Avenging Avatar: Book 1- Water

by TheWriterForGod42

Join Aang, Katara and Sokka with the help of some of the Avengers as they journey to the Northern Water Tribe, where Aang must master the element of Water.

18. Chapter 18: The Waterbending Master

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Avatar the Last Airbender or the Avengers (MCU), only the story. Avatar the Last Airbender and its characters belongs to Nickelodeon and Avengers belongs to Marvel. I apologize for any errors in grammar and/or if I was not accurate in reference to something.

A/N: Hope that most of you aren't too disappointed by the reveal. Especially those who were voting for Tony. Maybe you'll get lucky in the next vote.

x

Katara: Water, Soldier, Mechanist, God, Earth, Fire, Spy, Archer, Monster, Air

(One by one, eight figures do something to show off their skills: the waterbender weaves a stream of water from the ground, around him and then thrusts it towards the side, the soldier blocks an attack with his shield before throwing it, the mechanist has armor envelope him and then uses the repulsor on his hand to blast something on the side, the god holds a powerful hammer high to summon a bolt of lightning, the earthbender kicks the ground bringing up a large rock before he kicks it away, the firebender twists around as she summons fire from her foot before doing a high kick to the ground and makes the flames spread, the spy drops down from above and displays a few moves, the archer rolls across the ground and fires a few arrows, and finally the monster comes down from a jump and smashes his huge fists on the ground, the airbender drops down and then with a circle of his arms he creates a blast of wind.)

Katara: Long ago, the four nations lived together in harmony. Then everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked.

(Docked on a shore, five Fire Nation ships with the Hydra insignia released their soldiers. With a jump forward and a palm thrust, the firebenders released a wave of fire as the Hydra soldiers used their advanced technology.)

Katara: Only the Avatar, master of all four elements could stop them. But when the world needed him most, he vanished.

(The Avatar, a man with a crown on his head and dressed in robes stands on a pillar of stone as he bent the four elements of water, earth, fire and air to show his skill in the arts of bending. After releasing a powerful disk of wind, he disappears from existence.)

Katara: A hundred years passed and my brother and I discovered the new Avatar: an Airbender named Aang and met the team called the Avengers.

(The water tribe siblings find a young Airbender frozen in block of ice. After freeing him, they are then joined by heroes called Captain America, Ironman, Thor, Hulk, Clint, and Natasha.)

Katara: And although with the teams help and his airbending skills are great, hehas a lot to learn before he's ready to save anyone.

(At an Air Nomad path, Aang creates an air scooter and starts to have fun with it. But when he expands his circle a little bit, he runs right into a statue. He rolls over onto his back as all six of the Avengers then poke their heads from behind the statue to check on him.)

Katara: But I believe the Avengers and Aang can save the world.

(Aang, Steve, Katara, Tony, Thor, Bruce, Sokka, Clint and Natasha stand side by side, looking down at the world on a mountain's peak for a moment as the reader's view is turned upwards to the sun.)

Nickelodeon and Marvel

The Avenging Avatar

x

Avatar Roku: Previously, on Avenging Avatar…

Aang, Katara, Sokka and Steve had just escaped from Prince Zuko's clutches and they had just gotten over the fact that Aang was the long lost Avatar and now they were going over a plan. Katara then recited, "First you need to master water, then earth, then fire, right?"

"That's what the monks told me." Aang said. A smile formed on Katara's face as she then said, "If we got to the North Pole, you can learn Waterbending."

"We can learn it together." Aang said in equal excitement.

Steve was worried for his friends as he said, "They could be anywhere on your world."

"Then we'll find them." Aang promised as he placed a hand on the super soldier's shoulder. Then he said, "We can look for them on the way to the North Pole." Then a smiling Katara said, "Then we're in this together."

On Kyoshi Island, Steve had found one of his friends, the spy of S.H.I.E.L.D., Natasha Romanoff. They were in the main building of the village when she said, "I landed in the ocean and was brought here by something under the water that brought me to the island."

At the Northern Air Temple after the battle against their enemies, the Mechanist offered, "If there is anything I can do for you, all you have to do is ask."

"Well," Steve said and then asked, "Maybe if you meet a few people that don't seem like they're from any of the four nations…"

"You could send them our way." Natasha finished. Teo's father nodded and said, "Consider it done. And I'll be more than likely to tell if they're your friends."

"Why yes, my good sir." A voice said from underneath a tree. The Mechanist squinted his eyes at the person as they then asked, "I was wondering if you had seen some friends of mine."

\l/

Book One: Water

Chapter Eighteen: The Prince of Asgard and the Waterbending Master

It was around noon as an arctic koala otter floated on its back in the ocean waters of the North Pole. But the sound of a groaning bison caused it to dive underneath the waves. Appa flew past icebergs as the group looked for any signs of the Northern Water Tribe. While Aang laid on his back, Steve and Natasha kept an eye out while fiddling with their gear on the sides of the saddle, Katara laid on her belly in the middle of the saddle with a bored expression and Sokka was laying on his belly against the back of the saddle. An irritated Sokka then said, "I'm not one to complain-"

"That's a total lie." Natasha smirked as she was trying her comms. Steve grinned as he added, "A really big lie."

Sokka glanced back with a glare before finishing, "But can't Appa fly any higher?"

Appa only groaned as he slowly descended to the water's surface before gaining a little altitude again. Sokka's comment got to Aang as he twisted around in his spot and shot back, "I have an idea." Pointing to Sokka he then said, "Why don't we all get on your back and you can fly us to the North Pole?"

"What do you think, Sokka?" Steve teased in a light manner, "Think you can get us there?"

"Oh, I'd love to." Sokka sarcastically said before pointing to his back and shook his butt, "Climb on, everyone. Sokka's ready for take-off."

The only one to seem willing was Momo as he chittered in excitement and jumped onto Sokka's back. Sokka looked to the lemur with an annoyed expression. Katara then decided to put an end to it by looking between her brother and the Airbender and said, "Look," Aang and the two Avengers looked to her as she said, "we're all just a little tired and cranky because we've been flying for two days straight."

"And for what?" Sokka asked after moving Momo into his lap. Then he pointed out to the surrounding ocean, "We can't even find the Northern Water Tribe." He sounded bleak as he said, "There's nothing up here."

"You'd think we'd have seen some land or people by now." Steve said as he looked about the icebergs. Natasha then put in, "Then again, they have been able to keep out of the Fire Nation's clutches for a good while now."

"That's true." Sokka nodded. This caused everyone to look down in dismay. The sound of something splashing loudly drew their attention. Aang looked ahead of them as ice jutted from the water. The Airbender screamed as he pulled the reins to make Appa move right. Sokka, Katara, Steve and Natasha screamed as they hung on to the saddle. Another iceberg formed in front of them and Aang pulled the reins to make Appa move to the left. But this one was able to catch Appa's middle right leg and throw him off balance with a roar. Everyone screamed as Appa spun out of control in the air. Aang hung on tight to the reins as he was flung around while Appa spun. The bison crashed on his side and Aang used his airbending to move back onto Appa's head. When it seemed that the ocean was settling down, ice quickly formed towards the bison and Appa roared as it completely surrounded him.

"This can only mean one thing." Natasha said as Appa was completely stuck in the ice. The team looked out to the icebergs as regal looking canoes propelled by waterbenders coming out from behind the nearby icebergs. Sokka took out his boomerang in case they were attacked. But he lowered his weapon as Katara excitedly said, "They're Waterbenders."

The hole group was surrounded by at least six Northern Tribe boats. One of the men on board the boat then said, "We have awaited your arrival, young Avatar."

\l/

Elsewhere in the Earth Kingdom at a Fire Nation harbor, something big was going down as a big tent on a hill was being guarded by many Fire Nation and Hydra soldiers. Inside the tent, Admiral Zhao was holding a war meeting. They were discussing the subject of the Avatar. The admiral stood before a map with his hands behind his back as he said, "The Avatar and the two Avengers with him are heading north," He turned to his fellow Fire Nation officers, Johan Schmidt and a few Hydra soldiers while saying, "The Northern Water Tribe. The Avatar needs to master waterbending."

"It would make sense." The Red Skull said on the other side of the rug with the combined insignia of Hydra and the Fire Nation. Everyone looked to him as he said, "It is the only place where he truly learn waterbending. Seeing as how you followed my previous instructions."

"And we are grateful to you helping us eliminate that problem." Zhao nodded. He then turned back to the map as he got back on track, "He's looking for a teacher."

"Then what are we waiting for?" A Fire Nation officer closest to the admiral questioned. He a raised a clenched fist as he looked to the others and said, "Let's go get him."

"Patience, Captain." Johann advised. Zhao was in agreement as he said, "He's right, Captain Lee. This isn't some little Earth village we can just march into." Zhao moved around them as he pointed out, "The Water Tribe is a great nation. There's a reason they've survived a hundred years of war. The frozen tundra is treacherous. The landscape itself is an icy fortress."

"And though we have the necessary gear and equipment," Johann put in, "my men back on my world haven't perfected the transfer machine for the war machines. But there should be enough troops."

"Enough troops for what?" Another Fire Nation officer asked. Zhao then revealed, "I plan to assemble a massive invasion force. One that'll not only conquer the Northern Water Tribe, but capture the Avatar and the Avengers."

Admiral Zhao looked to each of them and said, "I urge you to rally what forces can be spared, for we leave for the North Pole in a week's time."

The Fire Nation officers nodded before getting up to leave. When they were gone, only Hydra's leader and the Fire Nation admiral were left in the tent. Johann Schmidt then asked, "You said that you wished to talk to me about the Winter Soldier, correct."

