was unpleasantly surprised to see none. No – these soldiers' fists burst into flames. They were skilled at close combat!

Punches came flying at him from both soldiers. Ed was being pushed back as he dodged and blocked the fiery knuckles. He was quick enough to avoid them, but most them came narrowly close to him that he felt the lick of the flames on his flesh.

A fist came at him from one side, while another from the opposite. Ed only had time to dodge one – a fistful of fire rammed itself into his stomach, but Ed quickly jammed his automail elbow into the ribs of the soldier, pushing him back just in time to save his stomach from sustaining third degree burns.

Ed kicked the other soldiers' knee with his automail foot, and the man cried out in pain. He didn't fall back as Ed had wanted – no, he managed to suck up the pain quickly and slam his forearm against Ed's ear.

Ed fell back a few steps, momentarily deaf except for the harsh ringing that echoed in his head. He panted harshly, his stomach screaming in wild pain. Focus! Focus!

From the corners of his eye he could see the two soldiers pulling their hands back. Focus! He clapped and slammed his hands to the ground. A wall of soil covered his left, while the other covered his right. Fire slammed into both walls, shielding him.

His front wasn't shielded, Ed realized belatedly. The leader was suddenly in front of him, and then his foot was rammed into Ed's middle.

Ed gasped, his breath leaving him abruptly. He stumbled back drunkenly, but he refused to fall down. He tried to straighten himself, but something inside him painfully protested the movement. Focus!

"You think you can oppose the Fire Nation!?" The leader was shouting, but Ed could hardly hear him through his harsh breaths. "The Fire Nation is merciless! We are supreme!"

Ed wasn't given time to catch his breath. The bastard shot a wild wave of fire at him. Transmuting a wall would take too long – Ed mindlessly threw himself to the side, only to meet another soldier. The man punched the air, and a stream of fire was launched at him.

Focus!

Ed brought his automail arm up and shielded himself as best as he could with the solid prosthetic. The fire hit the metal, spreading its flames at either side of Ed at the contact. He lashed out, kicking the soldier in his side and effectively knocking him down.

He heard another soldier move from behind him. Ed spun around immediately. Focus! The soldier was pulling his arm back, undoubtedly readying himself to bombard Edward with more flames.

Like hell!

He quickly brought his hands together and clapped, and –

Ed yelped when his flesh hand made contact with his automail. What the hell? His hand was stinging – his palm burned. Ed's mind raced – shit, the fire made contact with his automail arm, and metal absorbs heat –

FOCUS – !

The world lurched. Ed was suddenly slammed to the ground – hard.

He was on his stomach, the ground's surface seemingly crushing him. His arms were being harshly pulled back, and something solid and piercing was pressed painfully against his back. Ed instinctively lashed out, knees digging into the ground – but he was pinned.

Focus! Focus! Focus!

The hold on his arms tightened, pulling his shoulders back. The solid pressure on his back, Ed realized, was someone's knee. A hand snaked itself into Ed's hair, grabbing the braided locks. His face was being pressed against the ground, and Ed struggled to breath.

Hot breaths met his neck. "The Fire Nation is merciless," the leader's voice hissed near his ear, and Ed could just hear the smirk in the man's voice.

"Get the fuck off me!" Ed shouted, his feet scrapping the dirt. Every movement seemed to twist his shoulders agonizingly, but he didn't care at all. He was not going down this easily! There was no way he was losing! "You God damn piece of shit! Get off – "

The grip on his hair tightened and his head was smashed onto the ground. Stars exploded in Ed's vision.

"That should shut him up," he heard someone say. But the voice was muffled and distorted. Sirens were screeching inside Ed's head. "Restrain him – and make sure he can't clap."

I'll clap your fucking face, Ed wanted to shout, but the side of his mouth was being pressed against the dirt. His wheezes were the only sounds his mouth could produce. Feet blocked his vision, and when he rolled his eyes upward, he could see that it was that bastard leader that was pinning him down.

Shit…!

Someone was manipulating his hands, wrapping something rough around his wrists. "Put out the signal, then get that blasted tree off of Yin and Lang," someone growled. "We're taking this rat to Hui Se."

