"Aang. Where are you my son?"

Stay here. Stay here. He can't see you. He can't see you.

"It's for your own good. Think of the places we'll go! Up to the moon! We can see everything!"

Stay hidden. Don't come out. Don't come out.

"Aang, you can't blow this off forever. The longer you wait, the more it's going to hurt.

He'll leave. He'll leave. Please leave. Please leave.

He turned the corner. His dark eyes lighting up in response to Aang's fear.

"There you are! Let's fly to the moon!"

"Wake up!"

He did indeed wake up. He woke up to even scarier eyes. Yellow eyes. Attached to a beautiful demon.

"You're the last one up, Kuzon. You know what that means, don't you?"

"Uh… no. I've never been the last."

"Oh really? Well then, today's your lucky day!" She grinned devilishly.

"You get to spend it with me!"

….

Scrubbing the walls and floors and making the bed was easy for someone like him. He'd had plenty of practice as a nomad. They taught independence at those temples, whatever else anyone said!

"What are you looking at? Faster!"

Doing that under the gaze of a murderous possibly insane Firebender was something else though. He couldn't help staring back at her now and again. He still was having trouble believing this was really happening!

"What's wrong? Are you ok?"

"Huh? I mean, of course princess! I'm serving the glory of the Fire Nation! And especially you! Why wouldn't I be ok?"

She laughed. Both wonderful and chilling to hear.

"You're cleaning up my garbage. There's nothing glorious about that."

"There is if it's your' s princess. Even at your most unclean, you are still… uh… fiery?"

She stared at him silently for a bit. Then burst out laughing.

"You're a weird guard. I should probably have you whipped for such casual behavior."

"Are… are you going to?"

She smirked at his nervousness. He cursed himself. He needed to hide his emotions better.

"Maybe. If I have to. Do I have to?"

"I… you really want me to decide?"

"No, not really. That's the point of me being me. And you being you. I make the decisions and you don't. Does that make sense? Or is that too much for your feeble brain?"

"No princess. Not at all."

"Hmm. Well you do appear to know how to keep yourself tidy. Usually I have to give someone a "friendly" little reminder of the cost of inefficiency. You're the first I think who I haven't had to give that to. Congratulations."

He couldn't help the smile on his face. All his life he had worn his emotions on his sleeve. She noticed.

"What's this? What's with that grin? That's quite unbecoming of a guard of the fire princess, don't you agree?"

He quickly wiped the expression off his face.

"I… my apologies, madam."

"Madam?"

He nearly jumped out of his suit.

"Princess. Princess? Yes, princess! Of course princess! Whatever you desire princess!"

She didn't respond. She just moved closer.

He had to will himself not to take a step back. It was a true challenge.

"You know what I think? I think you're the worst guard I've ever seen., and I ought to have you punished for your dismal performance."

"Maybe you should."

Her eyes raised. He had to blink a few times to confirm what just came out of his mouth.

"Really? You agree?"

"Well… you could… But then who would keep your room so clean?"

She pursed her lips, then eventually smiled.

"I suppose that's an acceptable argument. Fine. It's settled then. You get to spend even more time with me. You should be honored."

He couldn't keep the sweat off his face.

….

"Avatar! How goes it! Ow! Lady Frisk! What gives!"

You're a goddamn idiot, she said.

"Come now! There's no shame in giving an old friend a compliment!"

"There is if it blows our cover!" Aang hissed. "I'm already under enough scrutiny as it is!"

"yeah, i'll bet. that girl keeps looking over here and grinning." Sans waved.

"What are you doing? Don't draw her attention!"

"why not? she's noticed you. even has you working around her at all times! isn't that any boy's dream?"

"That's not the point! We're behind enemy lines! We need to keep our heads down and not draw attention!"

"you've already drawn attention. might as well make the most of it."

"No! I'm not getting… Papyrus, what are you doing?"

"Going to introduce myself of course! It's only right they know!"

"No stop!" Aang moved to counteract but was stopped by Frisk who grabbed his arm and stopped him.

"What are you doing?"

Truthfully, she was watching what she wanted for a long time. Someone to shut that chatty moron up!

When they marched him off in chains, Aang and Sans looked her way. her cheeks blushed.

Oops, she thought to herself.

….

"That Papyrus fellow with you?"

Aang paused in the middle of scrubbing the floor. He couldn't help but look up.

"Another rule broken. Looking your superiors in the eye during work." She shook her head. "I really ought to have you flogged."

