To begin, I'd like to appologize for the delay in getting this chapter posted. I could give you a bunch of excuses but it boils down to real life getting in the way of my fantasies...AGAIN! Damn it! I shall have my REVENGE! All insanity aside, I do hope you enjoy.

Chapter 25

"Pah, yuck, Linka." the young woman groaned as she sat up in her bed, "I got your hair in my mouth again. Why do you keep crawling into my bed?"

"Sorry Tiki. I know it's a bad habit." Linka said, sitting up beside her friend and yawning hugely, "I always used to share a bed with…with my sister."

"Oh, Link. I didn't mean it like that. You know you're welcome to share my bed anytime." Tiki said softly, wrapping her arms about her friend, "I miss Lisome a lot too. She was so brave when we fought those demons at Podeck and we couldn't even move like we do now."

"Yeah. I was dreaming about that last night." Linka said quietly, smiling sadly, "It's like when I had bad dreams as a kid. I don't even remember climbing in your bed."

"Don't worry about it. You know I'm just a cranky monster in the mornings." Tiki said warmly then threw back her blankets, "Come on. Let's go get some breakfast and see if we can find Daniel and Azula."

"Alright." Linka said, her face brightening as she rose, "Maybe we'll get to see something juicy."

Wandering through the mansion toward the kitchens, the two friends were disappointed when they failed to run into the subjects of their interest but they both brightened again as they found someone familiar sitting at the huge kitchen table. The young man they found jumped guiltily at their entrance, quickly thrusting his hands out of sight below the table but relaxed again as he recognized the pair.

"Good morning, Gar." Linka said warmly, "Where's Ty?"

"T…t…talking t…to Sa…S…Sanna." the young man struggled to say then inclined his head politely, "G…g…good m…morning."

"You know, Gar. I think your speech is improving." Tiki commented as she began rummaging through cupboards, "You have a really nice voice."

"Uh, th…thanks." Gar said with a curious expression.

"What are you hiding there?" Linka asked as she sat across from him.

Bringing his hands back onto the table, Gar revealed two tiny carvings made from pale pink marble that he was obviously still working upon, a small fan and tiny circus tent half bordered in gold wire with loose metal yet to be affixed to them.

"Are those," Linka began, smiling hugely, "Are those your marriage pieces for Ty Lee?"

Nodding eagerly, Gar passed the carving to Linka as Tiki moved across to look over her friend's shoulder, the pair exclaiming happily at the exquisitely detailed work.

"F…for her h…h…hair." Gar stammered as his face darkened, "To…Toph pro…promised to h…help m…make c…c…clips."

"Oh, Gar. She'll love them." Tiki said eagerly as Linka nodded.

"Do you…th…think s…so?" Gar asked them with a worried expression.

"We know so." Linka told him, rising to her feet and moving around the table to the young man's side, "I wish I had gotten to know you better when we were younger. I hope I meet a guy just like you one day."

Leaning down, Linka kissed Gar's cheek causing him to tremble violently as his face blushed almost crimson, the sight making Tiki giggle again.

After a brief breakfast and offering much advice and ideas that Gar politely listened to, the pair of young Kyoshi Warriors made their way through the mansion once more, both with a sense of eager excitement for the day. After a brief fruitless search, Linka and Tiki were finally rewarded by the sound of a familiar growl coming from behind a closed door and without hesitation they pushed it open to peer within.

"Good morning, Ladies." a regal voice offered, "Please, feel free to open my door and peek into my bedroom."

"What are you guys doing?" Tiki asked, completely missing the Firelady's dry comment.

Seated with her back to the headboard of her huge bed, Mai faced Daniel and Azula seated together at the far end of the bed, the three facing each other in identical medative poses.

"Daniel and Azula are teaching me to draw on the chi of the world to replenish my own." Mai answered with a sigh, arching her back as she stretched, "I think I'm getting there but I don't feel anything yet."

"Drawing in the world's chi?" Linka asked curiously as she and Tiki approached the bed, "Does it make you go all gooey like it did to Azula?"

Next to the young woman in question, the scarred man jerked in surprise as his head snapped about toward the Kyoshi Warriors, a rumbling growl rising from him as he turned to Azula next.

"You told them?" He hissed at her.

"Nah, Ty did." Tiki told him as Azula smirked, "We all tried but it doesn't work for us."

"And Suki told Sanna." Linka added as the pair sat on the edge of the huge bed, "I mean, they're sisters after all."

"And I spoke to Katara about it yesterday." Azula said to him, her smirk widening, "She had some very interesting advice concerning all things…tantric."

"How many people do you have to tell?" Daniel growled in disbelief.

"We're girls, Danny. We like to talk about things." Mai said, matching Azula's smirk at the man's discomfort, "And you won't hear any complaints from me if this technique gives me a little…thrill."

"Let's just concentrate on the healing, shall we?" Daniel snapped, his frown deepening as his turned to Linka and Tiki beside them, "If you two are staying, sit down, be silent and learn."

The two young women poked their tongues out at the blindfolded man but watched silently as Daniel and Azula both moved forward to sit directly before the young Firelady and the scarred man reached out, taking the woman's hand in his own and reaching for her wrist with his other. Mai flinched, half turning her eyes away but here Daniel hesitated, pausing with a worried frown.

"Oh, let me you baby." Azula said, taking Mai's hand from him, "This will sting a bit, Mai."

Mai barely had time to nod when she hissed as Azula dragged the edge of one sharpened fingernail along the Firelady's wrist, leaving a shallow white scratch with just a few drops of blood welling from the mark.

"Concentrate now, Mai." Daniel rumbled, all business again, "Just as when you seek to move in the moment, let your spirit and body become as one. Let your spirit fill your blood with your lifeforce and the blood will do what is needed."

"I think," Mai began, flexing the fingers of the hand Azula held, "It felt…warm for a moment."

"Wow and that moment was all that was needed." Tiki said, leaning close to peer at Mai's wrist, "Take a look."

Opening her eyes, Mai looked down at her wrist and saw the few tiny drops of blood on her skin but Azula wiped that away to reveal the scratch had gone, her pale gold skin now unmarked.

"But is…is that it?" Mai asked, holding her wrist close to her face, "I did it?"

"Easy enough for a simple scratch." Daniel told her, "But as you master this you will be able to heal much greater injuries on your own. Just remember that it has it's limits."

"I knew you could do this." Azula said to Mai with a smile, her eyes flicking over to Tiki and Linka, "Now let's all of us meditate on letting the chi around us flow through and merge with our own. Visualize it and make it happen."

"Yes, I suppose we should." Daniel said with a heavy sigh, then growled darkly, "But if I hear…noises,"

"You won't." Azula snapped at him as Mai fought back her laughter, "It doesn't have to have…that effect every time. I know because…I practiced yesterday while you slept."

Unable to help herself, Mai giggled along with the two warrior women as both Daniel and Azula blushed darkly again but they soon settled comfortably upon the bed once more, their faces relaxing as they began their meditations. The Firelady had always enjoyed meditation as a form of relaxation or to help her concentrate on important matters, a skill she had learned from her husband. But using the methods the pair before her had instructed her in, Mai discovered a new pleasure in the activity. With each inhalation she concentrated on drawing in the energy around her and with each exhalation, making that energy a part of her own. The five sat in silence for many minutes and it crept up on Mai slowly, the young woman opening her eyes as realization struck and she released a heartfelt sigh that dragged on for several heartbeats.

The effect this had on Daniel was instant and opposite, the scarred man scrabbling back away from Mai as the color drained from his face, his mouth opening and closing a few times before he vanished with a loud crack.

"Oh…err," Azula began, leaning away from Mai herself as she looked her up and down, "It didn't have…THAT effect on you, did it?"

"Oh, no but something just as nice." Mai said pleasantly, arching her back as she extended her legs before herself onto the bed, "I just realized that this nagging ache in my back and feet had gone."

"You…you did that to Danny on purpose." Azula breathed to her friend in wonder.

The four young women burst into loud laughter, Linka almost falling backwards from the bed as she held her hands to her stomach. As their chuckling settled, Azula moved to sit at Mai's side, the two friends reclining back against the headboard.

"I'll go explain to him in a moment." Azula said with a grin, "Would you two please excuse us. I need to speak to Mai about something important."

"You do?" Mai asked in surprise before Linka and Tiki could respond.

"I want you to help me talk to Zuzu and some of the others." Azula replied softly, her humor fading as she faced her friend, "I've changed my mind. I want to support Daniel's plan for the solstice and…talk to you about what we have planned for today's meeting."

"Oh, the meeting with the Elementals. I forgot." Linka suddenly said, she and Tiki jumping up from the bed with obvious excitement, "Sanna and Manny suggested we all dress up for today so we're going to go pick something nice."

"You should come pick something too, Azula." Tiki added, "Or wear that outfit you wore out with Danny the other night. You looked hot in that."

"Err, thank you but no." Azula replied as her face darkened, looking down at the plain green shirt and pants she wore, "I prefer functional outfits that…cover things."

"But you got great boobs, Azula. You should show them off." Linka said enthusiastically, "Not too big, not too small and nice and perky."

"Although you might want to consider wrappings or a bra." Tiki added, "Otherwise they'll be hanging around your knees by the time you're forty."

As Mai snorted in an unladylike fashion and Azula only stared incredulously, Linka and Tiki made their way from the room waving briefly before they disappeared out the door.

"You're lucky Toph's busy helping Sokka." Mai said with a smirk when they'd gone, "You'd have earned a new nickname to go with that."

"I can imagine." Azula said dryly, shuddering at the thought.

"So…what has made you change your mind about Daniel's plans?" Mai asked after a moment, her face serious once more, "And what is it you two have planned for today?"

"I've…convinced Danny to try something I know he needs and ultimately it works in our favor." Azula began a touch hesitantly, turning her face up to the high canopy above the bed, "But we know Aang will not be…comfortable with this and I want to get as much support as we can from the others before the meeting."

"Then I think you'd better tell me what's going on." Mai said in return, a slight command in her tone.

"It's about Danny reaching for his Avatar state." Azula said, turning back to her friend, "And how we can use that to get the Elemental's support."

"Alright, then tell me," Mai began and then suddenly gasped, cupping her hands over the large swell of her stomach.

"Mai." Azula called out, looking to her friend in concern but only to see a look of wonder on Mai's face.

"Azula, here." Mai said urgently, pulling the other woman's hand over and pressing Azula's palm to the bulge of her stomach, "Wait. Just wait…he,"

Then it was Azula's turn to gasp as she felt something bump against her hand and opening her senses she could even see the tiny baby inside Mai as he rolled, sending out another kick that she felt against her palm. Looking up, the two shared a look of wonder and amazement before they laughed once more and smiling warmly, Azula lowered her head to rest her cheek against Mai's stomach, laughing again when her nephew kicked her in the jaw.

"Ooo, try that red top with that darker skirt." Tiki said to her friend, the pair half dressed as they stood beside a huge pile of clothing stacked onto their friend and Captain's bed, "Or maybe go that blue number with the yellow trim. It matches your eyes more."

"What do you think Danny and Azula are up to?" Linka asked as she rummaged through the pile, "Do you think he'll really fight Agni like Azula said he should?"

"Now that would be a sight to see." Tiki breathed, holding a green dress up to herself before she tossed it aside and reached for another, "But I was hoping to see them, you know, getting friendly."

"Careful what you wish for." Linka breathed with a wide smile.

Turning to her friend, Tiki followed Linka's gaze out of the large windows to see Azula herself hovering a short distance from the mansion, the young woman sniffing at the air before she rose higher. Pressing their faces to the glass, Tiki and Linka watched her go then grinned at each other, rushing from the room in a blur. Walking in the hallways outside as they spoke quietly about the day, Aang and Zuko blinked in surprise as the two Kyoshi Warriors flashed past them in nothing but their wrappings. The two men looked to each other and shared a shrug before they laughed, continuing their conversation a moment later.

Searching quickly, Linka and Tiki found stairs leading upwards and then found themselves in a dusty, cluttered attic and after another brief search they found a ladder leading up to a trapdoor. Climbing side by side they pushed up the door just enough to be able to peek out onto the roof of the mansion and were rewarded as they saw Azula walking toward the scarred man sitting a short distance away. He appeared to be meditating although Azula frowned darkly as she came to his side.