Zhao nodded and said, "I believe that he is spending too much time with Prince Zuko."

\l/

Appa floated across the ocean with the six Water Tribe boats as they made their way to the Northern Tribe. As they passed a few icebergs, Aang saw it, stood up on Appa's head and excitedly said, "There it is!"

The four in the saddle looked at the giant ice wall in amazement. Katara breathlessly said with a smile, "The Northern Water Tribe."

"I've got to say, they really know how to make their defenses." Steve complimented. Sokka couldn't believe his eyes as he said, "We're finally here."

Momo chittered as he looked around Aang at the wall. The group came up to a wall before coming to a stop. The Waterbenders on the canoes moved to the front and clasped their hands together before their arms in a circle and held them high before sliding their left foot, bending their knees and bringing their hands down. It caused a half circle to appear in front of Appa and the ice slid down like a door, allowing passage into the tribe. One of the Waterbenders gestured for the group to go inside. With a flick of the reins from Aang, Appa swam through the tunnel with a slight groan. The group soon found themselves within a waterway with Waterbenders standing on three sides of them; six on the sides and four in front of them. All of the Waterbenders here performed the same motions as the ones on the canoes and water began to flow from the separate channels and into the groups square. As the water continued to rise and Appa stayed afloat, Katara then said, "I can't believe how many Water benders live up here."

"We'll find a master to teach us, no problem." Aang said, thinking that the element of water was in the bag.

The wall where the four Waterbenders were standing started to lower as the water reached a certain level. As they neared the water, platforms kept the Waterbenders from sinking as two new Northern Water Tribe boats waited for them. As Appa followed after the two boats, they passed by a few men that rode on arctic animals that had curved horns on their heads. They all looked in wonder to how majestic everything in the Northern Water Tribe looked. Up head was another gate way point before a third gate way point and then the main city. Once they had passed through, they followed one of the boats to the right while bystanders watched them from above on rooftops. As they passed down water canals, the people of the Northern Tribe started to cheer at the passing heroes. While Katara, Sokka, Steve and Natasha looked about with smiles, Aang waved his hand to anyone who could see.

As they continued following the boat, another yet more regal looking boat passed by on the same canal. Sokka glanced down at the young woman who was sitting at the front of the boat with her hands in her sleeves. Her hair was tied in an interesting way. Sokka thought she was very beautiful as he smiled while his cheeks blushed as he thought he was falling in love. Natasha happened to glance back to him and saw the look on his face. She was about to say something when he got out of the saddle and slid down Appa's tail. He stopped at the edge while Katara said, "This place is beautiful."

"Yeah, she is." Sokka said with a love struck look while Katara looked back to her brother.

\l/

On the Admiral's personal ship as it was sailing to a certain point, both Admiral Zhao and the Red Skull stood on the deck of the ship. Johann Schmidt let out a deep sigh before asking, "And you are sure that the Winter Soldier helped in the Avatar and the Captain's escape from the fortress."

"Unless you know of someone else of Hydra who has a weapon like the one I described to you." Zhao said. Johann then said, "Then I will go with you to order the Winter Soldier to go on your expedition to the North Pole, taking at least some of the Prince's support away from him."

"And with my power, I will make it to where he can't hunt for the Avatar anymore either." Zhao put in. Johann didn't say anything more about it as their ship continued on its way. It wasn't long until they spotted Prince Zuko's ship docked at a peer.

\_l_/

A crescent moon floated over Prince Zuko's ship as the strum of a guitar filled the air. The Lieutenant strummed a soft melody over a few times. Two members of the crew played drums while two others danced to the rhythm and Iroh started to sing…

Iroh: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall

The two crewman danced around the fire while the other three played their instruments and Iroh kept singing…

Iroh: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall

Four seasons

The Winter Soldier moved to where he stood at the entrance into ship's interior and watched the six of them have a merry time. A small smile formed on the super soldier's face as the two dancing spun before separating and then coming back together in their dance. Iroh had a smile as he continued to singing…

Iroh: Four loves

Four seasons

Four love

Unbeknownst to all of them, four figures walked onto the ship. The Winter Soldier saw them and his eyes widened when he saw who it was. Two Firebender soldiers, Johann Schmidt and Admiral Zhao walked to the merry men. The admiral had a smile on his face while Johann looked back to see Hydra's assassin standing there. The leader of Hydra beckoned him to come forward. The Lieutenant caused a note to twang when the six looked back to see that they had company. Zhao then got right to the point, "I'm organizing a little trip to the North Pole and I need recruits."

"And you thought you'd find them here?" The Lieutenant questioned. Zhao's smirk didn't falter as he said, "Given the fact that I command much more than Zuko at the moment, I'd say that you don't have much of a choice."

Everyone looked to each other as they knew that the admiral had a point. Johann looked back to the Winter Soldier and said, "And I have volunteered you to go along with the Admiral."

"What about Prince Zuko?" The assassin questioned. Johann had expected a question such as this and said, "Your mission is to capture Captain Rogers, his friends and the Avatar. They are up at the North Pole, and we need you for the upcoming battle."

He fully turned to the Winter Soldier and said, "This is an order and to deny it would be treason."

The Winter Soldier hung his head as he knew that he couldn't disobey an order from Hydra's leader. He looked the Red Skull in eye and said, "Yes, sir."

"Good." Johann nodded. He then ordered, "Hurry up and grab your things."

The Winter Soldier nodded and walked off. Iroh looked glum to losing a friend such as the Winter Soldier, but there was hardly anything he could do. Zhao cleared his throat to draw his attention and then said, "I'll be taking the entire crew with me as well."

"Everyone?" Iroh asked. Zhao nodded and said, "Everyone."

\_l_/

Back at the North Pole, night had come over the Northern Water Tribe as well. But it was a night of celebration as the entire tribe was gathered. After meeting with the chief of the Northern Tribe, the chief held a feast in honor of their arrival. Six men banged on large animal skin drums while the rest of the tribe sat at tables in front of the palace. The Chief of the Northern Tribe, Chief Arnook, sat in the middle with his family on his right and the group on his left. In the middle of the courtyard sat a large pool of water. While everyone waited patiently, four tribesman moved a giant platter of veggies in front of Appa. The bison let loose a growl and it sent the men running off with a shriek. Sokka gave a slight smile while Appa started to eat.

Four other tribesman walked a giant crab over to the pool of water and lowered it into the boiling water. The water hissed and steam billowed from the water. Chief Arnook stood up and proposed a toast by saying, "Tonight, we celebrate the arrival of our brother and sister from the Southern Tribe."

Sokka and Katara looked out to the rest of their sister tribe with smiles and a wave. The chief then said, "And they have brought with them some very special people-"

Gesturing to both Steve and Natasha he said, "The heroes who have come from another world, Captain America and Natasha Romanoff, the Avengers." Then looking down to Aang he said with clasped hands, "And someone who many of us believed disappeared from the world until now-" Gesturing to the Airbender he said, "the Avatar."

While holding Momo in one arm, Aang raised his free hand in order to wave to the people. Everyone started to cheer and applaud to the Avatar. Chief Arnook then said, "We also celebrate my daughter's sixteenth birthday."

He moved out of the way as his daughter and two other women came walking up to the table. The tribe once again applauded to the news. The chief finished by saying, "Princess Yue is now of marrying age."

Sokka glanced around his sister and friends to catch a glimpse of the princess. Princess Yue looked to the chief and said, "Thank you, father." Then turning back to the tribe and their guests she said, "May the great ocean and moon spirits watch over us during these troubled times."

Chief Arnook then looked to three people standing before a fountain on the far side of the courtyard and gestured as he said, "Now, Master Pakku and his students will perform."

The drums started to play again as the three Waterbenders readied themselves. Master Pakku and both his students raised their arms before bringing their left arm close and sweeping their right hands in a downward arch. They then switched the places of their hands and three large streams of water came flying out of three big earns in front of them. The two outer streams moved around the central in a winding fashion before all three moved back and became giant spheres of water. The crowd applauded at the performance. Even Aang and Katara were really excited as they applauded. Master Pakku then moved his hands behind him as he moved the stream diagonally down and bringing it back up. His students mirrored his movements as they all moved the streams of water around them. They brought their streams of water together to create one giant stream and bent it around all three. Then they moved around each of them.

As the master and his students continued to perform, everyone else was enjoying themselves. Sokka in particular, was stuffing his face with food as a certain princess walked up behind him and sat down on his left. As she sat, he quickly chewed and swallowed what he had before turning to Princess Yue and said, "Hi, there." Then he introduced himself, "Sokka, Southern Water Tribe."

"Very nice to meet you." Princess Yue said with a bow. The two became lost in what to say to each other as they looked about. Sokka then said, "So, uh," Yue looked to him as he said with a smile, "you're a princess, huh?"

She nodded and he leaned against the table while saying, "You know, back in my tribe, I'm like a prince myself."

Katara gave a scoff/laugh before asking, "Prince of what?"

"Even I can tell that this is not gonna be your night." Natasha said from the other side of the Waterbender. Katara continued eating as Sokka then said, "One: A lot of things. And two: Do you two mind? I'm trying to have a conversation here."

"My apologies, Prince Sokka." Katara said with a bow and Natasha chuckled to this. While Katara and Nat looked back to the performance Sokka turned back before noticing that he still had Yue's attention. Then he said, "It looks like I'm going to be in town for a while." Then he asked her out by saying, "I was thinking that maybe we could do an activity together?"