"No."

"Excuse me?"

"I mean… no. I'm not with Papyrus. He just came up and talked to me."

She kept staring. He stared back with all his might. It was so strange. He was no liar. And yet here he was trying to lie to someone who doubtless had endless years of experience.

"You're still staring Kuzon."

He quickly looked back down at her shoes, his face blushing red. He couldn't hold back the sweat.

"Well that's good to know anyway. It means it won't bother you that he and his brother are going to be shipped off to the boiling rock as soon as we reach the capitol?"

He almost dropped the bucket. He had to will himself not to look up. Mustn't look up. Mustn't show concern.

He'd heard some talk of the boiling rock on the raft ride after the mines. The worst prison in the Fire Nation.

Unfortunately, she was all too perceptive. She saw his worry.

"You don't like that, I see. Think it's too harsh, hmm? Are you concerned for their well-being?"

"With respect, princess. What do you mean his brother?"

"Oh, I mean that other fool I saw you sitting with. Or didn't you know?"

"Yes. They told me they were siblings. But I saw only Papyrus talk to you princess."

"Well, he revealed quite a bit more than he intended as I'm sure you saw. A spy in our midst! The absurdity! I couldn't take any risks so I had bis brother tossed in for good measure. He kept smiling the whole time. Can you believe that? Who smiles knowing their lives are in my hands?"

Sans would. Aang smirked to himself a little. Nothing made that guy cringe.

"Kuzon. Can you keep a secret?"

"Of course princess. Whatever you-"

"You're staring again."

He looked back down.

"When we reach shore, we're going to deport them quietly to the Boiling Rock without my father's notice. I want you to keep your mouth shut about this incident. I don't want it getting found out that we allowed a pair of treasonous rats on board. I am the heir to the throne. Perfection is expected of me. Do you understand?"

"Absolutely princess. Without question, I will-"

"You're staring again!"

He looked back down at the floor.

….

"Aang! So good to see- "

"Sshh! Keep it down! I'm not supposed to be here! What the hell were you thinking? Talking to her like that?"

"I thought it was important to establish friendly relations. After all we are here partially to change this nation are we not?"

"Not with the frigging princess! We dispose her first then we establish friendly relations!"

"like that's ever gonna happen. give that dream a rest, both of you. i've lived in this nation a long time and they're not interested in making friends."

"We can talk about that later. For now, what about you? She thinks you're spies!"

"which to be fair, we technically are. can't blame her. any oaf can listen to my brother and tell he isn't fire nation slave material."

"How are you going to get out of this? Should I look for the keys?"

"nah, don't worry about us kiddo. we've gotten out of tougher cages than this. we'll just wait until they've got us to sea again and then, wham!"

"Yes! Wham! They will feel the full force of the future captain of the guards!"

"…right. whatever bro. meanwhile, you've gotta find your bison, kid. that's the whole reason we're on our way there, isn't it?"

"Find my bison? Alone?"

"well, not alone. you've got that mute girl with you. but without us for a time, yes. you're the avatar. surely, you're up to the task?"

"I… I thought I was. But that princess… She's something else."

"yeah, i've noticed. she's quite a sight-"

"That's not what I meant!"

"whatever you think of her, you're gonna have to face her and her daddy at some point, right? may as well suck it up and show them what you've got."

"But I'm not-"

"not ready? i wasn't ready when i left home to go search for you. and yet here i am. And i don't have thousands of lives whispering in my head. what's your excuse?"

He opened his mouth to respond. But he couldn't. He didn't have any excuse. Except his fear. And he reckoned that was no longer an acceptable reason to check out of his job.

"Well, then. I guess I'll see you when I see you. Get out when you can, right?"

"Fear not my friend! Tell Lady Frisk her hero will soon-"

Aang closed the door to the cells. One thing he wouldn't miss was Papyrus' chatter

….

He found Frisk up on the railings, observing the approaching coastline. High up above them lay the crater with the Fire Lord's palace.

Aang gulped. Here he was in the most dangerous place in the world, having only mastered one element and not having even started any other. How was he supposed to rescue Appa and escape? It would take a miracle. Frisk's expression showed she was thinking something similar.

"Looks like we're on our own for a little bit. You going to be ok?"

She simply nodded. Not particularly bothered by it all it seemed.

"I know you aren't the fondest of those brothers, but they're the only allies we've got. Even if they are kind of annoying."