"Not again." Azula snapped at him, "I don't like it when you do this, Danny."

"I'm only meditating." he returned in a growling sigh, "And I told you, going into the moment just gives me all the time I need to think."

"But it hurts you too, I know it does." Azula said, sitting at his side, "Twice now you've taken me beyond the moment and it hurts…like being eaten alive."

"True but pain is an illusion…or so my father tried to teach me." he replied with a shrug and then smiled warmly, "If it troubles you so much, I won't use the ability anymore unless I need to but you need to learn this too."

"I know but…it feels like you're dying when you do it." Azula said softly, looking away from him, "It felt like it was killing me when you took me with you."

"Because life should not be able to exist in that state and to be honest, I'm not even sure how I do it." Daniel said quietly, shifting closer so they sat hip to hip, "I won't take you there anymore until you are prepared to try it again."

"Thank you." Azula replied curtly then sighed as she relaxed into his side, "I'm sorry I've been…snappy. I guess I've been a bit tense this morning myself."

"Really? I didn't notice." Daniel answered with a smirk, chuckling as Azula turned her head to glare pointedly at him, "It doesn't matter. It's going to be a big day for all of us."

"Bigger for some…especially those who could've used a bit more sleep." Azula said, her expression softening as she reached out with one hand to run her fingers through his hair. Daniel leaned into her touch with a contented smile and Azula bit at her lip as she continued, "I, um…I received some advice this morning before we went to see Mai and I have a…proposition for you."

"A proposition?" Daniel asked with interest but suddenly frowned curiously, "Hold on, the only ones we saw before Mai were the kids heading outside to play."

"Yes, well, Zhu Lee's very wise for a twelve year old." Azula said sharply, smiling again as her face drew closer to his, "But Danny, when it comes down to a fight between you and Agni…and we both know it will…so if…if you face her with an open heart, let go of your fears as both Aang and I have told you and truly free the animal within you, I…I will…let you kiss me."

Surprise showed on his blindfolded face, Daniel's mouth opening and closing several times as he sought a response, finally blurting out in a high pitch grunt.

"Really?" then coughing he added in a deeper growl, "I mean, really? A…kiss?"

"Only if you face her and stop holding back." she breathed in reply, their faces growing closer until each could feel the other's breath upon their lips, "Do that for me, Danny and when we kiss, I promise I won't hold back either."

"Oh? Err." Daniel started, grinning even as his face grew as dark as hers, "Then you have my solemn oath. Especially if it's anything like the one you gave me at the dragon's home."

"What? Oh. You remembered that?" Azula said with a grin, the tips of their noses almost touching.

"In one of the nicest dreams I can remember having in a long, long time but it would be far better to experience while I am awake." Daniel replied warmly, drawing a tiny gasp from Azula as he leaned closer, their chests pressing together as he placed his lips next to her ear and whispered, "I promise, I will release my fear. I will face Agni as an Avatar and I will not hold back but I will be thinking of you as I do and my…reward."

"See that you do." she whispered in return, pulling away slightly to gaze into his blindfolded face, "And I promise, I will…try…and release my fears as well and when we kiss, I will do so with all my heart."

He smiled as he reached up to brush his fingers over her cheek, Azula returning his smile as she reached up to cup his cheek with her own hand. Then once more their faces drew closer and for a moment, Azula almost cast her fears aside there and then, such was her sudden impulse to act upon her desires.

Now boy. Turn her around and smell her butt.

The surprised look on Daniel's face was almost comical as was the look mirrored on Azula's face as she jerked away from him, her face then scrunching up in disgust.

"What?" Daniel breathed in confusion before he barked angrily, "WOLF!"

Then she sniffs yours. his animal spirit continued eagerly, Exchange your scents to show your interest.

"Wolf, we're people." Azula responded as Daniel rumbled with an angry sigh, "You know we don't do things like that."

Then why does Wolf detect a hint of rose and cherry blossoms about you? the animal returned slyly, Wolf has noticed you wearing it ever since my boy mentioned he liked that scent on you.

"Yes…well, Mai gave it to me and," Azula started, narrowing her eyes at Daniel as his anger faded, the man chuckling quietly as her face darkened, "Don't girl wolves do anything to get the boy's attention? I mean, aside from rolling in things they find on the ground?"

Oh, yes. They create the greatest scent of them all. Wolf said wistfully, Just bring your butt up here and then smell my boy's and you'll understand what Wolf means.

"Wolf." Daniel cried indignantly again and the animal spirit's voice trailed into amused chuckling, "Sorry about that. He's been like this since I admitted my feelings to you yesterday."

"So I noticed." Azula said dryly though her smirk grew again, "I thought he sounded wise like uncle Iroh but he's starting to sound more like a cross between Ty Lee and Toph."

Wolf only teases. the animal said then, Wolf is only so happy because for the first time…my boy is happy.

"Is that true?" Azula asked Daniel with a frown, "Weren't you ever happy before?"

My boy has been happy but never like this. the animal continued as the scarred man blushed deeply, Since yesterday it has been like seeing the sun dawn for the first time. It is quite a thing to be a part of him and experience this for myself.

"What he means is…I mean," Daniel started hesitantly, his embarrassment growing even as he smiled warmly, "Since I stopped…suppressing my feelings…the feelings I have for you and now I feel…lighter…free. Happy."

"Oh?" Azula asked at first, smiling as she leaned closer again, "I make you…happy?"

"Azula." he breathed in reply, reaching out to brush away her bangs, "You make me complete."

Then throwing fear and caution to the winds, Azula lunged forward, her lips finding Daniel's as he froze in surprise. She felt him relax a heartbeat later as his lips moved against hers and she held the kiss for several long heartbeats more, smiling again as she pulled away.

"Wow." Daniel breathed, still in the same position.

"Yeah, wow." came a pair of voices in stereo causing Daniel and Azula to jump to their feet in surprise.

A dozen yards from them, Linka and Tiki had watched the entire exchange wearing large dreamy smiles, their eyes gazing back at Daniel and Azula with loving affection. That pair were still shocked and confused after being startled and Daniel's tattoos flickered briefly before he suppressed it with a shudder and Azula glanced down at her hands in fresh surprise, not aware of having summoned her Sai to her grasp yet there they were.

"Linka? Tiki?" Azula breathed at the pair, "Why are you spying on us and how did you even know we were up here?"

"You flew past our window while we were getting dressed." Tiki breathed, sighing happily as she gazed over at them.

"Yeah, so we climbed up here to see if you two were having a moment together." Linka added with her own sigh.

"And we were so NOT disappointed." Tiki said next, batting her eyes, "That was really beautiful, you guys."

"But we couldn't quite see from here." Linka said, smiling sweetly, "Danny, turn and kiss her again so we can see it better."

But the two Kyoshi Warrior's wide, misty eyes widened further in fear as something thudded onto the roof directly before them, their eyes turning to see one of Azula's sai vibrating point down in the roof tiles. Azula appeared angry but fury poured from the scarred man, Daniel growling and baring his teeth as he took a step toward the trapdoor causing Tiki and Linka to duck down.

"Wait." Azula suddenly snapped, staring thoughtfully at the other two women before she leaned into Daniel's side, whispering animatedly to him.

"Those two?" Daniel said aloud in incredulous confusion as he pointed at Tiki and Linka.

"It could work. You said he was mortal once." Azula assured him then turned back to the two women peeking back at them from the trapdoor's edge, "Ladies, did you hear the proposition I made to Daniel before?"

"About kissing him?" Tiki asked, raising her head again.

"If he fights Agni?" Linka added, joining her friend.

"If Daniel fights Agni it will only be to secure her support for our cause." Azula said to them, a wide smirk forming on her face, "We have one other to convince and though Aang believes he can, you two might be able to help him."

"Help Avatar Aang?" Tiki breathed with a worried frown.

"How exactly?" Linka added, her and Tiki's worries only growing as Daniel began to chuckle ominously.

"But more importantly," Tiki suddenly said, grinning slyly as her eyes turned to her friend and an answering, knowing smirk appeared on Linka's face.

"What's in it for us?" the two warrior women asked making Azula and Daniel the ones suddenly looking worried.

"Are you sure about this, Tiki?" Linka said with a frown, "I mean, I saw him at that spirit temple. He's old and wrinkly."

"Don't worry. We're only going to flirt a bit." Tiki said encouragingly, then grinned slyly, "Anyway, Koko seems to do ok with old wrinkly things."

"Ew, yuck." Linka said with a sour expression, "I swear she and Bumi are glued together at the hips. Every time I go looking for her those two are at it."

"And he doesn't look so wrinkly then." Koko added with a giggle, getting another sour look from her friend.

The pair were walking at the edge of the estate, both dressed in knee length skirts and sheer blouses of fine silks. They could still see the mansion nearby and the gardens before it and to their other side they could see the short stretch of private beach with several figures visible at the water's edge. Katara and Suki were instantly recognizable along with their youngest children at their sides but there appeared to be two strangers with them and all of them faced the waves, the long sinuous form of a water dragon lifting it's head high above the water.

"I like that Kanna. She's very pretty for a sea serpent." Linka commented as the pair paused to stare at those on the beach, "I wonder if she knows the Unagi back home."

"Hey, we should introduce them." Tiki said enthusiastically, "Although we'll have to ask Danny and Azula how water dragons go about romancing each other."

"Tiki, look." Linka breathed, pointing down at the beach, "That couple with Suki and Katara. I recognize them."

Narrowing her eyes, Tiki gasped as she took in the detail of those with their friends down below them. One was a young woman with flowing white hair and other appeared outwardly like a man yet he was a deep blue, from the top of his head down to his feet upon the sand.

"Is that," Tiki began, "That's Yue and La, isn't it?"

"Yeah, I guess we better head back and get," Linka began but she and Tiki were distracted by loud giggling rising from nearby.

Looking about they spied the Gaang's older children sitting in the gardens, the five of them sitting in a loose circle and seemingly intent on something between them. Walking over to look, Linka and Tiki were surprised to see the focus of the children's attention was a tiny glossy black animal sitting on the ground.

"Oh, hey Tiki. Hi Linka." Hakoda said brightly, his twin waving to the young women before staring at the animal again, "Check out what we found."

"Oh, isn't it cute?" Tiki breathed, crouching down between Ana and Zhu Lee to look.

"I know who that is." Linka added, crouching between Tom Tom and Maki but before she could continue the little animal rose upright onto stubby legs, turning it's pointed snout toward her and putting one clawed finger to it's furry lips.

"I've never heard of anything like it anywhere in the Firenation." Tom Tom said looking to the young women, "Have you ladies ever seen anything like it?"

"I have once." Linka said with a grin, her smile growing as the animal shushed her again.

"I thought he kinda looks like…a fat little badger-mole." Maki commented, his head turned on one side.

"Yeah but look at his nose and his feet, Bro." Hakoda said next, grinning as he nudged his brother with an elbow, "He looks a bit like Nyla but…a tiny little blubber ball Nyla."

"Oh, you boys." Ana said in an annoyed tone, leaning forward and scooping the animal up in her cupped hands, "You'll hurt the little guy's feelings."

"Yeah, be nice." Zhu Lee shot at the twins, "Besides, he may be small but his aura is huge. We're sitting in it."

"I wondered what that smell was." Hakoda said sarcastically, wrinkling his nose, "I thought it was you girls."

"Hey, you will not speak to Zhu Lee in that fashion." Tom Tom said, sitting straighter and glaring at Hakoda who only grinned in return.

"Oh, Tommy." Zhu Lee breathed, turning to him and batting her eyes sweetly, "You're so gallant and a wonderful gentleman but he's just being a silly boy."

Tiki and Linka looked to each other with knowing smiles while the twins turned to each other making faces of disgust and while Ana felt much the same response, she kept her face neutral as she gazed at the tiny animal she held. She jumped in surprise however as the small creature suddenly leapt from her hands, dropping quickly to the ground but all the children gasped in surprise when it did not strike the ground with a thump, the earth there instead bowing under it before it sprang out with a pop and catapulted the animal into the air again. The small group stared open mouthed as it bounced up and down, rising level with their faces with each bounce.

"That's aunty Toph's Rockhopper move." Maki breathed as a grin formed on his face, "He's an Earthbender like me."