"Do an activity?" Yue asked. Now nervous, Sokka straightened up, confusing the princess, and then started to stuff the rest of his food into his mouth. He swallowed before covering his mouth while coughing. He glanced to her with a slight look when Katara leaned to him and said, "Very smooth."

"And where was that aloofness back from Aunt Wu's village?" Natasha asked. Sokka looked to them with a slight glare.

When they were done performing, Chief Arnook led Aang over to Pakku and said to the Master, "Master Pakku, meet your newest student, the Avatar."

Aang gave a respectful bow to the man, but Pakku placed his hands in his sleeves and responded by saying, "Just because you're destined to save the world, don't expect any special treatment."

Though a little thrown off by Pakku's words as he looked down, Aang looked the waterbending master in the eye and excitedly said, "My friend and I can't wait to start training with you, after we relax for a couple of days."

"If you want to relax," Master Pakku said otherwise, "then I suggest visiting a tropical island." Then he put in, "If not, I'll see you both at sunrise. Good night."

The waterbending master was about to turn and walk away when the sound of approaching thunder drew everyone's attention. Chief Arnook looked to Pakku and said, "I thought there wasn't going to be any storms?"

"There's not supposed to be." Pakku said as he glanced up to the sky.

Steve, Natasha and the kids looked up as well noticing the growing thunder. A Water Tribesman ran up to them and said, "Sir, we have incoming!"

"Is it the Fire Nation?" Chief Arnook asked. The man shook his head and said, "No, sir. But it is coming in fast."

The group, Chief Arnook, Princess Yue and Master Pakku all ran from the feast and out on to the main stairwell to the palace. They could see large dark clouds gathering on the outskirts of the city. They all saw something coming in from the storm clouds and was going to land on the outskirts of the city. Sokka then questioned, "What is that thing?"

"I'm not sure, but let's check it out." Steve said and ran down the stairs. Aang, Sokka, Katara and Natasha all looked to each other before following after the super soldier. Chief Arnook looked to the princess and said, "Stay here, Yue."

"Yes, father." Princess Yue said with a bow. Then he and Master Pakku followed after the five when the object crashed down. Its impact created a huge cloud obscuring anyone from being able to see.

When they all reached the crash site, they looked down into the crater right as a figure stood up. Steve and Sokka removed their respective weapons, Aang, Master Pakku and Katara readied their bending stances while Natasha stood in front of the chief to protect him. But the chief stepped around her and motioned that he could take care of himself. This surprised Natasha before Chief Arnook turned back to the figure in the crater and demanded, "Who or whatever you are, state your business."

"I have come looking for some friends of mine." A voice from the figure said with an odd accent. While the majority of the group didn't recognize the voice, Steve and Natasha did as the former asked, "Thor?"

The cloud settled and revealed a tall blonde man wearing fancy sleeveless armor, a red cape on his shoulders and hammer in his right hand. The kids then remembered Steve and Natasha's descriptions of Thor and Sokka asked, "So this that friend of yours from the realm of-" He paused when he couldn't think of the name, "Uh, what was it called again."

"Asgard?" Thor said as he walked out of the crater. He stood before the group and said, "I am Thor, son of Odin. And I like I said, I have come to find my friends."

A smile grew on the Asgardian's face as he walked up to Steve and Natasha with wide arms and said, "It is good to see you again after such a long time."

The three friends embraced before Thor gripped both friend's by the shoulders and said, "You must tell me all that has happened since our arrival."

"And we will." Steve promised. Natasha then said, "But first, allow us to introduce you to three new friends of ours." Looking to the kids Nat said, "Meet Sokka and Katara of the Southern Water Tribe."

Katara and Sokka both smiled and waved to Thor. Steve then turned his attention to the Airbender and said, "And the boy with the tattoos is Aang, the Avatar."

"Ah, yes." Thor said, "As I wondered the land, I heard a few tales of a boy with tattoos and his friends fighting against the, uh," He paused a moment before saying, "the Fire Nation."

"Yeah, that's us." Katara said with a nervous smile. Thor then said, "We must regale our stories."

"Well, you can do that on the way back to the palace." Master Pakku said before turning back to the city. Chief Arnook looked to the group and shrugged his shoulders. They then followed after the grumpy old man.

\_l_/

Back on Prince Zuko's ship, the aforementioned prince stood alone in the dark of his room. Prince Zuko wore his training tunic as he scowled while leaning against the wall. The door opened, and knowing that it was his uncle Zuko remained firm about something as he said, "For the last time, I'm not playing the Sunghi horn."

"Uh, no." Iroh said to alleviate his nephew's worries. Then he decided not to beat around the bush and said, "It's about our plans. There's going to a bit of a problem."

He stepped out of the way as Admiral Zhao, Johann Schmidt and the Winter Soldier walked in. The Admiral then turned to the prince and stated, "I'm taking your crew."

"What?!" A shocked Prince Zuko shouted. He moved from the wall as Zhao met him halfway and said, "I've recruited them for a little expedition to the North Pole." He then added, "And I've also recruited the Winter Soldier as well."

Prince Zuko looked to the super soldier, but the assassin looked away. Prince Zuko looked to Iroh and asked, "Uncle, is it all true?"

"I'm afraid so. He's taking everyone," Iroh said with a grim frown. He lifted a sleeve to his eyes as he started to cry, "even the cook."

"Sorry you won't be there to watch me capture the Avatar and the Avengers," Admiral Zhao said with false sincerity. Then he added, "But I can't have you getting in my way again."

With a growl, Prince Zuko tried to rush at the man, but both Iroh and the Winter Soldier stopped him and his uncle shouted, "No!"

Admiral Zhao then took a look around the Prince's room and his gaze fell on the wall opposite of the door. Hanging on the wall was two familiar broadswords and the sheath to carry them underneath them. Zhao's eyes widened as he looked to the way they were arranged and his mind flashed back to when the Avatar and Captain America had escaped. His eyes trembled as he remembered what went down that night.

\_|_/

(Flashback)

The Blue Spirit sliced through spear heads and knocked soldiers away.

After Aang had protected the five from a huge fire ball, the Blue Spirit placed the blades against the Avatar's throat.

A stare down between the Admiral and the Blue Spirit was heated as Zhao looked into the spirit's eyes.

(End of Flashback)

\_|_/

Admiral Zhao's eyes continued to tremble as he reached for one of the blades. Zuko and the Winter Soldier's eyes grew wide as he removed the blade. As he maneuvered the blade around, Zhao said, "I didn't know you were skilled with broadswords, Prince Zuko."

"I'm not." Prince Zuko said as he looked off the side. He lied by saying, "They're antiques, just decorative."

"A nice set." Johann Schmidt complimented as he looked at the other blade. Zhao then asked the former general, "Have you heard of the Blue and Red Spirits, General Iroh?"

"Just rumors." The former general put off. Then he added, "I don't think that they are real."

"Oh, they're real all right." Zhao said as he walked to them with the blade in both hands. Then he sounded angry as added, "They're criminals and an enemy of the Fire Nation and Hydra." He twisted the sword to where the blade pointed to the ground and handed it to Iroh. And as the man took it, Zhao then moved to the door and said, "I have a feeling justice will catch up with him soon."

The Red Skull and the Winter Soldier walked out of the room with the latter casting one last glance to the two before going on. Admiral Zhao stopped at the door and said, "General Iroh, the offer to join my mission still stands if you change your mind."

The Admiral closed the door behind him as he and his associates departed.

\_|_/

Later that night, as the six friends made their way to the quarter's provided for them, Thor laughed. They had just finished telling him their tales together and he said, "Your adventures of you bringing hope back to a war ridden world is inspiring."

"And where did you end up?" Steve asked, wanting to know. Thor then said, "I ended up in a small town at the coast. They were a little confused and wary of me, but when I defended them from the combined forces of our enemies, they were more than happy to help me before I left to find you." Then he said, "Anyway, before coming up this way, I happened to come across a magnificent temple in the mountains and it looked as if a large portion of rock had been blown away-"

"The Northern Air Temple?" Aang asked. Thor nodded and Steve said, "We were just there a few days ago."

"Well, I must have been right behind you," Thor continued his tale, "for once I reached the temple, a bald man with barely any eyebrows told me that the Avatar, two Water Tribe children and two odd strangers were heading for the top of the world. And so I must have assumed that those 'odd' strangers must have been you."

"And I don't suppose that you've heard anything about your other friends did you." Katara asked. They came across the housing block and turned to walk to their place. Thor shook his head, "Unfortunately, I did not. But as my father once told me, to never give up on those closest to you."

"Your father sounds really wise." The Airbender said to the Asgardian with a smile. Thor smiled in appreciation and said, "And it is nice to meet the living Avatar."

"Nice to meet you too, Aang." Thor returned. Then he said with sincerity, "And I do apologize for your loss."

Aang didn't say anything but did appreciate his words. They soon went into their quarters for a good night's sleep.

\_|_/

The next morning before they left for training before sunrise, Katara put her coat back on and asked the others, "What are you guys going to do today?"

"Well, I was going to see if I can go and find Princess Yue." Sokka said with a confident smile. He then noticed that were looking at him funny. Sokka shrugged and said, "What? I think I have a real shot with her."

"Then maybe I shall go with you." Thor suggested. Then he added, "And be your, uh…" He looked to Steve and Natasha to ask, "What do you call it, a wing-something?"

"A wing man?" Natasha suggested with her arms crossed. Thor snapped his fingers as he said with a smile, "Yes. Thank you."