Taking? Panic engulfed him. He couldn't be taken – he has to go to the Capital! He has to steal the blood! He has to go home! He struggled vainly, "Over my dead body you're taking me anywhere!"

Someone laughed. "You're lucky you're wanted alive or else I'd happily grant you your wish." The pair of feet in front of him stepped back far enough from Ed that he was able see the soldier's body completely.

Ed watched as the man pulled his elbow back and shot a thin stream of fire into the sky.

Ed followed the line of light with his eyes as it streaked upward. It climbed and climbed and climbed until it suddenly burst, a flower of light blossoming in the clear sky. It was so unnaturally bright that Ed had to look away.

What was that? What's happening?

"Don't forget this, golden rat," the leader suddenly murmured into his ear. A shiver ran down Edward's spine. "The Fire Nation is merciless."

---

.

---

Momo was making a strange distressed noise from above him. Aang looked up. The lemur was flapping his wings frantically as he kept himself midair, staring off into the horizon.

Confused, Aang turned around to see what had caught the flying lemur's attention. He could see a brown speck in the distance, undoubtedly an island miles and miles away.

Aang frowned. Above the island, a strange light was flaring from above it, like a small sun had burst and trickling out rays of lighr. It was so unnatural, so abnormal that Aang's heart stuttered in dread.

Aang turned around, staring into the large eyes of the lionturtle. "I have to go back."

---

.

---

"What's that?" Katara voice cut in through the shrill howls of the wind, her head craned.

Mustang didn't have to follow to where Katara was pointing to know what she was talking about; it was impossible to miss the incisive light that occupied the open space of the sky a few miles behind them.

"Something not good," Mustang murmured. Then, louder, he told Katara, "Go to it."

The girl pulled back on the reins, and the bison rumbled in obedience, making a sharp turn and flying toward the fizzling light.

---

.

---

"Hey, Zuko."

Zuko grunted at the call. He briefly wondered what inane comment Sokka was going to throw at him now – he was probably going to complain about the pesky bugs or the small pebble that somehow made it into his boot.

Sokka continued, "Is today a holiday in the Fire Nation?"

"What?" The question was so strange that Zuko stopped walking. He turned around to face the Water Tribe boy, ready to express his confusion more articulately, but Sokka was behind him by several feet, his back turned.

Toph was standing just beside Sokka, but her back wasn't turned. She was frowning, clearly also perplexed.

Zuko approached the two. "What are you talking about?"

Sokka was looking up. He pointed, "Looks like someone started the fireworks really early."

Zuko looked up, then stilled. "…That isn't a firework."

Toph shifted. "What're you guys talking about? What's going on?"

"There's a weird light in the sky," Sokka answered her. "Apparently the Fire Nation likes to start its celebrations in the morning. Weirdos."

"That isn't a firework," Zuko repeated, more firmly. His blood was running dangerously cold. "It's a signal flare. A call to collect. Every Fire Nation soldier in the area that sees it is going to go to it."

"That's not good," Toph commented.

"No. It's not." He swallowed thickly and said, "It means someone's been captured."

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The flare was dying out, extinguished as soon as it was released. Residual smoke floated in the air, crumbs of fire gliding down the sky, evaporating in the air.

Azula watched it die with acute fascination, a fierce grin forming on her face.

Finally.

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P A R T

T W O

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Posted: April 12, 2016

A/N: Happy belated birthday to me (the 5th, haha!)

Another round of apologies for the long wait, and a huge thank you to everyone who stuck through it all! Hope the length of this chapter made up for the wait (probably not).

Thank you ALL for your unwavering interest in this story! Someone had PM'd a while ago to let me know that they found my story through tumblr; that a blog had actually recommended MY story! Wow! I was honestly so so so shocked! I'm so honored! Thank you!

Just so you all know – this story will, at least, be three parts. At most, four parts. But, depending on how deeply I delve into the plot, at the moment it looks like it'll be three parts (so, 5 more chapters). Who knows, it might change! We'll see!

Hope you all enjoyed this chapter, and I'd love to hear your opinions about it and, especially, what you think of my writing style (has it changed? It has been ~3 years since the last chapter! Is it better? Worse? Too much detail? Too much dialogue?) I really want to hear your critiques, if you have any! xoxo