The boy stiffened however as the animal suddenly changed direction in mid air and dropped down to land on his shoulder. Rising onto stubby legs, it waddled over and peered into the boy's ear, then placed the side of it's own head against his and appeared to listen intently for a moment. It's cone shaped face became animated then, chubby cheeks lifting in an unmistakable grin as one of it's forepaws rose with one tiny clawed digit lifting in a thumbs up.

"Err, I think he likes you, Dude." Hakoda said to his brother.

Maki remained sitting stiffly, only moving his eyes in an attempt to look at the animal which turned to regard his ear again for a moment and then promptly blew a raspberry into it. With a cry of disgust, Maki jerked away as the animal leapt from him back to Ana who carefully snatched it from the air.

"Well, that proves he's very smart." Ana said with a smirk at her cousins.

"And such a little cutie." Zhu Lee said, moving close to other girl and reaching out to scratch the little animal's back, causing it to squirm about in Ana's grasp and giggle with high pitched squeaks.

"What should we do with it?" Tom Tom asked the others, "Maybe we should show the Avatar. He'll know what it is."

"My angels will know." Zhu Lee said, pointing toward the mansion nearby, "But first, miss Linka? May I please have that white ribbon from your dress?"

"A ribbon?" Linka asked her, looking down to her blue and tan outfit, reaching down with one hand to pull at the white sash about her waist.

"Oh, yes. White would suit him but you know what else goes really good with black?" Zhu Lee added, her eyes turning thoughtfully to Tom Tom next, the boy dressed as always in finely tailored silks and armor.

Watching quietly at first, Linka and Tiki were soon grinning along with the children as they produced ribbons or strips of cloth, each of them throwing ideas back and forth. The little black creature in Ana's hands grinned hugely as Zhu Lee leant in with the first piece of silk.

Seeing their friends gathering before the mansion, Linka and Tiki left the children to their fun and joined the other half dozen young women wearing fine dresses and kimonos with one young man and several older men in their usual robes and armor.

"Thanks for letting us raid your new wardrobe Sanna." Tiki said, twirling about to raise her long yellow skirt above her knees, "I love this skirt of yours. Or is this one yours, Manny?"

"Err, I'm not sure." Manny said, the young woman dressed the same as her lover in an exquisitely tailored green kimono, "We've got so many I've lost track."

"And while I'm sure my nephew will appreciate such beautiful young women wearing the clothes he bought for them." Iroh began with a smile as the warrior women blushed slightly, "I cannot help but wonder why you are all dressed so splendidly this morning?"

"Because we're going to meet the Elementals again." Koko breathed, turning her smile onto the much older man at her side, "And besides, how could I resist the chance to dress up for my Boom Boom."

The other women made faces at each other as Koko twirled herself, the tiny skirt she'd chosen to wear lifting up to near level with her waist and making the aged king of Omashu chuckle appreciatively. Iroh's eyebrows shot upwards while Piandao and Lao glanced at each other to share a smirk and the only other man present, Gar, turned away as his face blushed darkly.

"Koko." Ty Lee said with a roll of her eyes, "You could have at least worn underwear."

The young woman giggled and winked at her friends before she leaned into Bumi and Koko raised her face to kiss him, causing the back of her short skirt to lift again as she held herself to the aged king.

Like the other young women, Ty Lee had chosen to dress nicely though like Sanna and Manny she had opted for a more modest, full length kimono even if the fine, bright pink silk clung tightly to her lithe frame, the wide red sash about her waist lifting and enhancing her bust. Reaching out, she turned Gar's blushing face back to hers and Ty Lee leaned in to kiss him just as a strong gust of wind swirled around the group, each and every young woman exclaiming in surprise as their dresses or skirts were lifted high by it. Again, Piandao and Lao smirked while Iroh joined Gar in blushing at the sight and Bumi cackled with relish before the wind died away.

"Ha. Looks like I'm not the only one going commando this morning." Koko said teasingly as she eyed her blushing friends, her eyes falling lastly onto her captain and Manny, "And what do you two call those things you're wearing and where can I get some? You could floss your teeth with those tiny things."

The young women shared a brief laugh before another gust blew about them, causing them to shriek once more as they struggled to keep their dresses from being lifted. Gar turned blushing and the older men looked politely away while unnoticed beside them, Iroh could not resist a sideways glance at the assortment of flesh that was revealed as a small smile played across his lips.

"Alright, Aang. If that's you I'm telling Katara." Ty Lee called out as it the wind died, "Once was funny. Now you're just being rude."

"It's not him." a breathy woman's voice called from nearby.

A small group approached the mansion from the path that lead down to the little cove, several of those familiar but at least one of them generating open mouthed stares. Katara came with her son, Gyatso held in her arms while Suki followed at her side and at her other side walked a younger looking woman with flowing white hair and robes to match. Yue was carrying Reena in her own arms and giggling along with the child as the little girl played with her long, white locks. Beside the three women walked a man, human in shape and appearance yet his body was formed from deep blue green water with tiny shoals of fish occasionally making silver flashes as they swam about inside him.

"Kongqi, stop annoying the ladies." Yue said brightly to the air as they halted before the mansion, "You'll have to excuse him, dears. Kongqi changes with the seasons and with spring in full bloom he's feeling a little…frisky."

The others mostly stared back in silence, only Iroh and Piandao remembering themselves and bowing deeply to the spirits but they all jumped as a whirlwind suddenly formed at La's side, the watery man turning to watch as that funnel of white grew rapidly to his size and then just as suddenly as it had formed, it dissipated revealing a young man in pure white robes.

"That's Kongqi?" Tiki breathed, her eyes traveling up and down the grinning man, "I thought you said he was an old guy last time, Linka."

"We are all connected to the earth's seasons but as our sweet moon says, it has a more…noticeable effect on some of us." the young man said, bowing theatrically with a swish of his white robes before he strode forward to take the hands of two of the Kyoshi Warriors, "I am indeed old sweet ladies, yet please forgive my youthful foolishness. How can I resist when confronted with such exquisite beauty?"

Tiki and Linka blushed deeply, glancing at each other before they curtsied to the spirit, high pitched giggles rising from them as he then raised their hands in turn to his lips. They giggled again as his eyes remained on their blushing faces, the apparent young man smiling suggestively at them.

Facing the mansion as she watched this, Katara caught a glimpse of two figures dropping from the high roof, one of those dropping faster than the other and striking the front steps with a hard thump. Rising from his crouch, Daniel growled softly with a scowl on his face as he faced the others, Azula dropping down more sedately to land lightly on her feet at his side.

"Remember." Azula breathed to him, "Calm until you need the anger."

Turning briefly to her with a curt nod, Daniel and Azula walked down the front steps and started making their way through the others but the scarred man paused halfway through, a curious expression on his face as he sniffed deeply at the air and then sneezed violently.

"What's with all the perfume?" he growled, raising an eyebrow as those around him laughed lightly.

"Oh, Danny." Tiki called out, grabbing Kongqi by his robed arm, "You never said he'd be this cute."

"Do you like fans, Kongqi?" Linka gushed, grabbing the spirit's other arm, "We use war fans because that's what Avatar Kyoshi used and she got them from the young Airbender who trained her. She loved him but they were destined never to be together."

"Yeah, I love that story. So beautiful and sad too." Tiki said, gazing up at the slightly worried looking spirit, "Do you like love stories, Kongqi?"

"Are you single?" Linka asked and the man's head spun to her in surprise.

"Cause we're single." Tiki added as Kongqi spun back to her.

"Ladies. Please don't OVERDO things and frighten the poor man away." Azula said, narrowing her eyes at the pair, "He's only just met you after all."

"Frighten me? Oh no, I am merely faced with an impossible choice. The east wind or the west wind?" the young man between the two women said pleasantly then snapped his fingers as his face brightened, "I know. You must both spend the day with me and I promise to give you both my undivided attention. We shall have a hurricane of a time together."

Most jaws around dropped, Daniel and Azula's hanging lowest of all as Tiki and Linka accepted the spirit's offer with nods and giggles, the pair blushing again as they hugged themselves to his sides.

"Oh, K." Daniel said slowly, turning to share a shrug with Azula before he turned back to the spirits, "You'll find Avatar Aang with Firelord Zuko upstairs in the meeting room attached to his study. If you ladies would be so kind as to guide our guests?"

"One moment please, Daniel." Yue breathed, smiling at the little girl she held in her arms then over at Gyatso in his mother's, "Now don't get frightened, kids. Our friend is coming and she likes to make a grand entrance."

"Don't we all?" Kongqi added, the robed spirit turning with his arms about Tiki and Linka.

Everyone turned the way the spirits were looking but even after their warning, those gathered before the mansion jumped as a crack of thunder split the clear blue sky. A sun bright bolt of lightning speared down from above, kicking up a cloud of flames where it struck the ground a half dozen yards from them. Another speared down then another and soon a spinning pillar of flames stood upon the ground. As the lightning ceased, the flames drew in upon themselves, dissipating quickly to reveal a woman. Her skin was black as pitch yet her long hair was a golden curtain that flowed down her back and barely covering her lithe muscular body, complete with a large helmet atop her head, she wore fine chain link armor as golden as her hair and eyes.

Once more everyone stared in open mouthed silence but Agni ignored all else, her golden eyes affixed to the scarred man standing amongst the others and his blindfolded face was turned to her with the same, if slightly more threatening intensity. Looking that way herself, Katara saw Daniel relax just a little as Azula shifted closer to him, her fingers entwining with his.

"Well, as we are all here, shall we make our way inside?" Azula said politely, inclining her head to the spirits then turned to look to her friend, "Ty, would you get Mai and then see if Sokka and Toph are ready. Mai said they were out in that little workshop behind the mansion."

"Oh, alright but," Ty Lee began, glancing around, "Where's that cute little earth spirit?"

"He's over there." Linka said, covering her mouth with one hand as she giggled, "He's, uh, entertaining the other kids."

Everyone turned to look the way Linka indicated, the spirits looking as well to see the older children sitting in a close circle upon the ground within the gardens further from the mansion. The five of them seemed intent on whatever was between them, all of them talking animatedly together as they took turns reaching in to do something in the space between. To one side of them, Appa and Nyla had wandered over and seemed just as intent on whatever the children were doing, the air bison rumbling with obvious amusement.

Turning away with a distasteful expression, Agni strode away to pause before Daniel and Azula, leaning in to scowl at the scarred man.

"I know what it is you want." Agni said in an angry tone, "You will fail."

"We shall see." Daniel growled in return, everyone around turning back to stare as a threatening rumble continued to rise from him.

He relaxed again however, backing away slightly as Azula squeezed his hand in hers before he inclined his head to Agni.

"Let us have our discussions before we make judgments." Daniel rumbled, smiling as he turned to one of the others, "Grand…Lao? Will you be alright watching the kids?"

"Of course, Daniel." the man said warmly, pointing to one of the well dressed women around them, "Manny and I are taking them to the theater then out for treats before we go to the beach."

"Thank you, Lao." the scarred man said, bowing briefly, "You too, Manny."

"Daniel, I know of your history, we all do." Loa continued warmly, "You can call me Grandfather if you wish."

Several emotions flashed across Daniel's blindfolded face before it settled on his usual hard glare although Loa frowned pensively as he sensed a deep longing mingled with a greater pain from the scarred man. Yet without another word, Daniel turned and marched away toward the mansion.

In a large room next to Zuko's private study, the Gaang sat around a long table of dark wood while the Elementals had taken seats together at one end. Many stared at the little earth spirit, that small creature sitting on the table itself just before Agni at it's end. The small, rounded spirit was dressed in a flowing cape of white, gold and red ribbons woven together while a wide sash of green was tied about his fat belly. As a final touch he wore a crown of tiny, blue and green flowers woven together with lengths of golden threads.

Two of the Kyoshi Warriors felt a little out of place, seated as they were either side of the air spirit with the other Elementals at one end of the table. Uncomfortable as they were though, it was made worse as Linka and Tiki sent furtive glances toward the fire spirit as Agni glared with open hostility toward the scarred man seated beside Aang.

For several hours the talks continued once they had begun. New knowledge was revealed and after a time, Daniel tossed his silver pack onto the table and began to emotionlessly explain it's origins, Aang pitching in now and then to add what he had learned of it. The Elementals listened in silence for the most part, offering little to the discussions until talk turned to the future and what preparations were planned for the solstice to come. Several of those great spirits joined Agni in glaring with outright hostility as Aang outlined the plan to force Fate and her forces into a bottleneck.