"So, Thor and Sokka have their day covered. And I guess one of us could go and oversee Aang and Katara's waterbending training." Steve said. Natasha then said, "I guess that if one of us does that, the other could go and check on the defenses of the Northern Tribe."

"Why would we need to do that?" Aang questioned. He sounded a little confused as he said, "Wouldn't the Northern Tribe be already doing that?"

"A good point." Thor shrugged. Then he said, "Why don't the both of you just go to watch the training."

"I guess that could work." Steve shrugged. Aang nodded and said, "Great! But we might want to hurry! It's almost sunrise!"

"Ack! We can't be late!" Katara shouted and the four rushed out of the room. When they were gone, Sokka looked to Thor and said, "Well, let's go into town and find us a princess."

"Lead the way, Prince Sokka of the Southern Tribe." Thor said with a gesture of his hand. Sokka's face fell and he said, "Katara and Natasha told you about that, huh?"

Thor nodded and resulted in a groan from the Water Tribe teen as they walked out.

\_|_/

Aang, Katara, Steve and Natasha made their way to the stairs to where they were supposed to meet Master Pakku for the kid's training. Katara looked to all three of them and said, "I've been waiting for this day my whole life, you guys." She was really excited as she said, "I'm finally get to learn from a real waterbending master."

"Just remember that it won't be easy, Katara." Natasha said with a smirk. Katara nodded in understanding and then said, "I know, but I'm just so excited."

Aang, Steve and Natasha were really happy for their friend as they climbed up the stairs. When they made it to the top, Master Pakku currently had a bubble of water and went through the motions as he changed its shape. The water between his hands rippled as he continued to concentrate. But that concentration was broken when Aang shouted from behind, "Good morning, Master Pakku!"

This caused his eyes to widen while dropping the water to the ground. Then with sarcasm in his voice he said, "No, please, march right in." He lowered his arms as he said, "I'm not concentrating or anything."

"Well, someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning." Nat muttered. Steve shushed her while Aang felt a little bad and said, "Uh, sorry." Then gesturing to his fellow Waterbender he said, "This is my friend, Katara."

Katara bowed in respect as he said with a smile, "The one I was telling you about."

All four of them had smiles on their faces while Master Pakku's was the exact opposite. He glanced to Katara before saying, "I'm sorry." Then with a circular wave his arm he bent a mound of snow to become a seat and sat down while saying, "I think there's been a misunderstanding."

The friend's faces fell as he said, "You didn't tell me your friend was a girl." He sounded very strict when he said, "In our tribe, it is forbidden for women to learn waterbending."

Katara's eyes trembled as she became angry with this news. Taking a step forward she angrily questioned, "What do you mean you won't teach me?" Two of her friends were about to stop her when she marched up to him and questioned, "I didn't travel across the entire world so you could tell me no!"

"No." Master Pakku said, not budging. Natasha then said, "I'm confused about something…"

"Of course you'd be." Pakku rudely said. The spy glared at him before saying, "It doesn't make any sense as to why Katara can't learn waterbending."

"Because I just said no. Weren't you listening?" Master Pakku questioned with an arched brow. Steve then stepped in, "Sir, I've seen Katara's progress as a Bender and she's come really far."

"And there must be other female waterbenders in your tribe." Katara said while placing her hands on her hips. Master Pakku nodded and then said, "Here, the women learn from Yagoda to their waterbending to heal." He smiled when he said, "I'm sure she would be happy to make you as her student," the smile fell as he added, "despite your bad attitude."

"I don't want to heal." Katara argued. She remained firm as she stated, "I want to fight!"

"I can see that," Master Pakku said, not changing his mind, "but our tribe as customs, rules."

"And what if those customs and rules are met with something that is unforeseen?" Natasha questioned. Master Pakku arched a brow while he questioned, "What are you getting at?"

"What if the tribe is under attack and all the," The spy used air quotes when she said, "'men' Waterbenders, were outnumbered, what would you do then?"

"They would fight til the last man standing." Master Pakku told her, "And this one," Pointing to Katara, "and the other female Waterbenders will not be learning from me or any of the other Waterbenders that were trained by me. That is final."

"That's sexism and you know it." Natasha said, now feeling that there was a little more to this. Pakku narrowed his eyes to that. Katara then added, "And your rules stink."

"Yeah!" Aang jumped in to say, "They're not fair." Then he threatened, "If you won't teach Katara, then…"

"Then what?" Master Pakku said as he stood from his seat. Aang then decided, "Then I won't learn from you."

The Airbender then turned and walked away. Steve, Katara and Natasha were all worried by his statement while it didn't matter to Master Pakku, "Well, have fun teaching yourself. I'm sure you'll do a great job.

"Wait!" Katara shouted after her friend. She looked to the Waterbending Master and said, "Aang didn't mean that."

"Sure sounded like he did." Nat quietly muttered. Steve looked to her and she then shrugged her shoulders. Katara ran after the still leaving Aang and placed a hand on his shoulder before saying, "You can't risk your training for me." She knew what was best as she stated, "You have to learn from Master Pakku," They both turned to the old Waterbender with a glare as she did begrudgingly say, "even if he is a big jerk."

She looked to him as he nodded in agreement. Steve and Natasha walked back to them and the latter said, "I'll head off with Katara to Yagoda's place." She leaned forward and said, "But I'll do a little reconnaissance work as well. See what I can find."

"What do you mean, Natasha?" Aang asked. Nat then said, "I have a feeling that there's more to this sexist jerk than meets the eye. And I'm gonna find it."

"Then I'll stay here with Aang to make sure everything goes alright." Steve offered. Aang nodded and said, "Thanks, Steve."

Katara and Natasha then walked back down the stairs while the boys turned back to Master Pakku. Happy of having his way, Master Pakku then said, 'Why don't we get started, then?"

Bending the water from a waterfall behind him, Master Pakku then twisted before sending it to both boys. Or more to Aang as he grunted when the water barreled into him.

\_|_/

Sokka and Thor were walking along a bridge looking for Princess Yue. As they looked over the sides, Thor then asked, "Perhaps I should have asked this roughly twenty minutes ago, but what exactly does the princess look like? I only saw Chief Arnook last night."

"Well, mostly fancy clothing like royalty would wear." Sokka obviously stated. Thor nodded as he knew that much. Sokka then pointed out, "But unlike everyone else in the tribe, she has beautiful white hair."

This seemed to confuse Thor as he asked, "So she is elderly?"

Sokka sharply turned his head to the Asgardian and said, "No! She is not old! She's a teenage girl with hair." He shook his head and questioned, "Why and how would an old lady still be a princess?"

"There are many wonders in the universe, Sokka." Thor said as they continued searching. Sokka looked over the side of the bridge and saw a familiar boat and a familiar face. He ran to the stairwell while shouting, "Princess Yue, good morning!"

Thor waited on the bridge while Sokka made it to ground level to catch up with the boat. Yue looked to a panting Sokka as he asked, "Hey, how about that picnic last night?" He swiped his brow as he walked next to the boat, "Boy your dad sure knows how to throw a party."

"I'm happy you enjoyed yourself." Princess Yue said with a smile. Sokka then said, "Well, it wasn't as much fun after we had to leave. Plus, that wasn't as much fun without you."

Princess Yue looked away with a blush, clearly touched by his words. Sokka then too blushed before he asked, "I'm still hoping we can see more of each other."

"Do an activity, you mean?" Princess Yue asked. Feeling that she was interested, Sokka became a little tongue tied as he said, "Yes, at a place… for some time."

"I'd love to." Yue said with a smile. From where he stood, even Thor could see the smile on Sokka's face and smiled for him. He looked ahead of the teen, gasped and quickly sprang into action. The princess then told Sokka and pointed, "I'll meet you on that bridge tonight."

"Great!" Sokka said, knowing that they had a date. Thor landed and quickly ran up to him while Sokka then said, "I'll see you…"

"Sokka!" Thor shouted while the teen screams as he fell off the side of the street. Thor ran to the edge and lent a hand for his friend. Sokka was quick to grab it and Thor effortlessly pulled him out. Princess Yue giggled before offering a, "Sorry."

"It's okay." Sokka said as Thor set him down on the street. But Sokka fell on his back and stared into the sky as he said, "It was worth it." Feeling truly content, the Southern Water teen said, "See you tonight."

\_|_/

Back at Zhao's base of operations, while the Red Skull was working with the other Fire Nation officers going over what they needed for invasion, Zhao on the other hand was tying up a loose end. The admiral was currently sitting in his tent as he listened to a specific group list their talents they could lend for the mission. He smiled as he was leaning forward when he said, "I'm very impressed." The admiral leans back as he continues, "You all seem highly qualified for the mission I have in mind."

A set of hands reached for a small box in front of the admiral and pulls it back to them. The owner of the hands were revealed to be the pirate captain that once teamed up with Prince Zuko. His reptile bird squawked crew looked over their captain's shoulder as he opened the box. One of the pirates reaches into the box and takes out a piece of gold. He bites down on it, and then happily said, "Mm, that's some tasty gold."

The captain grabbed the piece from him and placed it back in the box, confusing the pirate. Closing the box, the captain turned his attention back to Zhao and asked, "What do you need us to do?"

"I believe you're acquainted with Prince Zuko." Zhao said before he smirked as he had someone to do his dirty work.

\_|_/

The Winter Soldier was walking by the admiral's tent when he saw a few familiar faces walk out of the tent. Hiding behind the fabric, he watched as the pirates walked down the hill. He could hear the captain say, "Let's get this done quickly. You heard how he said it, he wants us to take that brat prince out quickly and quietly."