She shot him a look that said seriously? Only kind of?

"Yeah ok. Really annoying. Papyrus talks his goddamn head off. And his brother… I don't know what it is about him. But he… he scares me."

She nodded. Apparently on the same page.

"I mean I don't know why. But I get the sense there's more to him than slippers and a love for hot dogs, you know? I can't explain it."

Beware the silly ones, she said with her fingers.

"Yeah, I guess so. Listen Frisk I uh… I just want you to know that uh… I appreciate all you've done for me. I wouldn't have made it this far without you."

She smiled nodding to say that she knew.

"No really. I mean without you I… I would've killed myself."

Her smile faded. This conversation had turned dark fast.

"You saw me back at that temple. I was going to throw myself off the edge. If you hadn't…"

She pinched his shoulder.

"Sorry. I guess what I'm saying is… well… thanks. You've helped me out a ton this far. I know it can't have been easy for you after losing Toriel…"

He stopped. Her eyes widened. He quickly corrected himself.

"I mean… uh… I didn't mean… Oh damn it… I'm not very good at this…"

She nodded to show understanding.

He didn't say anything at this point. He just stared off into the distance at the approaching shore. Anything else he said might make things worse.

And they were already pretty bad from the smoke he could now make out.

"Attention all soldiers! It appears rebels have seized the main shore! We are needed to drive these vermin back into the sea! Prepare for battle the moment we disembark!"

The airbenders looked at each other.

"Boy, being the Avatar is fun huh?"

….

"Burn them all! Burn them alive! Let not a single one live! For the glory of the Fire Nation!"

Aang and Frisk purposefully held back. They genuinely weren't sure how to proceed in this scenario. Sure, they needed to keep their cover. But they couldn't go fighting people who for all intents and purposes were their allies. Could they?

"Kuzon! Whatever your name is! Get them!"

Well, not like they had a choice now.

Aang moved his fists in a motion to build up air, but had his arm grabbed by Frisk who shook her head.

"Right. No air. Damn it! How do we- Oh crap! Duck!"

Duck they did as a bolt of fire came right at them. Moving aside, Frisk shoved her arm into the man's face while Aang kicked him in the shins.

"Cool. I see you picked up some regular training. Where'd you learn that?"

But she was already running off to fight someone else.

"Well never mind. Woah."

He had to stop for a moment to admire the girls. Not in that way, mind you! But they were remarkable. Frisk ducked and dodged without any sign of air at all. The princess' circus friend was jumping all around dancing and weaving to knock the enemies in their weak points and sending them to the ground. And the princess herself?

She was astounding. There was no comparison. The way she took all her enemies with such style. Such grace. She was incredible. How did he ever survive an encounter with her?

Stray flames from the fighting landed on a nearby house. Cries of panic arose from within. His inner airbender rose out and sent him to their aid.

"Gah! Fire's covering the door! I can't…" He looked over his shoulder. Everyone was preoccupied with the battle. He moved a wave of air to blow the fire out of the way.

"Come on! I'll help you out!"

He rushed through the smoke and grabbed the nearest hand he could find. Through the haze, he could make out others and called out to them.

"This way! Outside! Hurry!"

He pulled them to the entrance just in time before the building collapsed. He got knocked to the ground by another rebel. His helmet came off and he was just able to kick the rebel's shin.

Looking across the battlefield, he saw Frisk and Azula's friend being swarmed. He couldn't use air, but maybe…

He bit his lip. He'd never tried this. But he didn't have a choice. He shot a blast of fire.

Immediately, the flame grew to a massive size, engulfing the rebels who shouted out in dismay as their bodies were covered in fire.

Both Frisk and Ty lee looked his way. Both in shock. Aang himself stared at the rebels rolling about in pain from his own fire.

Without thinking, he moved to help them. He spun his arms in the motion to conjure up a gust of wind before Frisk ran across and stopped him, shaking her head.

He stared back wordless. Was he really about to blow their cover right then and there?

Fortunately, the rebels had either put their flames out by rolling or jumping in the ocean.

Aang sighed. He hadn't taken a life after all. Not yet.

Oh wait. Yes he had. Before he was frozen in ice. Awesome

"Azula! Did you see that? Your nice soldier here helped me! Thanks cutie!"

Turning about, Aang saw the princess staring at him with that same unnerving smirk.

"That was quite the blast. Not a sign of control or skill. But certainly power. Who taught you that tripe?"