"And there you have it." Aang was saying, on his feet at the center of the table, "We can do nothing and Fate will flood the world with demons on the solstice and you can watch the human race go the way of so many others. We can follow the Nomad's plan and fight back though we will be stretched thinly even with the dragon's help and when Daniel unleashes THAT in her face," Aang pointed to the table before himself where the scarred man's silver pack lay, "The explosion releasing that energy would produce may or may not kill Fate but one thing I know for certain, the amount of energy locked up in that bag will wipe out almost all life upon the surface of the earth."

"The oceans too I would imagine." Yue breathed sadly, glancing to her watery companion.

"I can see how much it contains." Agni said harshly, her golden eyes on the silver bag, "It likely would kill Fate but the cost…nothing unprotected on the surface would survive."

"Which is simply as insane as this other plan." Kongqi added with a sour expression, the young looking spirit sitting between Tiki and Linka, "You are talking about killing the world…to save it?"

"They are talking about killing us." Agni snarled, rising to her feet as her voice rose to a near shout, "Have you any idea of what that would do? We are the conduits through which the lifeforce of the world flows. Destroy us and you destabilize the Fountain of Life. There will be no more births, the plant and animal kingdoms would collapse first followed by your own. LIFE ITSELF WOULD END!"

"And Fate understands this as well as you." Daniel growled softly, his face turned to the table before himself, "Even she would not risk that and if I cannot defeat her, I will sacrifice myself to restore you and the Fount."

"So you say." Agni spat, leaning over the table as she glared at him, "But why should we trust the word of the Nomad?"

"DON'T…call me that!" Daniel snarled savagely, his hands closing into fists as he pushed himself to his feet and pointed to the silver backpack, "That is your Nomad. Two thousand years. Two thousand years that piece of…garbage kept Wolf and I locked into some perverted version of our Avatar state while the Nomad controlled us. I know it came from us, my mind and Wolf's joined as one but it is just a…thing. A force who's only purpose was to defeat Fate no matter the cost."

"And how are you any different?" Agni snarled back just as hard, "You speak of destroying the very thing you claim you want to save."

"I am not particularly…delighted with this plan myself, Agni." Aang interrupted, raising his hands with a peaceful gesture, "But this does give us all our best chance of survival."

"Easy enough for you to say, Avatar." Kongqi said as he then glanced toward Azula, "Fate has always needed one of you to maintain the balance she created so long ago. Your survival is guaranteed."

"Guaranteed?" Aang hissed, his face creasing in sudden anger, "My spirit has been sundered, suppressed, split and TORTURED every since YOU allowed Yang to take control of the Gateway to Eternity."

The Gaang stared wide eyed at Aang's uncharacteristic outburst of anger, his glaring eyes locking onto Agni as her own angry expression softened. The other Elementals all appeared uncomfortable as the fire spirit slowly sat back in her chair, her gold on gold eyes still staring back at Aang.

"It is true Fate gained that knowledge from us long ago." Agni said softly, "But if you seek to lay blame, your own incarnation, Yin did little to stop her rise to power."

"Laying blame will not help any of us." Katara said warmly, reaching up to stroke her husband's arm.

"Indeed. Together we are strong." Piandao offered sagely from the far side of the table, "Divided, we will surely fall."

"You're right and I'm sorry." Aang replied softly, smiling down to his wife and then over to Piandao but when he looked back to the Elementals, Aang's face hardened once more, "You will answer to this however. Two days ago we faced a spirit in Hinomoto. A spirit in possession of one of the All Consuming Eyes and he knew how to use it."

Most of the spirits jerked in surprise at this while Agni scowled darkly again.

"Impossible." Kongqi breathed, leaning forward as he turned to stare at Agni and then down at the little creature on the table before her.

"Those…were destroyed." Agni growled angrily, turning her own eyes down to the well dressed creature sitting on the table, "Were they not? That task was left to you."

The little black animal turned his pointed face upwards, his fat cheeks spreading in a small grin as his tiny arms lifted in an unmistakable shrug.

"DANIQ!" Agni suddenly shouted, her hand slapping the table beside the animal with enough force to bounce him several inches into the air, "You assured us they were gone."

And that was true but I could not bring myself to destroy them. the tiny creature replied in an impossibly deep voice that reverberated about the room, almost every mortal jaw in the room dropping open, They were formed from elements yet were objects of pure spiritual power. They were corrupted by Fate, true but the craftsmanship, the pure genius that created the Eyes…those Elfkin are trapped within the Eyes themselves and I could not simply destroy them. I cast them deep into the earth where the heat and pressure would keep them from doing more harm.

"And you did not bother to keep watch over them…or tell us?" Agni said angrily, glaring at the little animal, "Why can you simply not act your age?"

How many are loose on the surface? a voice like surf crashing over a rocky shore rose from the watery spirit beside Yue.

"One that we know of but thanks to our friends, that one was destroyed." Aang said, turning to indicate Sokka and Suki, "Most likely though, there will be more. We need to know where they are and how many more we'll be facing."

I will begin where I left them long ago. Daniq said in his deep voice, I will trace them from there and perhaps make up for my mistake.

"Start in Hinomoto." Zuko suddenly added thoughtfully, "The demon's presence there and the appearance of these Eyes has me thinking the two are connected."

"I'd start around the fire temple first." Sokka added as well, looking to Daniel who nodded in return, "That woman, Jin had been right through that place. She was searching for something."

Very well. the little creature said, bowing to those down the table.

"No." Agni suddenly said, turning to the other Elementals, "Siblings, I believe we should do nothing. The human race has run it's course."

"Agni, no." Yue breathed in horror.

These humans have the courage and strength to win this war. the watery man added from her side, placing one blue arm about Yue.

"And did not the Dragons? The Dwarfkin before them, the Elfkin before them and so many others we put our hopes upon?" Agni continued, turning to glare at those humans sitting at the table, "Fate has always operated the same way. First she sends through Koh and other demons to terrorize and destabilize those in power so that by the solstice, whatever defenses remain crumble under the hoards she sends through."

"Which is exactly what I am training these people to face." Daniel snarled, then placed a hand on Aang's shoulder, "My first step was to awaken the Avatar of Spirit, then to bring back the Avatar of Nature. This I have done and these people here, my family have more than courage or strength. They have the heart, the skills and the ability to win this war and bring Fate down. I know this because all that I am, all that I can do, I learned from people just like them."

Stepping away from the table, Daniel took a few steps toward it's end and held his hands out pleadingly toward the Elementals.

"Please, give us our chance. Help us." Daniel growled softly, his intense blindfolded glare somehow penetrating the spirits he faced, "Make this sacrifice for us on the solstice and you know you will be restored. Fate herself would sacrifice me to restore the balance if she must but if we follow the plan we have laid out for you…we CAN win."

"And if you can't?" Kongqi suddenly asked in a quiet voice, "And what if Fate does not even come herself? She is quite capable of sending this…Phoenix she has made of Koh and her demons while she sits comfortably in the spirit realms. Our sacrifice…and yours would be for nothing."

"She will come." Daniel said in a low rumble, "That was the mission entrusted to Jax and the army of lost souls by the Nomad. If Fate will not step through willingly, they will force her into the mortal realm."

"I have my doubts about that." Agni spat, glaring at Daniel, "This plan of yours is all or nothing and there are far too many holes. Too many ways it could fail."

"The Nomad's plan is all or nothing. Save the world or destroy it to keep it from Fate." Daniel growled, matching her glare, "My FATHER'S plan is the better option. Whether we win…or Fate does, life will endure."

"I…am still unsure." Kongqi said softly, looking away when Agni turned her glare onto him.

"You won't let us die, will you?" Tiki breathed from one side of the air spirit, tears welling in her eyes as she gazed pleadingly at him.

"We're really good warriors but…we need your help." Linka breathed from his other side, the man turning uncomfortably to her tear filled gaze next.

"The Moon and Ocean stand and fight for the human race." Yue said then, rising to her feet as La did the same at her side, "We cannot allow Fate to continue this cycle of death and control."

Agni's glare grew threatening as she turned it onto them then the spirit of fire turned her eyes onto the little animal on the table before her.

As will I, Agni. Daniq said, waddling across the table to stand before Yue and La, It is long past time we made a stand.

"Then we…and the world will suffer for it." Agni hissed through clenched teeth, turning that scowl onto Kongqi next, "What say you, wind spirit?"

The young looking man in white robes grew more uncomfortable, unable now to look either Agni or the two women beside him in the eyes.

"Please Kongqi." Linka said in barely a whisper, "We need you."

"And you'd be more than an Elemental. You'd be a hero." Tiki breathed to him, "Our hero."

Then the two women lunged together, embracing the spirit between them as they sniffled loudly and Kongqi's face turned a dark red. Even Agni joined most of the others in staring incredulously while Daniel half turned, the scarred man raising an eyebrow at Azula which she could only answer with a roll of her eyes.

"Ladies, please I," Kongqi started in embarrassment, patting the crying women's shoulders as he looked back up, "Agni, perhaps we…should at least…consider this plan."

"Sentimental fools. ALL OF YOU!" Agni shouted, rising to her feet again as she flung out a hand toward Daniel, "How can we even trust this creature? You have seen his memories, we all have. He is a spoiled brat, a murderer and a half insane despot who has killed for pleasure in the past and will do so again."

Fury flashed onto Daniel's face at this, his tattoos flickering once but he only took a deep breath, growling softly as he released it and behind him, Azula's lips twitched upward into a small smile as she looked to him.

"I trust Daniel." Aang said, looking once around the table as Katara rose to her feet at his side, "I trust him with my life and the lives of my family."

"Me too." Sokka said, rising to his own feet as Suki did the same.

"And us." Zuko added, Mai and Toph following without hesitation as he rose.

A chorus rose from the rest gathered there and soon every human was on their feet, Tiki and Linka wiping at their eyes as they released Kongqi and rose to join the others. Yue, La and Daniq remained on their feet facing Agni and after a moment of frowning thoughtfully, Kongqi rose slowly to join them. Far from seeming pleased, Daniel half turned away from them all toward the wall, a deeply troubled frown on his face.

"Oh yes. How very sweet of you all. Such comradery." Agni hissed sarcastically, turning to glare at the other Elementals again, "Have you forgotten, my siblings? Our purpose, our very reason for existence is to protect and preserve the lifeforce of the world. We cannot…will not do this thing they ask of us."

"Agni, please listen," Yue started softly.

"And have you forgotten, child?" Agni interrupted her, "You are only a part of us because the Nomad brought about the departure of your predecessor."

That was Tui's choice. La shot back just as angrily, You know that, Agni.

"A choice she made based on what HE told her." Agni nearly shouted again, jabbing another finger at Daniel, "No, siblings. I reject this plan as I reject your choice to follow it. I will not allow the world to suffer."

"Coward." Daniel breathed and Agni jerked at the softly spoken word, her eyes flashing with golden light, "It's not the world's suffering you fear."

For a moment, Agni could only stare furiously at him but Daniel turned away, his face turning toward Azula who nodded imperceptibly to him.

"What is it you fear, Agni?" Daniel rumbled, turning back to her and moving slowly forwards, "Is it Fate? Phoenix? Or me?"

"I do not fear you." Agni spat disdainfully.

"You should." Daniel said softly, pausing as he reached the end of the table, "I have faced Fate more than once and yet here I still stand. I faced her pet Phoenix at the south pole and you have no idea how much I held back in that fight."

"Held back?" Sokka breathed to his wife, both of them thinking of the destruction Daniel had brought briefly to their homeland.

"I faced Koh at the age of fourteen." Daniel growled, his voice rising as he continued, "As a child I mortally wounded that great spirit…TWICE! I hurt that piece of crap so bad he threw everything he had at me and yet here I stand." drawing closer, Daniel and Agni glared at one another from less than a foot away, "I WILL kill Phoenix. I WILL kill Fate and preserve this world from her and if you DARE to stand in my way, Agni, I will kill you too."

"Daniel." Aang said in a worried voice, "Wait, this isn't the way we,"

"No." Azula said softly from Aang's side, grabbing the young man by his arm, "Let this play out."