The Winter Soldier's eyes widened to this kind of betrayal. He knew that Zhao didn't like Zuko and vice versa, but what Zhao was doing would be treason. Even if Zuko was banished, Zhao would be killing a Fire Nation citizen. He would have done something, but a voice said, "Do not concern yourself, soldier."

The Winter Soldier looked back to see the Red Skull behind him. Johann Schmidt walked past him as he said, "Whatever is between the Admiral and the Prince is strictly between them." Glancing back he said, "No point in getting involved."

With a glare, the Winter Soldier looked down. Then a thought came to mind; that even though he wouldn't do something now, then he would later.

\_|_/

Before they found the healer's hut, Natasha and Katara stopped nearby. Natasha then said, "Okay, for now, humor that geezer by going to Yagoda's while I go…"

"Do what you do best." Katara finished with a genuine smile. Nat wrapped an arm around her and said, "You know me so well, kid."

Natasha then walked the other way, leaving Katara alone. The young Waterbender then walked up to where someone had told her where she could find Yagoda's class. The building stood close to the wall and was a little bit taller than the other domed buildings that were identical. She walked up a small flight of stairs and into a room where a woman was using her bending to maneuver her healing abilities on a mannequin that had points where the chi flowed. She moves the water up the mannequin's arm, from the shoulder and down the middle of the chest before making the entire mannequin's body glow. When she finished Katara then said, "Uh, hi. Are you Yagoda?"

"Are you here for the healing lesson?" The woman asked as she calmed her breath and relaxed her bending. Katara took a quick glance to the other five students and saw that most of them were young Waterbenders. They all smiled at her, but Katara was still bummed out as she said, "I guess I am."

"Welcome. Welcome." Master Yagoda greeted and Katara walked in to find a place to sit. Katara sat down on Yagoda's right and listened to the lesson.

\_|_/

Elsewhere, water rippled as Aang bent the water back and forth as he tried to get the hang of Master Pakku's lesson. Steve looked bored as he watched from the sidelines. Master Pakku was using his own bending to stir a small cup of food while criticizing the Avatar, "You're moving the water around, but you're but you're not feeling the push and pull."

"I'm trying." Aang said with gritted teeth and tried to hold it. Pakku brought the steaming cup into his mouth and slurped noodles and a tentacle into his mouth. When the entire thing disappeared, Pakku turned to the Avatar with an, "Ah…" Then he criticized, "Maybe that move is too advanced for you.

"Why don't you try an easier one?" Pakku suggested, though belittling Aang. Aang had the blob of water above his head while Pakku had said that, but then threw it down to the ground and turned with growl of frustration. Steve then said, "If I may suggest…"

"I'd rather wish you wouldn't." Master Pakku said with deadpanned look to the super soldier. Steve looked really irritated before he said, "But you only told Aang about the exercise, you didn't explain anything about what it's supposed to do to teach him to feel the push and pull of the water."

"It's just not the way I teach." Master Pakku put off and looked away. Steve sighed as he knew that there was no reasoning with this man.

\_|_/

Natasha walked through a street of the Northern Tribe, looking for a place where she could get some information. She came by an old looking man that looked nearly as old as Pakku, maybe even older. The man had a small mustache over his lips and was wearing orange tinted glasses. Nat walked up to him and said, "Excuse me, sir, can I talk to you?"

The man looked up to her and said, "Hubba, Hubba. I think I'm in heaven."

"Uh… No." Natasha said as she thought that it was a little creepy. Then she said, "I'm looking for someone who could answer my questions about waterbending Master Pakku."

"Oh, him." The old man said with a wave of his hand. Natasha noticed how he sounded a little ticked off with Pakku. Then she asked, "Do you know him?"

"Eh, enough to where we weren't best friends, but good friends." The man said with a slight nod. Natasha then asked, "I just want to know something. What set him off about…"

"Darling, you want to know why my old buddy Pakku won't train Waterbender girls waterbending." The old man said. Completely shocked about it she then said, "How do you know that was what I was gonna say?"

"Please. I've been waiting for someone younger to come talk to me about Pakku's crazy sexist mind." The old man said and then gestured for her to follow, "Come on. I'm gonna need to sit down if I'm gonna do some story telling."

Though still slightly creeped out by the old man, but still wanting to help Katara, Natasha followed him into one of the buildings constructed out of ice.

\_|_/

Back at Katara's lesson, the girl's carried the mannequin out of the room while Katara stayed behind. When they were gone, she turned to Yagoda and was at least a little grateful when she said, "Thanks for the lesson."

"Anytime." Yagoda nodded. Then she noticed something and asked, "So who's the lucky boy?"

"Huh?" Katara said as she became confused. Yagoda pointed to Katara's mother's necklace as she said, "Your betrothal necklace."

Katara looked down at it as the woman asked, "You're getting married, right?"

Sensing some kind of necklace, Katara then explained with a small laugh, "Oh, no. I don't think I'm ready for that yet." The young Waterbender had some love in her voice as she explained the history of the object, "My grandmother gave my mother this necklace. And my mother passed it down to me."

Yagoda took a closer look at the necklace and something came to her memory, "I recognize this carving." A smile spread on her face as she said, "I don't know why I didn't realize it sooner." She came closer, startling Katara as she said, "You're the spitting image of Kanna."

"Wait." Katara said as she backed up a few feet. Then she asked, "How do you know my Gran Gran's name?"

"When I was about your age," Yagoda explained, "I was really good friends with Kanna. She was born here in the Northern Tribe."

"She never told me." Katara said while looking away, wondering how much of her grandmother she didn't truly know. Yagoda then said, "Your grandmother had an arranged marriage with a young Waterbender." Katara looked to her when she said that and continued listening, "He had carved that necklace for her."

"If Gran-Gran was engaged, why did she leave?" Katara asked, really confused. Yagoda shook her head as she honestly said, "I don't know. That's always been a mystery to me." Yagoda was said as she remembered, "She left without saying good-bye."

\_|_/

Back at the old man's home, Natasha sat on the floor and listened to the old man while he sat in a chair made of fur. And it didn't even look like a chair, just a big wad of fur placed in the middle of the living room. The man then said, "And even though I can't remember the chick's name, Pakku had become somewhat bitter to the world around him."

"All because he couldn't marry the woman he loved?" Natasha asked. The old man nodded and said, "I know that sounds sad, but he only acts this way of how the pain from the loss of the one he loved."

Nat's thoughts on the old man changed a little. Standing up she said, "I thank you for this, sir."

"No problem." The man said with a slight smile. Natasha then quickly gave the man a small kiss on the cheek. He blushed to this and she backed up before he said, "I should have warned you about Mitzie."

"Mitzie?" Natasha asked as she was confused. The chair the old man was sitting on turned out to be some kind of a mix between a polar bear and a dog as it got up, making the old man fall to the floor and growled at Natasha. Natasha screamed as she backed away from it.

\_|_/

Back at Prince Zuko's ship later that night, the men who had been drafted for Admiral Zhao's plan had just stepped off the ramp. They looked back as Iroh shouted from the deck, "Good luck!"

They bowed in respect before walking off.

Iroh walked all the way to Zuko's room and opened the door. The Prince was laying on his cot, staring up at the ceiling as he was angry at the loss of his crew. Sticking his head inside he said, "The crew wanted me to wish you safe travels."

"Good riddance to those traitors." Prince Zuko dismissed without getting up. Iroh then tried to lighten Zuko's mood by saying, "It's a lovely night for a walk. Why don't you join me? It would clear your head."

He waited for a response from the upset prince. His smile fell before saying, "Or you could just stay in your room and sit in the dark. Whatever makes you happy."

Iroh shut the door behind him and walked down the hall. He started to hum the tune from the previous night as he walked.

Back in his room, Prince Zuko's face fell as he really began to think about all he's losing because of Zhao; his crew, his ally in the Winter Soldier and the opportunity to capture the Avatar and regain his honor. But then he thought of the Winter Soldier and wondered how his friend was doing.

\_|_/

Iroh continued humming as he walked down the ramp off the ship. He had a happy smile as he walked off the dock and down the road. But as he walked, the reptile bird flew past him and up to the ship. The ship was quiet as three of the pirates ran onto the deck of the metal vessel and ran to the other side. Looking down, two other pirates came rowing up to the ship with two barrels in the dinghy. One of the pirates looked about to see if anyone was nearby before lowering a rope with a hook on one end down to the dinghy. The two pirates in the boat hooked the barrels before sending them back up. Two of the pirates were able to bring their barrel up with ease while the third struggled as he was pulling by himself. The brought the barrels on board, but the third barrel struggled with his and nearly let it fall off the side, "Whoa!"

One of the other two ran back up and warned with a whisper, "Careful with the blasting jelly."

The three pirates carried the barrels to the door and one of the pirates places his hands on the door's catch. He slightly turns but it causes a small squeak that causes the pirate to cringe, "Ooh!"

Prince Zuko heard the squeak from his room and found it odd. He knew that his uncle's scenic route would have taken a little while. Quickly getting up he calls out, "Uncle?"

Opening the door, he stuck his head out and said, "Uncle is that you?"

When he didn't get an answer, he found it to be very strange. With a dash he assumed his Firebender's stance and cautiously walked down the hall. He jumped around the corner, ready for anything, but didn't see anyone or anything. Relaxing his guard, Prince Zuko walked down the hall to see if his uncle had come back early or something.