"I uh… I taught myself."

She laughed. But quickly stopped when she turned and gasped.

"F-Father?"

Aang's heart spiked. He turned slowly.

The Fire lord?

….

Fire Lord Ozai stood silently watching the rebels kneeling down in disgrace. His eyes swept over them all. Cold and uncaring.

"I admire your determination. It takes immense bravery to challenge the heart of the Fire Nation. Of course it also requires a near complete absence of thought to attempt such a feat."

A few of the higher up rebels stared up in anger at the Fire Lord. Most continued to look down at the ground and shake.

"I can see you are not a bunch generally suited for combat. Farm boys. Peasants. You are no soldiers. No heroes."

"Traitorous bastard! You'll- Aaggh!"

The man who had spoken screamed as the princess placed her burning hand against his cheek.

Aang felt his feet move forward, but was again stopped by Frisk grabbing his shoulder.

She gave an annoyed look which basically said "will you stop doing something stupid for once?"

"Traitor, am I?" The Fire Lord looked around with anger now evident in his face.

"Do you remember the sacrifices our ancestors made? The pain they went through? Do you not remember the lessons passed down? From Sozin and the rest?" He paused to let them digest his words, his eyes lighting up with passion.

"Power. The divine right to rule is something you're born with. The Fire Nation was born with that right. The superior element was born with the greatest determination and hence the greatest potential to lead the world into a glorious new age! You forgot that fact! You forgot your commitment to your country! You forgot your role in life! And so, you shall have no life at all!"

Right then and there without any warning, he unleashed a bolt of flame lighting them all up. Their screams ran through the sky, until they died out.

"My.. my lord. They were prisoners. Shouldn't we have…"

"No. Not for traitors like them."

"But the rules…"

"Rules? The only rule is mine! Do you understand?"

Apparently they did because nobody spoke again. They simply went to cleaning up the mess of their ashes.

"Daughter. I saw you out there… Your lightning was… close."

Azula's smile faltered at that. Aang could see her hands shaking.

"I see the school didn't teach you enough. Or perhaps you didn't pay enough attention. Keep at it." He then turned to the rest of the soldiers in formation.

"Well done to you all. You have continued to uphold the glory of the Fire Nation."

They saluted and he saluted back in response before turning and making his way back to the central palace.

Aang stared after him with fear piling up from within. He had to fight that?

Azula stared after her father herself. Aang could see her hand shaking. Eventually she turned around.

"What are you looking at? Get back to your stables, slaves!"

"Yes princess!"

Aang watched her walk off. He felt a twinge of sympathy. Frisk pulled him along.

After putting away his gear and finding his bed, he snuck out and found Frisk looking out over the city from the top of the crater.

He stood next to her for a time looking out over the town. His heart filled with concern.

"Appa's down there somewhere. We've got to find him."

That's not all we have to do, she replied.

"No? What else?"

Kill the Fire Lord

He stared at her silently. Unable to keep the fear off his face.

"I don't know if that's possible for me. I mean… You saw what he did to those soldiers, right?"

Doesn't matter. You have to do it. It's our job.

He nodded reluctantly. His job. Beat the Fire Lord and save the world. Easy right?

Then why didn't he feel so?

….

Undyne continued kneeling down. The king could take quite a lot of time to finish his tea.

Come on. How long are you going to take, she thought to herself?

Finally, he finished and turned down.

"Undyne! What a pleasant surprise! What brings you here?"

"You called me sire."

His eyes widened. He pulled up his itinerary and laughed.

"To think I would forget! I can be so absent-minded. Can't I?"

Among other things, she thought.

"Yes, well anyway. I'm sure you know why I've summoned you. Or at least you know the topic I wish to discuss."

"The Avatar."

"Yes. It's been several months since his resurrection. But we finally have a lead on his location. The Capitol."

"The Capitol? Is he mad?"

"Sans' letter said they were headed there to try and rescue the Avatar' bison."

"Sans said that? Is… Is Papyrus…"

"Yes. Apparently he's alive too. Quite insistent apparently that he was the one who caught the Avatar."

Somehow that didn't sound right to Undyne.

"The time has come for our return. Undyne. I want you to fly out and bring them back. We have much to discuss."

"You mean… It's time? After a century of suffering?"

"Yes. Revenge can be ours. We can soar again."

Undyne felt her heart beat quickly.

Revenge. The sweetest word imaginable.