"Bold words for someone with no power." Agni hissed at Daniel, the pair ignoring all else in the room, "You cannot manipulate the elements, spiritual power or energy of any type. You are no threat to me."

"We shall see." Daniel snarled before he turned away.

Moving back down the table and pausing before Aang, regret showed on Daniel's face as he raised a hand hesitantly, drawing it back when Aang only stared back with confusion and pain on his face.

"Trust me." the scarred man breathed, his face hardening as he turned away again, "Iroh? Do you understand and accept this plan as it has been laid out today?"

"I…it requires some thought, Daniel." Iroh rumbled quietly, looking away as Aang turned to him, "But…yes, I do."

"Good." Daniel growled, turning back to Agni as he stood at Azula's side, "You may be required to replace Agni as the Elemental of fire."

"What?" rose from over a dozen surprised voices, Iroh's clearly shocked while Agni's voice was filled with amusement.

"You mean…you were serious?" Agni asked, throwing her head back and laughing loudly, "He is. And this is the fool the rest of you are hoping will save you?"

"I am not here to save them." Daniel growled as a grin formed on his face, "But to show them how to save themselves."

"You are a blind fool." Agni spat disdainfully, "And obviously insane."

"Here is my challenge Agni." Daniel growled, raising a hand to point at the fire spirit, "You will face me on a field of honor and you will face me as my equal…or I WILL kill you."

"As your equal?" Agni said sarcastically, still highly amused by it all, "I am a great spirit, an Elemental. I am POWER INCARNATE!"

Flames burst into life about Agni then, licking at the high ceiling above as waves of heat washed out from her making those nearby cringe back, even the other Elementals scrabbling quickly away. Halfway down the long table, Katara cringed behind her husband from the heat, Aang and Azula both shielding their faces from the intensity of it yet Daniel strode confidently away from them, pausing once more a few feet from the blazing spirit.

"And I am a living spirit. I haven't always been a good man," Daniel said, turning to smile at those gathered at the other end of the room, "But thanks to them, I don't believe I am a bad man either. I am just a man and I am an AVATAR."

Reaching up as he spoke, Daniel stripped the blindfold from his head revealing eyes of blazing white, his tattoos bursting into white light a heartbeat before he was wreathed in argent flame.

"Oh wow." Ty Lee breathed from amongst the others, "How does he do that with his aura?"

Before anyone could formulate a reply, Daniel and Agni were simply gone along with a section of wall behind them and beyond that a large chunk of the outer wall in the next room. There was a moment of shocked silence before everyone surged as one toward the room's wide windows with most of those in the room trying to look outside. Two young women chose a different path, diving through the hole smashed in the wall they hit the floor in the next room in a roll and rose to their feet to find a young woman already there. Azula stood at the hole smashed in the outer wall and Linka and Tiki looked out around her at a savage fight outside.

Two blazing figures raged against one another, one of those alight with literal flame of bright shining gold but Daniel blazed just as brightly, white energy bursting from his very being. Agni lashed out with lightning strikes, her gauntleted fists leaving trails of fire in the air but Daniel was obviously the faster. He slipped in and out of sight, seeming to vanish as she struck out at him only to instantly reappear coming at the armored spirit from her other side. But it was that dark skinned spirit's golden armor that gave her the advantage, the scarred man's rapid attacks impacting solidly against Agni's mail armor but doing little more than pushing her a step back each time.

To her credit, Agni's speed impressed those watching as she spun to block or strike out with a fist an instant before Daniel appeared to deliver his own attacks. They battled before the mansion, leaping and twisting about the gardens there when Agni thrust out her arms to either side to block two seemingly simultaneous attacks from Daniel. Then leaping upwards, flames washed out from Agni's feet and ignited the gardens, causing Daniel to streak away as she rose high above the mansion.

"Dodge this." Agni cried, throwing her arms out wide and then bringing her outstretched hands together before her self with a thunderous clap.

An impossibly bright bolt of lightning speared out from Agni's hands to strike the ground where Daniel stood just beyond the burning garden beds. The lightning continued to stream from Agni's hands as Daniel raced away, only a line of kicked up dust and dirt showing his passage but the crackling, dancing bolt of lightning burned a line across the ground as it followed. The signs of Daniel's movements continued away from the mansion, those watching from inside still seeing a line of dust before sand exploded upwards over the nearby beach and a new line of white water sprang up racing away across the ocean. With an angry snarl, Agni pulled back her hands and she next flashed away in pursuit leaving a trail of golden flames in her wake.

"Oi, Danny wait we," Sokka called a little pointlessly and sighed as he held up a pair of silver gauntlets, "Damn, he could've used these."

"What?" Aang said distractedly, his concerned face still pressed against the glass of the window.

"Our SoTough armor mark two." Toph said with a scowl from Aang's other side, "Me an Snoozles were up half the night making them for Chuckles."

"So?" Aang began, finally pulling his face away to look at his friends, "Tough?"

"Toph came up with the name." Sokka told Aang with a sigh, "Sokka. Toph. SoTough. It was better than her first choice, Toesuck."

"Yeah, so what? It's a good name." Toph said with the same scowl, "Now everyone step back."

The last she called loudly and thankfully everyone did pull back from the windows before Toph punched out with a fist. Not just to strike the wall but employing her Earthbending she shattered a large section of the wall, sending it all crashing down into the smoldering garden beds.

"Toph." Zuko groaned as the others gaped at the destruction, "We could have just gone out the door."

"No time." Toph answered simply, then thrust out a hand toward Sokka, "Here, Snoozles. I'll get them to Chuckles."

"Then you can come with me." came Azula's voice as that young woman drifted into view hanging before the broken wall, her blue tinged sai in one hand, "He'll appreciate those."

Then a violent tremor ran through the ground, rattling the house around them as the southern horizon lit up with a white glow and there came exclamations of shock and surprise from the others but Azula turned toward it with a tight yet eager grin.

"The rest of you should come and watch." Azula said a little breathlessly, only excitement on her face, "He's leading her to the Si Wong."

With that, Azula darted forward into the broken side of the house to grasp Toph by the arm and the young Earthbender had only time to look surprised before both vanished.

"Hey." Sokka cried indignantly, his annoyed expression mirrored on several other faces of those gathered there, "You could've taken us."

"I can show you what's happening." Aang said with a heavy sigh, his misgivings plain on his face, "Everyone get comfortable and open your minds to me. I can take us in spirit."

As the remaining Gaang and others, even a few of the Elementals sat about the table once more, two warriors remained in the next room by the shattered wall and looked to each other with pouting lips.

"I wish she'd at least taken us to watch." Tiki grumped to her friend.

"Then may I offer you two a lift?" came a soft voice from behind and they turned sharply to see the air spirit standing there, a warm smile on the young man's face, "I must admit, I'd like to see this first hand for myself."

"Oh goody. You can get us really close." Tiki said eagerly, rushing to the robed man's side.

"Yeah, we so gotta see this rumble go down." Linka said with equal enthusiasm though she frowned a moment later, "You, uh, won't try and see up our skirts again will you?"

Only laughing as he drew the young women into his embrace, Kongki vanished taking them along with him.

On two high moonlit dunes, two figures faced each other. One was almost pure ebony, a young seeming woman dressed in shining chain mail of purest gold that matched her blazing eyes and flowing hair. The other was a man almost as pale as the moon hanging above them, darker scars crisscrossing his body and he wore only tattered, scorched trousers. Both faced each other silently in the nighttime desert, the energies blazing about them casting dancing shadows upon the sands.

Three figures materialized over the desert surrounded by a sphere of whitish winds and Kongki quickly dropped down to the dunes, carrying Tiki and Linka with him to join two others already there.

"Hey, Zula. Toph." Tiki said eagerly as they dropped to the sand, "What was that you were giving to Danny?"

"Just evening the odds." Azula drawled, a small smirk on her face as she stared intently at the distant figures of Daniel and Agni.

"So," Linka began, "Why have they stopped?"

"Oh, I imagine Agni will want assurances from Daniel that he is serious about his challenge." Kongki told them pleasantly, "She has been looking forward to this for several days after all."

"Days?" Azula asked with surprise, "But…he and I have only been planning this for the last day."

"We knew he had surrendered his Bending and other abilities." Kongki said softly, "But rest assured, she wants this battle as much as he does."

And I cannot say I approve. came Aang's voice as over a dozen faintly luminous figures appeared near the small group, I'm not sure he's ready for this, Azula.

"I believe in him." Azula replied simply without turning.

So do I. Aang continued uncomfortably, It's just,

We just don't want to see him hurt himself anymore. Katara finished with a sad smile, He does too much for us.

"But he's not doing this for you." Azula returned, her smile growing as she looked to Daniel, "He's doing it for himself…and for me."

"Now this should make things interesting." Daniel growled with a small grin, clenching one fist encased in a new glove backed with silver plates, "All it took was giving Sokka the right hints at the right moment and he and Toph have worked magic."

"Congratulations. You are armed and armored." Agni spat disdainfully, "Although I still don't see how you can expect me to face you as an equal. Do you expect me to hold back?"

"Certainly not…I'm not going to. I can't." Daniel replied with a frown, "Tell me. Do you know just what a living spirit fully attuned to their mortal body can do? The living spirit of an Avatar no less."

"Oh, I know what power mortality brings." Agni said quietly, narrowing her glowing eyes, "And there is no denying you are fast but speed and strength alone will not preserve you."

"It's a good thing I'm a damn good fighter then, isn't it?" Daniel said though his brief grin faded as he continued in a halting and slightly embarrassed tone, "Agni…understand, I will show you just what I…and my family are capable of but I also need to master my Avatar state…something I have struggled with for a long time and I have another…more selfish reason for wanting this fight with you."

As he finished, Daniel mumbled something under his breath that those watching in the distance could not hear but Agni's eyes suddenly shot wide before she glanced toward that distant group, then raised an eyebrow as she looked back to Daniel. Grinning in embarrassment, the scarred man shrugged as his face darkened.

"She promised." he said quietly, "So long as I don't hold back."

"Well, better not disappoint her then." Agni replied, lifting her arms and with a flash of light she suddenly held two long, wickedly sharp swords, "Or me."

"Then don't you hold back either." Daniel said, his own hands coming up with Azula's sai gripped in his gloved hands, "Wolf and I intend to give this everything."

"Good." Agni said, her face hardening.

Atop her dune, Agni suddenly swept one sword across before herself, sending an enormous sheet of flames rolling out over the sands but streaking away from his position Daniel simply burst through this curtain of fire and was upon Agni an instant later, the sai in his hands raising sparks as they clashed against Agni's swords.

To those watching the pair, Daniel and Agni transformed into blazing pillars of light, both moving so fast that they could barely be seen. Alternately dropping into the moment or in the case of those Aang had brought in spirit, he shared his awareness with them allowing them to see.

The fire spirit was instantly on the defensive, her swords dancing in a cross pattern before herself to keep Daniel's flashing Sai away from her. His own face set hard, the scarred man's arms worked in a blur as he glared at Agni, the sharpened central blades of those sai ringing against the fire spirit's swords in a rapid tattoo. Backing away from him, it seemed at first that Daniel had the advantage over Agni as she blocked his strikes with increasing desperation, occasional sparks flashing from her golden chain mail as the tips of his weapons darted briefly past her defense.

Then as Agni blocked a high attack, catching both sai with one upraised sword, her other flashed down toward Daniel's waist and he leapt back, only to throw himself straight back toward her as her sword sailed past. But the attack proved to be a feint, as Daniel lunged with the tips of his sai leading, Agni pursed her lips and blew out a jet of sun bright flame and the scarred man simply vanished as it washed over the sands before the fire spirit, leaving a glowing line etched into the desert. The moment he had disappeared, Agni thrust her swords over her shoulders to cross them at her back just as Daniel reappeared there, the sai he wielded again raising sparks as his attack met her hasty defense. Spinning about, Agni's weapons struck out in simultaneous swipes both high and low but Daniel caught the edges of her blades on the curved prongs of his sai. For a moment the two remained as they were, each trying to push the other's weapons aside to make an opening for a new attack.

"You think you can hit me with a measly flame, fire spirit?" Daniel growled in a gravelly tone, "Why don't you try something different."

"As you wish." Agni replied with a growl of her own and her lips twitched upward into a small smile.