Out on the ship's deck, the pirates had placed the barrels where they needed to be and created a trail of black powder from the deck. One of the pirates kneeled down and lit a match. The holding the match near the beginning of the trail, they waited until the black powder lit up and quickly moved along the trail. With that done, all three pirates high tailed it off the ship to get away from what was about to happen next. The spark quickly traveled down the powder trail to its destination.

Up on the observation deck, Prince Zuko walked in to see if there was someone with him on board. The spark had nearly reached the barrels of blasting jelly. But when he passed by a window while rubbing the back of his head, a screech startled him. Assuming his stance again, he turned to the source of the noise and saw a reptile bird staring at him through the window. Knowing that it looked familiar to him, he and the bird looked into each other's eyes before he recognized it as the pirate captain's bird. The bird took flight and that's when Zuko realized something was up. The flames touched the barrels and resulted in a loud bang. Zuko screamed as the entire ship started to implode. The explosions quickly went up each floor until they made it to the observation deck. Prince Zuko gave one last scream as he tried to use his firebending to shield himself from the blast. Multiple explosions rang through the ship before the entire thing exploded.

Even from where he was, Iroh looked back and saw smoke coming from the ship. Becoming really scared he shouted, "Zuko!"

Iroh quickly ran back to the ship. The ship continued to burn as Iroh came to a stop at the edge of the dock. Fear, sadness and memories came from the past as Iroh said, "Zuko."

He closed his eyes and hung his head as he started to think of the worst for his nephew. Unbeknown to him, the Winter Soldier stood back at the shore, horrified for his friend. But his gaze hardened as he knew the ones responsible for it.

\_|_/

It was late at night at the North Pole as Sokka quickly made his way to the bridge. Princess Yue was already there waiting for him and was gazing up to the sky. Walking sideways to her he came up right beside her and said, "Hi, Princess Yue."

She looked away, and though Sokka didn't understand it, he then said, "I made you something."

He brought his hand around and opened his palm. Princess Yue looked down to see a little wooden figure carved as he said, "I carved it myself."

"It's a bear." Princess Yue said, thinking that it looked like one. Sokka then turned it around, "Actually, it's supposed to be a fish." Then he pointed to one end, "See, it has a fin."

"Oh." Princess Yue said, seeing it. Then with shame in her voice she said, "I'm sorry." She looked away while sounding distressed, "I made a mistake." Completely turning from him she ran off while stating, "I shouldn't have asked you to come here."

A heartbroken Sokka watched as she ran off and stood her as his heart shattered into a million pieces. Then in an act of hurt and frustration he threw his carving into the water. He started to breath heavy when a set of footsteps came up. Thinking it was Yue, Sokka quickly wiped his eyes before looking to see Thor coming up the stairs. Sokka then shrugged, "Oh, it's you, Thor. What brings you out here?"

"Well, I did promise to be your wingman…" Thor said as he made it sound like as if he had just remembered. Then he said, "But now I come as a friend, to help another."

Sokka smiled in appreciation to this and Thor leaned forward against the railing and said, "Did you try to give her the carving?"

"Yeah." Sokka said as he leaned forward as well. Thor then said, "It's a good thing that she didn't accept it." Sokka looked to him as he then said, "No offense, but your work could use a little more work."

Sokka looked at him with an annoyed scowl.

\_|_/

The two friends made it back to their living quarters as Sokka then said, "I just don't get it."

"I'm not sure my friend." Thor said as they walk in. While the other four were getting ready for bed, Katara looked up to her brother and asked, "How's warrior training been going?"

Sokka's response was kicking his sleeping bag with a frustrated grunt and then flopping his face down on it. Aang then asked, "That bad?"

"No." Sokka said as he lifted his head up and put his arms under it. Then he sounded really upset as he talked about his date, "It's Princess Yue. I don't get it. One minute she wants to go out with me, and the next, she's telling me to get lost."

Both Aang and Katara laid down with glum faces as well. Sokka then asked, "So how's waterbending training?"

"Yes, let us hear how the two of you stepped into a bigger world of the art." Thor said as he sat down on the other side. Steve sighed as he laid down as well before saying, "The only one who was able to step into that bigger world was Aang."

"I'm not sure I understand." Thor said as he was confused. Looking to the girl he asked, "Were you not going to learn under that master as well?"

Katara fell down on her sleeping bag with a sigh and her hood fell over her head as Aang then said with a glare, "Master Poop-head won't teach her because she's a girl."

"Why don't you just teach her, Aang?" Sokka suggested. This caused both Steve and Nat to look up to him while her hood fell off of Katara's head. Then she smiled as she said, "Why didn't I think of that?"

"How come we didn't think of that earlier?" Natasha asked Steve. The super soldier could only shrug. Getting up, Katara then looked to Aang and said, "At night, you teach me whatever moves you learn from Master Pakku. That way, you can have someone to practice with, and I get to learn waterbending. Everyone's happy!"

"I'm not happy." Sokka said as he looked away. Katara placed her hands on her hips while pointing out, "But you're never happy." With a gesture of her hands, she said, "Come on, Aang."

"I'll come too." Natasha said as she got up. Using his airbending to stand up, Aang then rushed after the Waterbender. Momo chittered and looked to the down casted Sokka. Steve then asked, "So what exactly happened tonight?"

"It didn't go very well, let's leave it at that." Sokka said as he rolled onto his back.

\_|_/

Water gurgled as Aang started to bend the water out of the water way. Natasha watched while leaning against a wall and Katara stood off to the side. As he pulled it out, he whispered, "Master Pakku said this move is all about sinking and floating."

He passed over to Katara and she was able to hold onto it. She then moved it over her head before holding it in front of her. She excitedly said, "I got it!"

Then she became confused as the water started to move on its own as it went over her head, around her feet and up the wall. Natasha was really surprised before she looked up. Gripping the sides of his head, Aang was truly astounded as he said, "That was amazing!"

"That wasn't me." Katara honestly said. Natasha came up next to them and said, "I think it was him."

Both Benders looked up to see Master Pakku standing on the bridge above them with the confiscated water. Moving it above his head, Master Pakku put on foot on the side of the bridge and turned it into ice spikes that embedded themselves into the ice bridge. Aang then tried to explain, "I was just showing Katara a few moves."

"You have disrespected me, my teachings," His eyes narrowed as he then added, "and my entire culture."

"I'm sorry, I…" Aang tried to say. But Master Pakku wouldn't hear any of it as he stated, "You are no longer welcome as my student."

The old master then turned and walked off into the night. Aang, Katara and Natasha all looked up to his retreating form with shocked faces.

\_|_/

The three rushed back to their quarters and barged in. Sokka, Steve and Thor lifted their heads and the Asgardian asked, "What's happened?"

"Are we being attacked?" Steve added. Sokka then drowsily asked, "No, Papa, I don't want my bacon burned to a crisp."

The other five looked to him with weirded out looks before Aang then said, "No and no, to both of those." He looked down in shame as he said, "Master Pakku caught me trying to show Katara a few waterbending moves and is no longer taking me as his student?"

"What?" All three of them shout before standing up. Steve was truly baffled as he asked, "Shouldn't there be like a warning system before such a big decision like that be made?"

"And does Pakku not understand what should happen if you are unable to master the element of water?" Thor questioned. Sokka then suggested, "Maybe we could try talking to Chief Arnook about it? I'm sure he could help somehow."

This seemed to calm all five of them down. Katara placed a hand to her chin and said, "Wow, two for two in one night. That's a great idea, Sokka."

"I try." He said while brushing off his sleeve. Aang then said, "Then it's settled; we'll try talking to the chief to talk to Pakku about taking me back as a student."

"Then let's get some rest." Katara said and they all laid down.

\_|_/

The next morning, the group had gone directly to the Northern chief and told him of their predicament. They were in the throne room where the chief not only his daughter and Master Pakku with him, but four advisor's right behind them. After they finished, Chief Arnook then questioned, "What do you want me to do? Force Master Pakku to take Aang back as his student?"

"Yes." Katara said with a hardened face. But it softened as she then said, "please."

"Besides," Steve put in, "you know how important it is for Aang to learn waterbending."

"That I do know, Captain." Chief Arnook said. Then he offered, "But I suspect he might change his mind if you swallow your pride and apologize to him."

Katara had a slight glare, but then looked back to Aang, knowing that she couldn't mess it up for him. Then with a sigh of defeat, Katara turned back to the master with a slight glare, "Fine."

"I'm waiting little girl." Master Pakku smugly said. Katara clenched her fists to that, changing her mind and she shouted in fury, "No." Her anger getting the best of her bending, cracks formed around her and got bigger as Katara shouted, "NO way am I apologizing to a sour old man like you!"

The cracks from her angry bending spread all the way to large pots filled with water and shattered them. The five behind her looked at what she did and Aang tried to say, "Uh, Katara?"

"Here we go again." Sokka muttered as he remembered the last time that happened. But Katara didn't hear them as she challenged, "I'll be outside if you're man enough to fight me."

Six out of seven of the Northern Tribe council gasped to this declaration while Master Pakku remained firm with a scowl. Everyone watched as Katara walked out of the chamber. Aang turned back to them and tried to ease tensions by smiling as he pointed to her and said, "I'm sure she didn't mean that."

"Yeah," Sokka said, stating otherwise, "I think she did."

Aang's look fell from Sokka's comment while the three Avengers sighed from the teen's honesty. They turned and quickly followed Katara out of the chamber.

\_|_/

It was a little early in the morning back at the Fire Nation base camp. In the admiral's tent, Zhao poured a cup of tea for his honored guests. Iroh and Johann Schmidt sat across or adjacent from the admiral as they then took their cups. Though Iroh would know otherwise, Zhao still said, "I'm devastated to hear about Prince Zuko. Just devastated."