Her arms twitched and Daniel tensed as her swords slid against his sai but again her move proved to be a ruse as twin blurs shot out from under her arms. Two new arms appeared there, each gripping small battle hammers that slammed into Daniel's chest and sent the scarred man tumbling back over the sand. Several yards away he rolled back to his feet, his arms cross over his chest and a pained frown on his face but an instant later he raised the sai clutched in his gloved hands as Agni thrust out four arms, four separate bolts of lightning bursting forth from the weapons she held.

"Hey." Tiki breathed from beside Kongki, "That's cheating."

Far from the dune upon which they stood, Agni continued her attacks, more and more lightning bolts erupting from her with explosive retorts and each the scarred man met head on with his sai. The bright bolts seemed to be drawn in through the weapons he held and into his new silver gloves, the scarred man dancing away after but only to raise his weapons again as Agni launched fresh attacks to keep him at a distance.

"I didn't know she could do that." Linka said softly, "Did you know, Kongki?"

"She is spirit, my dears. Her form is what she chooses." the air spirit informed them, his own eyes watching the fight intently as he spoke, "But she must be physical to attack him and therein lies her limitations."

"Because she must concentrate on maintaining that form." Azula added from beside them, "Correct?"

"Indeed and if he can cause her damage, she must concentrate that much more on maintaining herself." Kongki replied quietly, "But she is an Elemental. Able to draw directly from the Fountain of life. It is only a matter of time until she wears him down."

"Says you, buddy." Toph growled softly, a tight frown on her lips as she faced the battle raging across the dunes, "Come on, Chuckles. Find your opening."

The scarred man was doing just that, darting toward Agni only to be driven back by multiple lightning strikes from Agni who grinned as he growled in frustration. Then as he blocked her latest attacks, Agni drew back to strike again and Daniel's arms flashed out, his hands meeting before himself and from the tips of the sai he held all the energies Agni had sent at him burst forth. The fire spirit's eyes went wide as a massive bolt of lightning broke over her, unhurt but frozen in brief surprise and that was the opening Daniel sought. Vanishing from where he stood, he flew across and Agni twitched her weapons up to block but only caught one sai with her swords, the other weapon slipping between her other arms and punching the blade deep into her armored belly. Glancing down and then back up at Daniel, Agni only scowled as she punched out again with her lower arms and the scarred man flashed to the side, the sai he'd struck her with leaving a gaping hole in her armor and flesh as he ripped it from her. The wound he had inflicted on her was bloodless, the flesh within as dark as her skin yet she put one hand to it and narrowed her eyes in concentration as it closed.

Grinning at her, Daniel twirled the sai in his hands until the long blades rested along his forearms and he flew at the fire spirit once more. Daniel began a madly spinning series of attacks and blocks, the scarred man in constant motion as Agni held her ground, her four arms, swords and hammers weaving a complex pattern before herself as she turned on the spot to keep him in sight.

"Come on. Fight." Agni snarled as she continued blocking him, "I know you're as fast as her. I know you can fight just like Fate…now, SHOW ME!"

Spinning about, Daniel dropped low to the ground, tensed and ready as he glared. A low rumble rose from deep in his chest and the white fires burning in his eyes drifted up from his face like glowing smoke.

"I promised I wouldn't go there." he growled, his voice inhuman and grating, "Until I need to."

"Then let me help you." Agni snapped, lunging forward.

Now Daniel was on the defensive, backing away as his arms wove in a circular pattern before himself and Agni drove forward. The fire spirit's four arms wove their own complex pattern as her swords struck out at Daniel's face and chest while the hammers gripped in her lower arms sought a way through to his stomach and hips. The sounds of their weapons was a constant, thunderous clash, flashes of light from metal striking metal lighting up the desert around them. His arms working at a furious pace, Daniel kept Agni's attacks at bay, occasionally raising one knee to shove aside her questing hammers but all the time being driven backwards.

Suddenly the scarred man simply changed position, one moment standing before Agni, next squatting low at the spirit's side. His arm flashed out and Agni shouted in surprise and pain as he drove one sai through her lower back, it's tip bursting from her belly. She lashed out with the sword and hammer on that side but Daniel dived away, his sai slicing cleanly through half the woman's abdomen as he tore it from her. Her golden chain tinkled as cut and broken links rained down upon the sand but Agni only snarled as she spun to him, Daniel rolling once to avoid her first strike before he leapt at her once more. The fight resumed with a new savagery and yet again Agni was pushed back, Daniel's pace picking up as he alternately struck out at her weapons to push her attacks aside before his sai slashed across her armored front, more golden chain raining down to the sand.

Leaping forward, Daniel turned as he came and planted a solid kick to Agni's chest with both feet causing the woman to stumble back with her four arms flung wide. But Daniel did not attack again from the front. Disappearing before he dropped from his flying kick, Daniel reappeared directly behind the spirit and leapt upon her back. His legs hooked over her lower arms to pin them and the hammers she held while he drove his sai into her upper shoulders. With her arms immobile, Daniel suddenly drove his head forward into the back of Agni's, again and then twice more. Her head snapped forward with each blow until the last which sent her golden helmet flying away before Daniel lunged again, only to close his teeth on the side of her neck.

Agni screamed, more from rage then pain and with blinding speed another set of arms erupted from her just above her waist. Already gripping curved daggers, Agni's third set of hands reached back and drove both blades into the scarred man's sides.

Tearing away a large chunk of bloodless flesh, Daniel tipped his head back and roared in agony, leaping from Agni's back. She spun to face him instantly, her middle arms extended and the scarred man raised his hands in an attempt to block but the force of her double hammer strike half spun the injured man as one of her swords slashed him across the back and at the same time one of her knife wielding hands drove the tip of it's blade into his hip.

With another pained roar, Daniel vanished and reappeared several dunes away, dropping to one knee as he clutched his hands to his sides, blood pouring freely over his gloves and sai as those wounds slowly closed. Wearing a victorious grin, Agni remained where she had been and thrust out her arms, six bright arcs of lightning flashing across to strike at him. Raising one hand, the bolts were drawn to the sai he held but again Agni struck, this time a milky distortion spearing out with her lightning bolts and making the air waver between the pair. The lightning attacks were kept from destroying him by the sai and gloves he wore but with each mental attack that struck, Daniel tensed and groaned in pain again and again.

Those watching stared in horror, many of those fighting back sudden tears and even Azula wearing a troubled and pensive frown.

Stop this. Aang…someone, please. watching in spirit, Suki almost sobbed as she turned away, Azula, you can make him stop. Make him give up.

"Please, Zula." Tiki added, the young woman turning and hiding her face in Kongki's robes.

"He'll die if he doesn't stop." Linka breathed, her wide eyes fixed to the fight as she trembled slightly.

"He can't give up." Azula replied in a curt tone, her own eyes dropping as Agni continued hammering Daniel from a distance, "He doesn't know how."

Do you see now what I was saying? Aang told her softly, He's not ready for this.

"Regardless, the match is all but decided." Kongki breathed in a sad tone, "Agni can constantly replenish herself while he cannot. She need only wear him down."

"Perhaps not." Azula said, her lips compressing as she reached a decision and she whispered, "It's time. It'll be ok, Danny. Let go now and let it out…all of it."

Crouched on the sand, Daniel shuddered with each mental blow from Agni, the gloved hand protecting him from her constant rain of lightning trembling as he struggled to keep it raised. The sand below him had grown dark with the blood from his wounds and more that ran from his nose but then the scarred man's head shot up, the white lights in his eyes flaring like the sun as his tattoos did the same.

"Not…a monster. I…won't…I'm not." Daniel growled with a shudder, fear and fury battling for dominance on his face, "I…I am…Avatar."

A heartbeat later the aura of light that surrounded exploded away from him and Agni ceased her attacks as she gasped. Flaring to several yards around him, Daniel's aura flared again and again, settling into a steady rhythm like a heartbeat and two great arcs of it extended out from his back like fine, feathered wings formed from light that extended out a dozen yards either side of him.

"So, at last you bring forth your power." Agni shot over at him, all six of her arms raising to brandish her weapons, "Then I guess it's time I truly unleash a little of my own."

"N…no…power." Daniel grunted, his teeth bared at her, "Beast…time for…BEAST!"

Separated by several dozen yards, the golden flames that danced about Agni grew into a blazing aura of her own, lighting the desert for miles around. Lightning arced from her to the sand, bolts that extended upwards and out to sand dunes nearby and still she grew brighter until she was almost hidden within a cloud of crackling flames and energy. The sand she stood upon glowed with heat, the flames surrounding her intensifying more as energy crackled about her upraised weapons, arcs of it spitting forth out to dozens of feet into the dunes, geysers of sand erupting into the air where they struck.

With a snarl Daniel suddenly streaked forward and Agni thrust all her arms forward launching six beams of bright energy at him but those watching gasped as the scarred man sped up. Already watching deep into the moment, they saw him fade slightly as he flashed to one side of Agni's attacks, still streaking directly toward her. Twice more she struck and both times Daniel danced aside of those beams with ease and in less than a heartbeat he was upon her.

Agni raised her swords to head height, her hammers held up to her chest but Daniel flashed past her like a lightning bolt and the fire spirit grunted as one of her lower arms fell away, cut cleanly at the elbow leaving the hand and knife it held to drop to the sand. Instantly he was upon her again, a white streak of light that twisted around the energy that crackled from Agni and two lines opened up in her back as Daniel's sai cut deep, a large section of her armor falling away. Then he was before her and Agni's remaining weapons left golden trails in the air as she desperately tried to keep him away, Daniel's arms whirring so fast that sparks and flashes of light rose constantly as he pushed her back again, the sounds of his weapons ringing from hers continuing without pause. He jinked to one side and Agni extended one sword that way but he just as suddenly moved the other way and before she could react he flashed back, the sword and hand that held it flying away as he cut it from her.

With a shriek of rage, Agni burst into bright light and heat washed out over the desert, even those watching from a quarter mile away cringing back from the intensity of it. Daniel himself appeared between them and Agni, facing that glowing spirit as he growled unceasingly.

"You really CAN fight like her but without true power, you are nothing." Agni cried out, her face a mask of fury, "Let's see you hit the face of the SUN ITSELF!"

Already lighting up the desert around her, Agni flashed white, a new cloud of flames washing out from her as the night sky above turned pale blue. Sand was kicked up as a blast of furnace hot wind roared out from Agni, the flames exploding from her whooshing fully half a mile into the sky and hundreds of yards out from her. It was indeed as she had claimed, to all appearances Agni had transformed into a blazing sun come to rest upon a high dune in the desert.

While those others standing physically in the desert cringed from this new, unbelievable heat, Daniel seemed to have simply vanished but not completely. Only the white energy blazing from the man showed where he was or rather, where he had been. As Agni stood atop her high dune surrounded by an enormous sphere of her flames, a white line appeared surrounding her and the element she wielded. Sand was lifting into the air in the scarred man's wake, more and more and the signs of his passage, the white line he left behind himself intensified as he began to overtake his own light. He circled almost a mile around, those watching catching faint glimpses of him as he raced about Agni, the winds of his passage pulling more sand up into the air and this dark cloud began to rotate as it followed him.

"Is…is he Earthbending?" Toph asked with her head tipped to one side.

That ain't Bending. That's pure physics, baby. Whoo, go Danny. Sokka said excitedly from amongst the others watching in spirit, shrugging when some of those glanced at him, What? This is so freaky cool.

"But…that's heaps faster than we go to get into the chi paths." Tiki added, watching wide eyed from the air spirit's side.

"How does he do it?" Linka breathed from Kongki's other and then blinked, "Whoa."

All eyes turned back to the spectacle going on nearby, Linka's simple assessment shared by all those watching. It was almost a wall to rival that surrounding the city of Ba Sing Sa formed of kicked up sand surrounding the blazing fire spirit now and as they watched Daniel sped up again. Two slightly overlapping lines surrounded Agni now, then another and then a dozen and a heartbeat later, hundreds of streaking white lines roared around Agni beneath the growing clouds of sand. Reaching almost as high as Agni's flames, the wide whirlwind of sand was becoming a hurricane that blocked off much of the light produced by the fire spirit.

Already watching deep into the moment, standing bathed in the bright aurora of the world's lifeforce, Azula attempted something she both disliked and feared. Pushing herself deeper, the chi and the world about her faded. Instantly she was assaulted simultaneously by heat and cold from within and without but in that brief instant she saw Daniel, still a streaking blur as he raced about Agni but as she reached her limits, Azula saw something that shocked her deeply.

White energy still blazed from the scarred man and where he flew over the desert sands, where that white aura passed Azula caught a glimps of faces, insubstantial and faint but seemingly illuminated by Daniel's energy. And where he passed, those blank staring eyes turned to follow.

"They see him." she breathed to herself as she dropped back to the more familiar moment, thankful as the pain faded but still deeply troubled by what she had seen.

Within her shell of intense flames, Agni lashed out again and again, launching beams of energy, mental blasts and jets of white hot flame, all of it striking the spinning sands with thunderous retorts only to be absorbed into that earthen maelstrom leaving streaks of light and glowing, melted sand to be dragged along in it's wake. Then the dark hurricane began to contract as Daniel sped around closer to Agni, her flames being pushed inwards by the violent, unnatural storm of earth.

As Agni struck out at the streaking line left in the scarred man's wake, a line suddenly streaked across from beneath the sand cloud, flashing through her flames and past her so fast that she only registered it's presence after he'd gone. But the fire spirit certainly felt the blow that rang out against her remaining sword, Agni stumbling back a step and before she could recover another line speared in from beneath the sand cloud. Concentrating on maintaining her flames, Agni was again on the defense as more lines flashed past her, golden links and pieces of her armor flying away as she was knocked first one way, then another. Opening her mouth, the fire spirit gave a scream of pure, incoherent rage and lightning exploded from her in every direction but no sooner had she launched this desperate attack when a new line of white flashed across directly into her. With a grunt, Agni's shout cut off as she was sent flying away with the speed of one of her own lightning bolts and standing where she had been, Daniel was revealed with one fist still extended from the blow he had delivered to her. Flames licked at his trousers, even his hair beginning to smolder but he stood there for a heartbeat more, his glowing eyes affixed to Agni as she sailed through the spinning sands surrounding him.

To those watching across the desert it was a shock to see Agni herself burst through the side of Daniel's sandstorm, leaving a trail of flames behind her as she tumbled wildly. Not far from where she emerged, Agni started to right herself in the air but she jerked in surprise as the scarred man appeared directly at her side. Before even the Elemental could react, the sai in Daniel's hands flashed out and he'd vanished before Agni screamed again, another of her arms dropping away from her and taking one of her hammers with it. Again Daniel appeared at her other side and Agni gave a wild sweep of a sword and dagger which he caught against his sai. Suddenly grinning, Agni kicked out with her feet but she blinked as Daniel suddenly held her foot in both hands, the man vanishing next moment and taking half her leg with him.

Then Daniel's attack began in earnest, appearing and disappearing so quickly that Agni appeared to be surrounded by several dozen figures and her body jerked violently from a hail of blows she never saw coming. As she tried to attack, a milky distortion spearing out from her eyes, the Daniel she saw before herself faded away and another figure of him beside her lashed out with a fist, knocking her head aside. Again lightning arced over her remaining weapons but suddenly there was only one Daniel there and he grabbed for her, Agni crying out as he gripped one of her arms and with a wrench, tore it from her body. Jumping back from her into the air, Daniel swiped the severed limb across and Agni's head snapped to the side as her own hammer smashed into her temple, the weapon still gripped in the fist of her severed arm. Then she tried to summon her pure element once more, white hot flames erupting about her when Daniel flashed down directly from above, driving straight through those flames and striking the fire spirit with both fists and Agni was sent streaking down to the desert floor with a hard thump, her impact sending a fresh cloud of sand into the air.

Laying at the base of a wide crater, Agni struggled to push herself up with her remaining arms when Daniel dropped from the sky, his feet striking the sand either side of her and one of his hands about her throat. Rising upright, he pulled Agni from the ground and she hung limply before him. Instantly a flash of mental energy lashed out but simply washed over the scarred man who didn't even flinch. No mind, no thoughts existed there to disrupt, only the beast who sought his prey.

Her face creasing in fury, the golden light in Agni's eyes faded as they became pits of bottomless, inky blackness.

"Agni…no." Kongki breathed, the air spirit tensing between Linka and Tiki, his arms about them tightening.

But like the mental attack, Daniel neither flinched nor released Agni from his grip as a savage growl rose from him and next moment the fire spirit's furious expression faltered. The white light from Daniel's eyes instantly matched Agni's as they grew dark but the effect continued, the aura surrounding him fading as his tattoos turned black. Difficult to see in the darkness but still plainly visible a new aura surrounded Daniel, even the wings reforming at his back but all of it formed from light absorbing darkness.

As she dropped to her knees, Toph groaned and clutched at her head, not even aware as Azula grabbed for her to hold her upright.

"Chuckles….ugh, no." Toph groaned, "Don't do it…Danny…please."

Beside them, those watching in spirit wavered in the air, almost fading from sight as Aang too clutched at his head but he and the others could not take their eyes from what happened next.

For the first time, doubt and fear showed on Agni's face and she struggled in Daniel's grasp, the darkness in her eyes replaced by gold that darted about but saw no escape.

"Y…yield." Agni croaked, her two remaining hands grasping the arm that held her by the throat, "I…yield."

If he heard, the scarred man gave no outward sign at first. The darkness surrounding he and Agni both intensified as he opened his mouth wide, the fire spirit's eyes drawn to the man's white teeth some of which had grown long, curved and very sharp. As his head moved slowly forward, true terror appeared on Agni's face and she closed her eyes.

"It's alright." Azula breathed as she held Toph to herself, her face still turned to Daniel in the distance. Then speaking in barely a whisper she added, "Enough, Danny. It's enough."

The scarred man suddenly jerked and a violent tremmor ran through him though his grip about Agni's throat remained the same. A touch of confusion showed on his face and his eyelids blinked rapidly over those bottomless black pits but they seemed to lock back onto the one he held an instant later, another snarl rising from him. But his head slowly turned, looking past Agni and as his eyes fell on those watching in the distance, light appeared in those eyes once more. First with a faint flicker, he suddenly exploded with light as his white aura reappeared to replace the blackness surrounding him and he released Agni, the fire spirit dropping bonelessly to the sand as he took two unsteady steps back. His blazing eyes remained fixed to those in the distance but as Agni again attempted to push herself up, she grunted as Daniel suddenly jumped forward, one of his feet planting itself onto her chest and driving her back down to the sand. Growling violently at her, Daniel then tipped his head back and roared.

As the fire spirit had transformed herself into a sun, so Daniel blazed with light, the aura surrounding him stretching out to dozens of yards around and the wings of light at his back stretching a hundred feet into the air and sweeping out over the dunes. The roar continued for many heartbeats as he shone with light, the sand trembling under the watchers feet as a wind washed out around them.

"Wow…just…wow." Tiki breathed, the spirit at her side simply nodding his head in wide eyed agreement.

"I know." Linka added in a whisper, "I'm all gooey again."

Only rolling her eyes at this, Azula helped steady Toph back onto her feet as the young Earthbender panted.

"He…he did it?" Toph asked but she realized an instant later that Azula had gone.

She appeared on the sand a few feet from Daniel and Agni, ignoring the stricken fire spirit as she walked slowly up to the blazing man. His glowing eyes remained fixed to hers as Azula walked up to him without fear, one hand reaching out to rest upon his chest.

"So beautiful." Azula breathed in wonder and she felt a tremor run through him, "It's alright now, Danny. Ease back. It's ok. Ease it back now."

And slowly he did just that, more tremors running through him as the blazing aura that surrounded him drew back, fading slowly from sight. As his tattoos flickered last, a moan escaped his lips followed by a small sob as he stumbled back from Agni and Azula followed, wrapping her arms about his chest in an embrace to help support him as he suddenly sagged. Finding herself ignored for the moment, Agni stared up from where she lay and suddenly glowed with golden light.

Azula spun about with one arm still about Daniel but only to see Agni rise to her feet, whole once more with four limbs and encased once again in her golden chain mail. Yet there was only wonder on the fire spirit's face as she stepped forward, reaching out to rest one hand on the scarred man's shoulder.

"You are the one." Agni breathed and suddenly smiled warmly, "I will follow you."

Still trembling in Azula's embrace and breathing hard, Daniel inclined his head briefly. Then reaching up to her golden armor, Agni plucked at it with a sound like a musical chime and she reached out to take one of Azula's hands, depositing a thin gold ring into the surprised woman's palm.

"If you ever need me, just call." Agni said to Azula, closing the young woman's fingers about the ring before her golden eyes turned back to Daniel, "Or if you ever feel the urge to share. Considering the way he fights,"

Leaving it at that with just a slightly suggestive smile, Agni stepped back and bowed low to them both, her smile warm once more as she vanished in a burst of flame. His strength seeming to disappear then, Daniel sagged further in Azula's embrace and she dropped to her knees as she helped him down to his. His head turned to her as the glows in his eyes faded and Azula slipped her small pack from her shoulders, drawing his blindfold from it and with great care tied it about his eyes.

"I…that wasn't what I expected. The…the rage," Daniel said in a strained voice, "But we…we heard you…Thank you."

Wolf too thanks you, sweet tigress. the animal spirit's voice rose from him, But that rage…the anger…it did not feel like it came from us.

"It's alright." Azula said soothingly, though she frowned as she thought of what she had seen, "We…need to think on this and talk about it but…you did beautifully Danny. You held it, you controlled it."

Then leaning into him, she wrapped him in her arms and her own tensions faded as his arms went about her, the scarred man trembling slightly as he held her to himself tightly.

"Astounding." Kongki breathed, still staring at the two figures atop their distant dune, "And all without greater powers."

"Well…we don't have powers either." Linka said with a frown, "But Danny's teaching us to fight just like him."

"And just as he has shown that he is the one who can face Fate, he has proven to us that you can too." Kongki said with a smile, looking to both women at his sides, "We Elementals have long loved your race. Humans have faced many challenges, both from within and without and yet you always persevere. It will be an honor to stand and fight with you."

"Thanks." Tiki said, her face blushing darkly as she continued, "Listen, uh, do you…want to go out sometime?"

"Tiki?" Linka shot at her friend in surprise.

"Ladies. I have appreciated your…attentions today but I know full well you have been using your delightful selves as a means to seek my support." Kongki said pleasantly as the two women both blushed uncomfortably, "I have not been an Elemental as long as I have without learning a thing or two and one thing I have learned recently is that the Jasmine Dragon in Ba Sing Sa has a most delectable lunch menu. Shall we say tomorrow then?"

Toph turned her head toward the trio as her lips curled in disbelief while both Tiki and Linka's faces grew crimson.

"I, uh, thanks Kongki but," Linka began uncomfortably.

"I'd love to." Tiki gushed, hugging herself to the air spirit's side again.

"Wonderful." Kongki said with a wide smile, looking to Linka next, "You are welcome to join us dear, no strings attached of course."

"Uh, no but thank you." Linka said, her disbelieving eyes still affixed to her friend, then as a smirk formed on her face the young woman leaned into Kongki's side and whispered top him, "You be real nice to her. Oh and she really likes strawberries."

"With cream." Tiki added and giggled as the air spirit himself blushed lightly.

"Ugh, enough of this." Toph said grumpily, walking away from them, "I'm going to see how Danny is."

"Yeah, me too." Linka said and moved to follow, calling back over her shoulder, "Don't stay out too late Tiki. We gotta collect from Danny and Zula later."

In the Firelord's family mansion on Ember Island, those seated about the large table in the meeting room sat back, many talking animatedly about the fight they had witnessed. One of those, Aang sat with his head bowed, silent and brooding over all that had occurred that day. Sudden silence fell as a burst of flame appeared at one end of the room, the fires receeding to reveal Agni standing there. Ignoring all else, the fire spirit marched forward and halted to glare down at Iroh where he sat between Piandao and Suki.

"Do you think you have what it takes to replace me?" she spat disdainfully.

"That was never my intention, my lady." Iroh rumbled in embarrassment, bowing his head.

"Rise to your feet and look at me when you speak to me." Agni snapped and as Iroh did as she commanded she snapped again, "Now answer my question!"

"I…I do not know, my lady." Iroh said, his eyes wide as he stared at her, "I have always been blessed with a spiritual awareness and I love my element but I would never seek to replace you."