"It must be a difficult time for you, General Iroh." The Red Skull added. Iroh had his eyes closed before stating, "The Fire Lord will not be pleased when he learns who was responsible."

"You know who was behind the attack?" Zhao asked him as his eyes slightly widened. Iroh pounded a fist against the table after he then revealed, "Yes. Pirates." Then he told of their history with them, "We had a run-in with them awhile back." Zhao slightly smirked before he took a sip of his tea as Iroh said, "They wanted revenge."

"So," Zhao said as he set his cup on the table, "have you reconsidered my offer?"

"We would greatly accept your participation in what will be a mark in history." Johann stated. Iroh nodded and said, "Yes, I accept." But then he added, "But if I may ask…"

"Anything, General Iroh." Zhao said, willing to do anything to keep him on board. Iroh then asked, "If I may have the Winter Soldier as a body guard?"

"Why would you need a body guard?" Johann questioned as he was about to take a sip. Iroh then explained, "The pirates could be more than likely to come after me since I was with Prince Zuko during our brief time with them. I would like a little protection to make sure that I live during the voyage."

"Then granted." Admiral Zhao said. Though he didn't show it, Iroh knew that a piece had fallen into place. Iroh then said, "It will be an honor to serve as your general."

"To the Fire Nation and Hydra." Iroh said as he raised his glass for a toast. Johann raised his as he said, "To the march of the future."

"To victory." Zhao said as he raised his glass last.

Outside the tent, the Winter Soldier heard everything while he and a Fire Nation soldier stood guard outside the tent. They both glanced to each other and nodded.

\_|_/

Back at the Northern Water Tribe, the six friends walked down the stairs while Sokka questioned his sister's choice, "Are you crazy, Katara? You're not going to win this fight."

"He does have a point." Natasha pointed out, "Years of practice and his skill level."

"I know." Katara stated while she removed her fur coat and threw it at her brother. Then she stated, "I don't care."

"You don't have to do this for me." Aang tried to reason with her. He tried to put her mind at ease, "I can find another teacher."

But Katara surprised them by saying, "I'm not doing it for you." When they reached the bottom of the stairs, Katara was really angry as she said, "Someone needs to slap some sense into that guy."

"Well, I'm all for one for putting some sense into him." Natasha said before moving in front of Katara. Then she said, "But maybe you should consider Pakku's reasonings for why he acts this way."

"It might be, if he wasn't such an arrogant jerk." Katara said with crossed arms. She looked back to see Master Pakku walking down the stairs. Turning to him she questioned, "So, you decided to show up?"

Master Pakku didn't say anything as he continued to walk down the stairs. He didn't even so much as glance at the group as he walked past them. Confused, Katara questioned him, 'Aren't you going to fight?"

"Go back to the healing huts with the other women, where you belong." Pakku said while not looking back. That struck a nerve for Katara as she bent a small stream of water into her hand. Then holding it like a whip, she went through the motion of lashing out. Natasha started to move towards her and shouted, "Katara, no!"

But it was too late as the other end of the water whip struck Master Pakku. The man lurched forward from the blow and seemed to have taken it the blow seriously. Katara stepped away from her friends in case of what happens next. Deciding to amuse her he said, "Fine. You want to learn to fight so bad," He turned back to Katara as he had a knowing look in his eye as he said with a slight smirk, "study closely."

Then with a waving movement from his arms, Pakku raised to large streams of water from two wells. Then he moved it around himself as he prepared. Aang, Sokka, Steve, Natasha and Thor watched in awe and fear as they hoped their friend new what she was doing. Katara tried running at him from his left, but Pakku was able to quickly maneuver the water and caused it to smack into Katara. She grunted as she was blasted back and fell on the ground. But she was able to move to where she landed on her feet and looked up to Master Pakku. Pakku moved the water around the both of them and trapped Katara inside the ring. As he made it to where it would move her closer he assured, "Don't worry. I'm not going to hurt you."

Katara continued to move forward as the wall of water moved forward. Katara was able to smack the water away. Unfortunately, the water was sent towards her friends and a few bystanders. Though strangely enough, only Sokka was hit as he was knocked away by the stream of water, "Ow!"

Everyone looked to see the Southern Water Tribe teen land on his back. Steve and Thor were the ones to rush up and help Sokka back onto his feet. Though his head hung, it came for a moment while his eyes spun and then fell back again. They quickly moved everyone up the stairs to keep them out of the crossfire. Katara ran towards Master Pakku again with another whip in her hands, but the old master raised an ice wall. Katara slid across the frozen surface, flew up into the air, flipped in the air and came landing on a post on her knees. She looked back as Master Pakku glanced to the ice wall while melting it down into a wave of water and sent it at her. Katara braced herself while standing up and twisting her feet to where they became frozen in place. She bent the water around her before sending it away. She turned her stance to him before standing tall and sounding strong, "You can't knock me down."

The crowd had moved to where they could watch and cheered for the young Waterbender. Even Aang was rooting for her when he placed both hands to his mouth and shouted, "Go, Katara!"

Unfreezing her feet, Katara jumped off the post and ran at Pakku a third time. But when she was but a few feet from him, Pakku quickly melted some snow at his feet and created an ice wall. Katara melted it away before trying to punch at him. Pakku moved out of the way of one punch before using a wave of water to knock Katara into one of the wells. Everyone looked in surprise and shock while a smirk grew on Pakku's face. Katara resurfaced and shook the water out of her eyes before glaring at Pakku. Seeing Katara getting back caused everyone to cheer. Katara raised a small pillar of ice from the well and with a quick motion of her hand, she sent ice disks Pakku's way. With careful timing, Pakku was able to break each of the blades that came his way. But time seemed to slow down as one blade came really close to his face. The pace returned to normal when Pakku turned back to Katara with a weirded out face. Moving out of the water, Katara twists while summoning a stream of water around her. With a well, she sent it at him. But Pakku was able to grab it with his will before twisting it around him before raising it behind him. Katara came running at him once again, but with a swift motion of both hands, Pakku struck the water on both sides of Katara. She gasps before being struck by the water.

The growing crowd on top of the stairs eyes grew wide at the way the fight was going. Even Katara's friends and brother's eyes widened to it. Pushing herself onto her knees, Katara's hair was starting to fall out of place as she took in a deep breath. Then quickly standing tall again, she was able to make two totem poles made of ice fall onto Pakku. With a swift motion of his hands, Pakku was able to turn the pots into an icy dust. When it settled, Pakku resumed his stance and was genuinely amazed by how well Katara was holding her own, "Well, I'm impressed." He certainly looked it as he had a smirk, 'You are an excellent Waterbender."

"But you still won't teach me, will you?" Katara questioned with a slight glare. Pakku's face fell as he gave his answer, "No."

With an angry grunt, Katara bent some of the ice in front of her and sent another wave of water at him. Pakku jumped over it while creating a pillar of ice underneath him to raise himself higher. Then with a flick of his wrist, he turned into a wave that he rode towards Katara. Katara tried to send a stream of water at him, but Pakku was able to disperse it and turn it into a frozen arch that he used to slid at her. Katara cried out as he pushed her down. But the blow caused her mother's necklace to fell from her neck. Pakku came sliding to a stop before jumping with a twist onto a well. Katara fell to the ground with a groan, her hair disheveled and exhausted from the exertion. Pushing herself back up, Katara panted as she fought to regain her breath. Deciding to end it, Master Pakku lifted a stream of water high into the air. With a slight clench of his hands, Pakku raised it above Katara and flicked his wrists. The water turned into ice shards and Pakku moved them to where they trapped Katara in place. Her friends could only watch in worry for her. The other Northern Tribe people looked in horror, thinking that Pakku went a little too far. Even one child hugged someone as they tried to comfort the kid. But it proved to be otherwise when Katara raised her head and tried to free herself. Master Pakku started to walk away while stating, "This fight is over."

"Come back here!" Katara shouted as he walked right past her trapped self. Wanting to prove to herself she said, "I'm not finished yet."

"Yes," Master Pakku said, believing otherwise, "you are."

But when he looked down, he noticed Katara's necklace on the ground. When he reached down to pick it up and recognized it. Pakku then held it between both hands as he said, "This is my necklace."

"No, it's not! It's mine!" Katara said, thinking otherwise. Then she demanded, "Give it back!"

Natasha saw his expression and soon pieces began to fill in the blanks as he said, "I made this sixty years ago for the love of my life." Katara's trap melted as did Pakku's heart as he said, "For Kanna."

"My Gran-Gran was supposed to marry you?" Katara asked, now seeing him in a different light.

\_|_/

At Fire Nation harbor where Zhao's forces were preparing, General Iroh walked through a hall and was passing a soldier. Or stopped when the soldier stopped, and discreetly told the masked soldier, "Our plan is working perfectly. Zhao doesn't suspect a thing."

"You didn't have to do this." Prince Zuko said as he removed the mask from his face. Though he had been injured by the explosion, he was a survivor as he stood by his uncle. Iroh glanced to his nephew and said, "No nephew of mine is going to stow away on a ship without some backup."

"Thank you, Uncle." Prince Zuko said, truly grateful for his uncle. The clanging of a door nearby, caused Iroh to look in the direction. Then he warned, "Someone's coming." With a final few words he instructed, "Stay hidden until we get to the North Pole, and at least the Avatar is sure to be yours. Good luck."

The two then began to walk off when Prince Zuko looked back and quietly asked, "I haven't seen the Winter Soldier for quite some time. Do you know where he is?"

This caused Iroh to stop in his tracks before he looked back and said, "Though I told him not to, he said he had something to quickly take care of."

\_|_/

It was around noon at the port where the pirates had docked for the day. But all wasn't well as two of the pirate's heads were bashed together. The pirate captain used his blade to slash at the Winter Soldier, but the super soldier used his mechanical arm to block the blade. The arm caused the blade to bend at an awkward angle and the captain gasped from it. The Winter Soldier grabbed the man by the collar of his shirt and with a twist threw him off the side of the ship. The captain yelled as he fell into the water. Taking a match out of his pocket, the Winter Soldier looked to the remaining pirates and said, "You might want to get out of here."

They all gasped before quickly making their way over the sides of the ship. Dropping the match unto the flames, the Winter Soldier ran to the side of the ship before jumping onto the docks below. Landing in a superhero pose, the Winter Soldier then started to walk away from the ship as the sparks quickly traveled down a trail of black powder. When he had reached the end of the planks, the pirate ship became a raging inferno as the fire touched the remaining blasting jelly. Knowing that they wouldn't be a problem anymore, the Winter Soldier made his way back to the launch site for the invasion.

\_|_/

Back at the Northern Water Tribe, most of the crowd had dispersed and only the group, the chief and the princess remained. Katara stood a few feet from him as Master Pakku then said, "I carved this necklace for your grandmother when we got engaged." He looked up into the sky as he said with what was once hope, "I thought we would have had a long, happy life together." They all could hear it in his voice as he said, "I loved her."

"But she didn't love you, did she? It was an arranged marriage." Katara asked and he glanced back. Tears welled up in Princess Yue's eyes as this might have reflected of her own life. Katara walked up to Pakku and said, "Gran-Gran wouldn't let your tribe's stupid customs run her life. That's why she left." Pakku held the necklace close as Katara felt like she knew her Gran-Gran a little better, "It must have taken a lot of courage."

Princess Yue broke out into tears as she ran away sobbing. Sokka watched her run until a comforting hand on his shoulder made him look to Aang. The Airbender had a smile and said, "Go get her."

Sokka didn't need to be told twice as he ran after the princess. Natasha then walked up to Master Pakku and said, "I thought that the loss of a love might have made you turn out this way."

"Why would you-" Master Pakku said, confused. Natasha then said, "I talked to an old friend of yours and he told me the story." Then she glanced away as she admitted, "Part of it anyway. He said he didn't remember Kanna's name around the time."

"Or maybe I was just pretending to be senile." A familiar voice to Nat said. Everyone looked to see the old man walking up a set of stairs. Master Pakku looked to his old friend and said, "It has been quite some time, old friend."

"That it has, Pakku." The old man said. Then Pakku asked, "Can you forgive me for not coming to see you?"

"Of course I can." The old man said with a hearty chuckle. But then he asked, "But can you do a favor for me in return?"

"Anything, old friend." Master Pakku said with a smile. The old man looked to Katara and Aang and said, "I think it would be best if you take these two under your wing. They both have great potential in them."

"I think you may be right." Master Pakku said as his smile never left. Looking to both Aang and Katara he said, "I look forward to seeing you both at sunrise."

Aang and Katara both had large grins on their faces before they calmed down and bowed in respect. Then in unison they said, "Yes, Master Pakku."

\_|_/

It was later that night as a crescent moon hung in the night sky over the Northern Water Tribe. Sokka soon found Princess Yue standing on the bridge where she had asked to meet him. Noticing his presence, Yue's eyes narrowed as she looked to him and questioned, "What do you want from me?"

"Nothing." Sokka said as he came right up to her and she turned to him. Then he tried to cheer her up as he said, "I just want you to know I think you're beautiful." His head hung as he then said, "And I never thought a girl like you would even notice a guy like me."

"You don't understand." Princess Yue said, a swirl of emotions going through her. Sokka then held his hands up in a defensive manner as he calmly said, "No, no. See, that's the thing." He sounded like someone to be there for her as he said, "I think I do understand now." Then he expressed the differences between them by saying, "You're a princess and I'm…" He sounded ashamed as he revealed, "I'm just a southern peasant."

"No. Sokka." Princess Yue said, knowing that it wasn't that. Sokka then decided to try and tell her that he wouldn't bother her anymore with that, "It's okay, you don't have to say anything." He turned to walk away, "I'll see you around, okay?"

But Princess Yue's heart felt different as she grabbed his arm and pulled him close. Turning his head towards hers, the princess gave Sokka a kiss on the lips. When they parted, a confused Sokka then said, "Okay, now I'm really confused." He smiled when he admitted, "Happy," But then he looked confused again as he took one of her hands, "but confused."

"I do like you." Princess Yue admitted, "A lot." She then explained, "But we can't be together. And not for the reason you think. It's because…" She felt ashamed and sad as she pulled down the part of her coat the concealed her neck to reveal a special necklace as she said, "I'm engaged."

Sokka was completely shocked by the revelation. Princess Yue looked him in the eye and said, "I'm sorry."

Then she turned and ran off without another word. Sokka hung his head as he was once again sad. The sound of footsteps caused him to look back and he said, "Oh, Thor. It's you again." But then he quirked an eyebrow and asked, "But who's that with you?"

"This is a friend of Master Pakku's, and I've told him that you were having some problems trying to win the princess's heart." Thor explained. The old man walked up to Sokka and said, "Son, I know that it hurts now, but if you really like this girl, then I have just one thing to say about it."

Placing a comforting hand on the teen's shoulder he said, "Don't you ever give up on her. For love is a true mystery."

Though he didn't understand it, Sokka still took his words to heart and looked in the direction of the running Princess Yue.

\_|_/

The next morning, Aang had left their room early to get an early start on his lessons. There were four other waterbending students watching as Aang swirled a sphere of water around him. Then after one more pass, he sent it off. Then he looked to Master Pakku with a smile. Slightly impressed, Master Pakku then said, "Not bad, not bad." Trying to sound not too pleasant yet not too grouchy he said after a chuckle, "Keep practicing and maybe you'll get it by the time you're my age."

Aang lowered his arms while looking to his teacher with a deadpanned look before turning to Katara as she ran up the stairs for her first official practice. She ran up to Aang as he said, "Hey, Katara."

"What do you think you're doing?" Master Pakku questioned with a stern gaze. Katara had just regained her breath when Master Pakku had a smile, "It's past sunrise." Assuming his waterbending stance he lightly scolded, "You're late."

His two newest students assumed their own stances and Aang said to Katara, "Good to see you here."

"You, too." Katara said with equal excitement. All of the student's followed Master Pakku's example as he then started to teach the class.

\_|_/

Thor, Steve and Natasha were walking down a street as they continued to catch up. Thor looked to his friends and asked, "And you're sure that you've been seeing many soldiers from Hydra."

"Yeah, it looks like Red Skull's nearing completion of his machine." Natasha deduced. Steve then added, "Which means that they'll be bringing their war machines to this world soon."

"And with them helping the Fire Nation," Thor said, "they'll be able to end this war before taking it back to ours."

"Then we need to find the others." Steve said. He looked between the two and said, "Only with all of us together along with the kids, do we stand a chance to beating both Hydra and the Fire Nation."

"But we can't rush Aang and Katara's training." Thor reminded. Then he added, "Plus Aang still needs to learn Earth and Fire to be a fully realized Avatar, if I remember what you told me."

"There might be a slight problem with that last one." Steve then said. The other two looked to him as they stopped and Nat asked, "And you say that why?"

"Do you remember his first firebending lesson." Steve asked her. She nodded and he said, "Well, Aang has made a solemn vow to never firebend again."

"But he must if he hopes to defeat that Fire Lord." Thor said. Steve shrugged and then said, "We'll just have to cross that bridge when we get there."

"Whatever you say." Natasha said as they then continued on their way.

\_|_/

The massive Fire Nation fleet started to move out from the harbor. On the flag ship that had a golden bow, Admiral Zhao stood with General Iroh standing behind him as they gazed out to the North of the ocean. While Iroh had his hands in his sleeves and Zhao had his hands behind him, Zhao didn't move as he a had a confident look on his face. Johann Schmidt walked out onto the balcony and asked, "I assume that you have everything ready?"

"Yes." Admiral Zhao said without turning his head. He sounded confident as he said, "My fleet is ready."

"Then I will be taking my leave to oversee the final preparations for the rest of Hydra's troops." The Red Skull informed the Admiral. Then without another word, the Red Skull turned behind him and opened a portal. Stepping through, he was gone in an instant and the portal closed. The Winter Soldier then walked out and stood behind the general when the admiral then ordered, "Set a course for the Northern Water Tribe."

The flagship's main smoke column let loose a torrent of fire to signal to the other ships and set sail. Then each other the other Fire Navy ships unleashed a column of smoke and followed after Zhao's ship. There were many ships that were ready to begin the invasion.

\_|_/

This story's dedication to:

Stan Lee: 1922 – 2018

\_|_/

Author's Note: Only two more chapters and then the Ending Titles before Book One of Avenging Avatar is finished. I must apologize that it took me over a year to finish the first book. But it will get done. I decided to give the pirates a little comeuppance for what they did to Zuko and a little more dialogue after the fight between Katara and Pakku because I didn't want anything unresolved. But next time to get to Part 1 of Siege of the North. Plus did you all like Stan Lee's roll in this chapter. I look forward to reading your reviews. Be sure to leave a comment either about if I've done something wrong or if you want something specifically to happen. See you next time.