"Enough of the pleasantries." Agni snapped harshly and her hand flashed out to rest on the old man's chest.

There came a bright flash of light causing the others in the room to exclaim in surprise but there came further exclamations as the light faded. Iroh remained where he had been but greatly altered. His grey hair and beard were glossy black and he stood straight and tall, his rounded belly gone leaving his robes hanging loosely on his suddenly youthful body.

"It will not last long." Agni growled, her gold on gold eyes boring into Iroh's, "Now, you will show me just why Daniel sets such great store in you."

With another flash of light, Agni and Iroh both were gone and the silence that reined after their departure was broken by a light giggle.

"Like Kongki said," Yue breathed with a knowing smile, "He's not the only one of us affected by the earth's seasons."

Many have sought Agni's…favors in the past. La added in his booming, crashing voice, Some have even earned it but Agni is wise enough to know she cannot have Daniel...no matter how good of a warrior he is.

And after that battle, the little black creature on the table before Yue and La added next, his furry cheeks spreading in a grin as his pointed snout turned to Zuko, Don't expect to have your Uncle back anytime soon.

"I just…I don't understand anything anymore." Daniel mumbled, keeping his face still, "Nothing I experienced as the Nomad prepared me for any of this."

"Danny." Azula said from his side, "You know you're not him."

"Maybe not but I still carry his memories as though they are my own. Two thousand years of them." Daniel growled pensively, "And though he added plenty to the consumed, he never learned anything of them. It's only here, in the mortal realm they can be seen but they should not see me. They have no lifeforce. They can't be aware of anything."

"I know what I saw." Azula returned in a slightly annoyed tone.

"I don't disbelieve you, Azula it's just," Daniel began, turning to face her then hissed in pain, "Ow."

"Well, hold your face still silly." Linka shot at him, wiping a spot of blood from his cheek before she returned her razor to his face.

In the small cove near to the mansion, Daniel and Azula sat on a stone beside the small waterfall while Tiki and Linka were once more crouched before them. With her legs extended before herself, Azula relaxed as Tiki rubbed soapy lather over the young woman's thighs and applied a razor of her own to Azula's legs and beside them, Linka carefully shaved the stubble from Daniel's cheeks and jaw.

"You know," Azula began, raising an eyebrow at the pair of Kyoshi Warriors, "When you two said you wanted something in exchange for helping us convince Kongki, I had imagined you would expect something from us."

"Oh, we do." Linka said pleasantly without looking away from Daniel's face, "You two are doing us next."

"Err," Daniel began.

"My legs, stupid." Linka clarified to the scarred man and giggled, "Now hold still or I'll make you trim my yoni too."

This had the effect the young woman sought as Daniel froze, a slightly frightened look on his face as the three woman laughed softly.

"Plus we get to see you guys kiss after. That's was the deal." Tiki added, shifting Azula's leg to one side, "And you only need to my legs too, Zula. I keep my yoni neat."

"Neat?" Azula asked, unsure if she wanted the answer.

"She means smooth. Bald." Linka replied matter-of-factly, "I tried that once but I get all red and itchy."

"Can we please change the subject?" the scarred man growled through gritted teeth, causing the two warrior women to giggle loudly again.

They were silent for a time until Linka reached for a wet cloth and wiped at the scarred man's face, cleaning away the last traces of cut whiskers and soap. As a final touch, the young woman leaned forward to press her lips to his cheek and Daniel blushed darkly as she sat back with a smile.

"There, just right." Linka said warmly and reached out to touch his chin and lips, "And in another week your mo and goatee should be grown out nicely."

"Although," Tiki added, peering closely at his face in the dim light, "It's funny. You got brown hair but the hair on your face is black as black can be."

Surprising the young women, Daniel suddenly snorted and chuckled deeply, his face blushing again as all three looked questioningly to him.

"Sorry, it's just…something I heard June say to Toph once. About…why my hair is different to my parents." Daniel said, his face growing rapidly darker, "She said, Toph's upstairs carpet didn't match the downstairs rug."

Tiki and Linka laughed loudly at this and after a moments thought, Azula joined in with them and although the scarred man chuckled again, his humor faded quickly.

"Everyone was very…quiet when we returned this afternoon." Daniel rumbled softly, a thoughtful frown on his face, "Linka, Tiki, what you saw today…you're not…upset at me? Afraid?"

"It was a very…vicious fight." Linka replied first, a frown on her own face, "I mean, you did rip off her arms and one of her legs."

"But Agni was being just as nasty." Tiki added, her own frown fading as she smiled to him, "We're not afraid of you, Danny."

"How could we be?" Linka added next, smiling herself, "You're a good guy."

"And you do these things to help us." Tiki said, looking to her friend, "And I know Link want's to meet a guy just like you one day."

"Tiki." Linka hissed in embarrassment, her face growing dark.

"Do you see?" Azula said softly, leaning into his side, "I told you they would be fine."

"Maybe…I wanted to see Aang, to talk about it but," Daniel began with a troubled frown, "I think he's avoiding me."

"Not avoiding." came a voice from nearby, "Just…thinking about things."

"Aang." Daniel said, jumping to his feet.

From the small path leading into the cave came Aang with Katara, the young man carrying his son in his arms as Ana walked beside her mother. The scarred man remained where he was but Aang walked straight up to him, Gyatso's chubby arms reaching out for the scarred man.

"I didn't like the way you kept your plans from me. Both of you." Aang said sternly, his eyes flicking down to Azula then back to Daniel, "That could have gone very badly, Daniel."

"I…I know but it's not something we planned from the beginning." Daniel began apologetically, "Please, Aang…we still need to talk about this but I,"

"I'm proud of you, Danny." Aang suddenly interrupted and the scarred man blinked in surprise.

"You reached your Avatar state and you could have destroyed Agni but you didn't." Katara added with a warm smile, "And now we have the Elemental's support for the solstice. I'm proud of you too."

"Me too big brother." Ana said, lunging forward from her mother's side to wrap her arms about Daniel waist in a tight hug.

"Hey, what's all this?" came another voice and the small group turned to see three newcomers entering the cove, "There's cuddles on offer and we're not getting any. What gives, Chuckles?"

Another small group came walking up, Zuko with Mai and Toph at his sides and just beside the trio walked Sanna with Manny and Koko arm in arm with Bumi just behind, all of them smiling as they came up to the scarred man. Then came a crashing in the trees beyond the cove and those within looked up in surprise as a huge shape leapt out from atop the waterfall, a large brown shirshu hitting the beach with a hard thump and skidding to a halt.

"We're not happy with you." Hakoda said from Nyla's saddle.

"Yeah, how come we had to go to some stupid play and miss out?" Maki added from behind his brother as the twins jumped down to the sand.

"Because no doubt you two would have tried to join in." came Suki's voice as she and Sokka walked onto the beach from the path, little Reena held in her father's arms, "Even with Nyla, I doubt you would have lasted long against the spirit of fire."

"Nah, Nyla can take anything." Hakoda said with a boastful grin.

"Yeah, we could have helped you kick her butt." Maki said to the scarred man who shook his head with a grin.

"So…none of you are…upset?" Daniel asked hesitantly, "I know I seemed to be in control but once Wolf and I became the beast we weren't exactly,"

"Hey, dude." Sokka said, moving forward to stand before the scarred man, "Quit doubting yourself. We don't."

"Yes, if there is one thing I have learned about you Daniel," Zuko added with a warm smile, "Everything you do is for us."

"So, come on Chuckles, I'm dyin to know," Toph said then with an eager expression, "How'd the new armor go?"

"Oh, err, yes. About those." Daniel said with a small grin, moving back to the small watrfall and picking up one of the silver gauntlets. Holding it in one hand, the muscles in his forearm buldged as he squeezed and with a crunching tinkle, silver fragments rained down onto the sand at his feet.

"Oh, come on." Sokka said in a high whine, "That's my best work."

"And you're almost there but I was facing Agni after all." Daniel said warmly, brushing his hand against his leg, "Who knows, I may even let you examine Azula's sai. I modified them weeks ago…just as I learned from my uncle and mother."

"Wait…you mean, you could just show us how to make the armor?" Sokka began with an angry expression, "Dude, why ther hell haven't you?"

"Because just as I taught you, Sokka," came Piandao's cultured voice as he and Loa joined the others on the beach, "What you learn and master for yourself will serve you far better than if I had simply given you all the answers."

"Just as I learned from a very wise master swordsman myself." Daniel said, bowing deeply to the pair and then to the surprise of everyone, though none was more surprised than Lao, when Daniel marched forward and paused before him, "I want to apologize for before, Lao. My grandfather was a good friend to me, I hope you will be too."

A small party began then, the Gaang and their friends enjoying the cool night air within the cove. Soon Zuko had a sizeable bonfire going at one end of the beach and food was brought down from the mansion. Late into the night they remained, even long after the children had gone to sleep near the fire but all noticed how relaxed the scarred man was. The smile rarely left his face and for most of the evening his hand remained affixed to Azula's, often sharing his smile with her.

Much later, Linka and Tiki moved away from the others, whispering to each other near the small waterfall.

"You know, Toph was right." Tiki said to her friend, "Danny needed that fight."

"Or something else…good and hard." Linka said as they shared a light giggle, "But you're right. He looks so at ease for once."

"I just hope Kongki's not expecting too much tomorrow." Tiki said, biting at her lip, "I mean, it'll technically be our first date after all."

"Dating an Elemental." Linka said with a shake of her head, "Wow, Tiki. You sure know how to pick a boyfriend."

"Well, he is cute and when he gets old again he'll be great for snuggling in the cold." Tiki said thoughtfully, her eyes drifting back to those gathered about the fire, "I guess we don't get to see our kiss tonight."

"A deal is a deal." came Azula's voice and the two Kyoshi Warriors jumped in surprise as she and Daniel simply appeared beside them.

Turning to each other with identical smirks, Daniel reached for Tiki's arm as Azula took Linka and before either woman could react there came an instant of darkness and pressure. When light returned they stood upon a hard black, glossy surface with yellow gold dunes stretching to the horizon all about them. From late at night on Ember Island they found themselve standing in the early dawn's light in the Si Wong desert once more, at the sight of Daniel and Agni's fight from hours before and they stared in amazement at the sheet of dark glass they stood upon, easily a quarter mile in diameter and as Tiki kicked her foot against it she guessed it to be many feet thick here at it's center.

Upon their arrival however, Daniel and Azula's were focused only upon each other. Moving a few steps away from the pair, they faced each other as Daniel placed his hands on Azula's hips, she resting her hands upon his shoulders.

"When I first came to this world, my future was certain and set in stone yet from the moment I first saw you, I cast all that away." Daniel said softly, smiling warmly as he continued, "But now, though I am uncertain of what the future may bring or what I may be becoming, I am certain that I could not have faced Agni as I did…nor would I be the man I am without you. For all that you are, for all that you do and all that you will become, I love you."

Linka and Tiki watched silently, the two friends leaning into each other and grasping one another's hands as they watched misty eyed.

"I could take all that you just said and repeat it back to you and know that every word is true." Azula said to him, one hand lifting to cup Daniel's cheek as she smiled at him, "Just know that I love you too."

Taking one hand from her waist, Daniel pulled down his blindfold to reveal red and green glowing eyes but as Tiki and Linka watched those glows faded. For just a few heartbeats, the ghostly shapes of two eyes stared back lovingly at Azula, one a dazzling emerald green and the other a dark, stormy grey flecked with brown.

Slipping one hand behind his head, Azula pulled him forward as she moved in and their lips met softly, her mouth and his working together. Her lips parted first, her tongue finding his and their kiss grew longer with passion shared between both.

Azula felt a familiar heat growing inside but with it came old fears and she tried to push them aside but not before an image of her father's sneering face arose briefly in her mind. Sensing this, Daniel broke the kiss first though his arms remained about her as he pulled back to smile warmly at her flushed face. Her fears faded quickly after that, only his smiling and just as flushed face filling her world.

"Now that was so worth it." Linka said, her and her friend's face as flushed as they pair they watched.

Wolf finally understand. rose a voice only the scarred man and Azula heard, So that's why the tongues.

I know, very fluffy ending but I decided to go with it in the end because bad times are coming. As usual I humbly beg for you reviews like the hopeless addict I am.